What Community Associations Can Do to Defuse Threats and Violence

The firm’s latest Miami Herald “Real Estate Counselor” column was authored by Evonne Andris. The article, which is titled “What Community Associations Can Do to Defuse Threats and Violence,” focuses on some of the potential dangers and preventative measures for communities across the country. It reads:

. . . The Sun City Summerlin Community Association included the installation of bullet proof glass around directors in its meeting room in a board meeting agenda in February. After it received a call from the [Las Vegas] CBS affiliate inquiring about the proposed measure, it apparently removed the item from the agenda.

A representative of the association told the station’s reporter there was no active threat, but rather it was a measure that was planned for discussion to improve director and staff safety at the meetings when they are in a confined and exposed area.

Tensions have been high and frustrations have mounted in the community in response to a new fee of approximately $5,000 for new homeowners that was approved by a recent court decision, a reported reserve fund shortfall of more than $29 million, as well as significant financial losses for the community’s golf course and restaurant.

The planned discussion may have also been spurred by the fatal shooting of a Las Vegas pastor by his neighbor allegedly in response to his complaints against her to their HOA.

While the use of bullet proof glass at the board meetings may be extreme, there are a number of sensible preventative measures that associations should consider to provide for the safety and wellbeing of residents and staff. Such actions were the subject of a presentation and discussion at a Community Associations Institute conference last September.

John Iannarelli, a retired FBI agent and former SWAT operator with decades of experience responding to violent incidents, told the event’s attendees that association directors and property managers play an important role in recognizing potential threats, de-escalating conflicts, and preventing violence. He stressed that they must identify potential threats before they escalate, and they should always rely on their instincts.

Iannarelli suggested that they be on the lookout for such telling warning signs as angry social media posts, behaviors triggered by eviction notices or disputes, and individuals who express frustrations over specific rules or perceived slights. Actions such as hostilities toward staff or other residents, bringing items to meetings that can be used as weapons, or showing unusual interest in restricted areas should also raise red flags.

He also advised directors and staff to be wary of sudden changes in demeanor, verbal cues, and agitation. While community directors and managers can become accustomed to verbal conflicts, it is important not to overlook such behaviors and ignore the underlying aggressions that are behind them. Iannarelli discussed how threatening individuals often escalate their anger verbally.

Handling disputes and preventing them from escalating into dangerous situations were also a focus of the presentation. Directors and managers were told to recognize the warning signs and approach contentious situations with calm, deliberate engagement. Iannarelli explained that a core element of de-escalation is projecting calmness, as individuals often mimic those who appear angry and agitated.

Iannarelli suggested techniques such as listening actively, acknowledging frustration without agreeing, offering personal space, and adjusting the environment by inviting someone to sit down or step aside for a private discussion. He explained these are all practical ways to prevent conflicts from escalating.

The unlikely possibilities of an active shooter or other violent event were also discussed. Iannarelli outlined the “Run, Hide, Fight” framework as essential to protecting lives, and he reminded the attendees that evacuation, if possible, should always be the first option. In such life-threatening emergencies, clear communications and effective notification systems should be used to inform residents, coordinate with law enforcement, and update staff.

To prepare for such contingencies, directors and property managers should identify potential vulnerabilities, know where exits and secure spaces are located, and anticipate how individuals might behave during a conflict. They should develop a plan for those who are to be responsible for sending alerts, and determine which staff members need immediate notification.

If an incident arises, they should conduct communications with all residents and staff as quickly and effectively as possible. This entails maintaining up-to-date contact information with cellphone numbers, emails, and emergency contacts for all residents and staff in a centralized and accessible database. Associations should also make effective use of text messaging systems and apps, or perhaps automated calls to send immediate alerts, and conduct drills for staff responses and emergency notifications.

Communities should also communicate updates to 911 or directly with responding officers during an incident and provide detailed information about the threat, including a description of individuals, location, weapons, and number of people involved. Once the threat is resolved, they should inform residents and, if necessary, develop a written response for any media inquiries. . .

By developing and employing clear and comprehensive planning in addition to calm leadership and effective security measures, Evonne notes that associations can diminish potential legal liabilities and enhance the safety of their community.

Our firm salutes Evonne for sharing her insights into these important safety and security matters for community associations with the readers of the Miami Herald.  Click here to read the complete article in the newspaper’s website.

Our South Florida community association attorneys write about important matters for associations and other property owners in this blog and our Miami Herald column, which appears every two weeks on Sundays, and we encourage association directors, members and property managers as well as all property owners to click here and subscribe to our newsletter to receive our future articles.