Police Urge Security Overhaul at Cambridge at Southern – The Palms Amid Rising Gun Violence Concerns
For years, the Statesboro Police Department has advocated for safety upgrades at Cambridge at Southern – The Palms, a student housing complex for Georgia Southern University. Offering a partnership to managers, the department stressed the importance of boosting security to protect residents and visitors. A “Site Security Assessment” recommended key improvements such as enhanced fencing, additional surveillance cameras, and better lighting to foster a safer living environment for all.
Public records reveal that the Statesboro Police Department (SPD) has long been advocating for The Scion Group, the owners of three student living apartment complexes in Statesboro, including the Cambridge at Southern – The Palms apartments, to make improvements to ensure the safety of their residents. The initiative began with a February 2021 “Site Security Assessment,” during which the police liaison recommended “certain aspects of security be strengthened.” These included:
- Adding fences and gates to limit unauthorized access
- Adding cameras in the complex, including near entrances, covering parking lots, and in breezeways.
- Giving SPD remote access to cameras to help speed response times
- Fixing non-functioning exterior lighting
- Adding lighting between buildings
- Adding larger illuminated building numbers and signage
- Trimming hedges to limit where criminals may hide.
The owners and property managers of Cambridge at Southern have declined to implement essential security enhancements, even though they are well aware of the crime issues and have received assistance from the SPD. This suggests that the company has placed profit above the safety and well-being of its residents.
Proposed Security Upgrades Proven To Work
The day following a fatal shooting at one of their Statesboro properties in April 2023, SPD Captain Jared Akins reached out to Michael Weaver at The Scion Group with an urgent request to take action to halt the ongoing violence.
“I’ve attached the two security assessments completed by our agency for both Cambridges in 2021 at the request of the then-managers. The officer made certain recommendations regarding access control and camera placement, none of which to my knowledge have been attempted,” wrote Captain Akins.
“This isn’t a problem that started this week. The three Scion properties are only beaten out in terms of violent crime by an apartment complex which is low-income and historically the most violent in the entire city.,” Captain Akins added. “Contrast that with the numbers for the Axis [also a student living apartment]. That property is directly across from the Cambridges and has one of the lowest crime rates in the city.”
Captain Akins continued “Several years ago, it was the scene of exactly the same level of violence now being seen at the Cambridges, including a homicide. Access Control, surveillance systems, and a zero-tolerance policy toward lease violations fixed that. The same result is possible with the Scion properties. We are willing to fully partner with you in making that happen.”
The owners and the property management team at Axis worked together with the Seattle Police Department (SPD) to develop a strategy focused on reducing violence. Their efforts were a success!
Georgia Negligent Security Law
Georgia’s negligent security legislation requires apartment owners and management companies to maintain the safety of their properties. According to this law, these entities must implement measures to avert crimes and injuries within their premises, failing which they may face liability. Essentially, it mandates that owners and managers proactively identify potential security threats and take corrective actions to safeguard the well-being of residents and guests.
Apartment owners and managers have a clear set of responsibilities under Georgia law. They need to keep their properties secure, which involves regular checks to find and fix any security weaknesses. This is especially important if the property is in an area with high crime rates or has had security problems in the past.
To meet these responsibilities, apartment owners and managers can implement a variety of measures. These involve enhancements to the physical infrastructure, such as improving lighting, installing surveillance cameras, implementing secure entry systems, and employing security patrols. Such measures not only diminish the likelihood of liability for incidents but also enhance the overall safety of the living environment for residents.
Enhancing security in an apartment complex benefits not only its residents but also contributes to the safety of the entire neighborhood. By implementing crime reduction measures, a single property can deter criminal activities in the surrounding area, thereby positively influencing community safety on a broader scale. Working with local police and community groups can further enhance this effect, showing how improved security in one place can contribute to a wider area’s well-being.
A History of Crime at the Cambridge at Southern – The Palms Apartments
In April 2019, two men were struck by bullets after gunfire erupted nearby. At least 7 incidents involving guns were reported to police between 2018 and 2023.
Online reviews mention poor maintenance and the regular presence of crime at the complex. “Worst place to live in Statesboro.” wrote one resident. “Maintenance is terrible.”
“Come here if you want active shootings,” states another resident, also warning, “In the first night of moving in there was a shootout. That same month my wife and I almost died from Bullets entering the building and into our couch we were sitting on.”
“They won’t install cameras despite prompting from Statesboro police because profit seems more important to them than safety of students,” another reviewer explains.
Only Crime Victims or Their Relatives Can Demand Justice
In Georgia, the law mandates that apartment owners implement specific measures to safeguard their properties against foreseeable criminal activities. While law enforcement officials diligently pursue criminals to ensure justice, they lack the authority to compel apartment owners to enhance security measures or compensate victims in the event of security breaches.
What happens if someone becomes a victim of a crime on one of these properties? It’s up to the victim or their family to step up and take legal action against the property owners, asking for money to cover things like doctor’s bills or lost wages if they can’t work. But remember, no amount of money can truly make up for the emotional pain and trauma that comes with being a victim of a crime.
It should be noted that awarding substantial financial compensation to victims may incentivize property owners and managers to enhance their security measures, potentially averting future criminal incidents. This forward-looking approach not only safeguards the community but also underscores the pivotal importance of accountability in maintaining a safe and secure habitat for all inhabitants.
By holding property owners and landlords accountable, together we can Make Georgia Safe, one community at a time.