Police Urge Security Overhaul at Copper Beech Apartments Amid Rising Gun Violence Concerns
For years, the Statesboro Police Department has advocated for safety upgrades at apartments owned by The Scion Group, which owns three student housing complexes for Georgia Southern University, including Copper Beech. Police offered a partnership stressing the importance of boosting security to protect residents and visitors.
The initiative began with a “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 Copper Beech have declined to implement essential security enhancements, even though they are well aware of the crime issues and have received assistance from the SPD.
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
Under Georgia’s negligent security laws, apartment owners and management firms are required to ensure the safety of their properties. The legislation stipulates that these parties are responsible for implementing preventive measures to ward off crimes and injuries on their premises. Failure to comply can result in legal liability. In essence, the law compels proprietors and administrators to proactively assess potential security risks and initiate remedial steps to protect the welfare of both residents and visitors.
Apartment owners and managers have a clear set of responsibilities. 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.
Apartment owners and managers can undertake numerous measures to fulfill their obligations, including improvements to the physical infrastructure. Enhancements such as better lighting, the installation of surveillance cameras, secure entry systems, and the deployment of security patrols not only reduce the risk of liability in the event of incidents but also significantly elevate the 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 Copper Beech Apartments
In October 2020, police responded to reports of gunfire at the complex’s pool and a male victim was treated for gunshot wounds. In October 2018 a man was assaulted with a handgun and robbed. In 2017 shots were fired at the complex leading to an arrest.
Online reviews mention poor maintenance and the regular presence of crime at the complex. “Terrible place to live.” wrote one resident. “It adds on stress for no reason.”
“I would also like to point out that throughout the duration of my stay at Copper Beech, I never felt safe,” stated another resident. “There was police constantly coming to the complex.”
Only Crime Victims or Their Relatives Can Demand Justice
Apartment owners in Georgia are required by law to implement specific measures to safeguard their properties against foreseeable criminal activities. Although law enforcement officers work hard to apprehend criminals and guarantee justice, they are powerless to force apartment owners to strengthen security or compensate victims 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. However, it’s important to acknowledge that financial restitution can scarcely offset the emotional distress and trauma experienced by crime victims.
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.