Condominium complexes, gated communities, industrial compounds and private roadways are all examples of locations where pedestrian and vehicular traffic is controlled by mechanized gates. Walled and gated areas do a great job of keeping out unwanted individuals and uninvited guests. Unfortunately, they can also do a terrific job of keeping out police, fire, security and emergency medical services.
As an emergency responder, it is almost impossible to manage all of the keys, access cards, transmitters and a current list of codes for all gated properties in a particular response area, let alone an entire city. It is not unusual for response times to be lengthened because of remote-controlled gates. Police and fire dispatchers often have wait for the reporting party to “buzz-in” the emergency crew or are asked to look up the pass-code on a list stashed away in some binder or drawer. In a worst-case scenario, responders can find themselves completely locked out of a call for service.