Security Contract for HOA Condo Area

I have seen some information pertaining to security but my questions are perhaps more direct and a bit difficult to pose.

Assume that the MC has contracted a security guard company to come on to the condo condo at a certain time at night and leave at a certain early in the morning hours.

How does one really know that they are there? what type of system should be in place to ensure that a "guard service" is actually being performed?

What type of factors/items should one expect in a security type contract? I have never seen a security contract.

Actually, I am on the Board but the Board has had no say-so about the contract that the MC administered. I was interested in knowing what a contract such as that would entail.....what the duties SHOULD be

AlexL1: Try networking with some other communities in the area to learn what they have set up with their on-site security firm. Also check out the retirement communities which have gatekeeper and gatehouses.

It would seem the MC, in dealing with this type of service, should know the answers and how the service can/should meet your particular association's needs.

Paul:
All decisions were made by the MC. The situation is not good. The Board is less and less involved in that type of decision-making and I am wanting now to turn it around drastically.

I was even trying (attempting) to find a security contract someplace (even on google) that would spell out HOW does/would the Board know that anyone from the Security Company even showed up at nighttime since no reports are made.

No.. there is nothing in our documents that stated that we must contract with a security outfit.

AlexL1: In reviewing some latter posts of yours, I am wondering what type of
"arrangement" the Board has contracted with the Assn's MC or the MC company. It sounds as though the MC may act as an "umbrella company" in initiating
the many services being "provided" on behalf of your association. And, in doing so, perhaps the cart has gone before the horse and now the Board/Assn. finds itself being 'THEIR CLIENT'. Is this the case?

Have you, as a Board member, read the contract which has been established with them? If not, it may be very helpful for you to read it over carefully to learn what leverage and authority they have been given, and what their role is. In doing so, compare the services which have been contracted with them to be provided VS. the obligations the Assn. actually has responsibility to perform--security, landscaping, snow removal, repair and maintenance, streets, etc.. These would be listed in the Declaration as common area responsibilities plus services to be performed, all funded by members' assessment fees.

As a Board member, you want to be current on how the money is coming in and going out; money being spent correctly and not for 'things' which are unnecessary nor warranted. Good Luck in your search for truth.