Security Update 

      To say that 2020 was not our typical year in all facets of our lives is an understatement. Let us hope that 2021 is a far less challenging year. We covered a wide variety of topics this year, and it can be hard to keep up with all the information. Some of the areas covered include the following:

• Scams - Unfortunately, scams continue to be an issue and foreseeably will remain a problem.
• Coyotes - Several articles were published throughout the year on the topic of our coyote population. As of November 30, USDA Wildlife Specialist Jonathan Smith has removed four coyotes from our island.
• Community Path Safety - We continued our efforts to increase community path safety. By the end of 2019, we saw an 87% increase in the number of golf cart citations issued. We continued that trend in 2020, and as of November 30, 2020, we had increased golf cart citations and warnings by an additional 80%.
• Part 1 Crimes - We witnessed a 32% increase in Part 1 Crimes in 2020. However, several of the crimes committed were done by a few individuals. It also is believed that at least one, if not more, of the Part 1 Crimes committed in 2020 were linked to the arrested burglary suspects. The clearance rate by Chatham County Police Department (CCPD) increased from 2% to 7%.
• Coronavirus (COVID-19) - I am certain everyone was impacted in some fashion by this novel virus, and once again, I reiterate my deepest gratitude for our staff who worked tirelessly through this pandemic.
• Guest and Vendor Preauthorization - We have been preaching this message for several years. As we began denying entry to persons who were expected but not preauthorized, the concept of notifying Security of all expected arrivals finally was heard loud and clear. Additionally, the lack of volunteer presence at the Main Gate had more residents using the online system (www.GateAccess.Net) and mobile app. As a reminder, the Community Code is “TLA”, your username is your PRIMARY email address TLA has on file for you, and your Password is your PIN (personal identification number).
• Transition of Security Duties to The Landings Club - The shift from TLA Security to TLC Loss Prevention for Club-related issues was not an easy transition, but it was understandable, with the Club’s desire to reduce expenses. Again, TLA and TLC staff worked closely to facilitate a seamless transition. In the end, the Club realized a more focused approach on some of their issues, and we capitalized on the transition to increase our community path safety measures as well as provide more proactive patrols throughout the community.
• Vandalism - It appears the focus of vandalism simply shifts from one area to another, and we continue our efforts to identify these senseless criminal acts.
• Hurricanes - Although we did not face any imminent danger from storms in 2020, we closely watched nine hurricanes. Chatham Emergency Management Agency (CEMA) continued to monitor these storms while continuing its fight against COVID-19.
• Golf Cart Laws and Rules - If you were not aware, in accordance with OCGA 40-6-3, CCPD can enforce traffic laws in our community, which include those regarding golf carts. Not only is this fact one of the most misunderstood issues in our community, it also is one of the the most violated. Our Rule mirrors State laws regarding motor vehicles and is very clear. “F. Vehicles, 3. All licensed and unlicensed vehicle must obey all traffic regulations” and “4. Operators of motorized vehicles, including scooters, mopeds and golf carts, must posses a valid operator’s license, in compliance with Georgia law.” Verify your source is one of the first lessons we learn when conducting research. If you still believe a 15-year-old with a learner’s permit (known as instruction permit) can operate a golf cart without a 21-year-old licensed driver, you should verify your source. Are you quoting an inappropriate city ordinance (Peachtree City for example), Georgia state law (Official Code of Georgia Annotated), or Chatham County ordinance?
• Fines and Guest Rule changes - Thank you to those residents who have provided their support and feedback on these important matters.

On a closing note, I am thankful for working with some of the finest men and women I have known. Not only employees and colleagues, but residents, including Board and Committee Members, guests, and vendors as well. People are the common thread with everything we do in life, and I am blessed with all sorts of people. As we continue to progress through a vaccine for COVID-19, just remember that this, too, shall pass, and hopefully we all will come out on the other side a little more humble, compassionate, caring, and individually, as well as collectively, stronger. Again, thanks to all of you who made our jobs just a little easier, and in some cases, downright inspiring. YOU are noticed and appreciated. Stay safe,