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May 2017 January 20185
Message From the COO : Looking Back , Forging Ahead
At the end of each year , I enjoy reflecting on the accomplishments and challenges faced throughout the year . So much happens here over the course of 12 months , including significant projects and events . Over the last couple of years we ’ ve unfortunately added Hurricane Matthew and Tropical Storm Irma to our already busy plates . These storms were obviously challenging , but also provided opportunities for our team to shine with the remarkable cleanup and recovery efforts , and we ’ ve been incredibly heartened by the appreciation expressed by so many members . With that said , all of us at KICA are hoping for a dull year next year - at least as it relates to the weather .
While there are some very exciting things on our 2018 agenda - highlighted by the reopening of the renovated Sandcastle - most of our daily focus has been and always will be the basic , core functions of the community association . These include services like Security , Livability , Land and Lakes Management , General Maintenance , Recreation and Administration . Big projects and events will always occur , but these basic responsibilities are the backbone of our community .
KICA Core Functions : Security Services
Throughout 2018 , we ’ ll publish a series of articles on these core functions , and will seek your feedback on how we ’ re doing through brief polls . With 80 % of you being part-time residents , these online surveys are the best way to get broad-based feedback , and they can be completed within a couple of minutes . It ’ s our hope that participation will be strong , and the results can serve as baselines that will allow us to track progress over longer periods of time . In this issue , we profile our Security Department .
As we enter 2018 , I wish each of you my warmest wishes for a fabulous year . Despite being beset with weather difficulties the last couple of years , our community ’ s blessings are immense .
Sincerely ,
Jimmy
One of KICA ’ s many core responsibilities is to provide security services , including managing the complexities of gate access for members , their guests , vacation guests , island employees and contractors . Thousands of vehicles pass through Kiawah ’ s gates each day . Security team members effectively balance the efficacy of island access for members while continuously preforming reasonable screening for authorized access by others .
On Kiawah , security itself is a complex body . While sharing the overall responsibility for security on the island , it is important to remember multiple agencies also have distinctive roles , focuses and responsibilities ; KICA , KIGR and KP each have their own security departments . Central to understanding security on the island is to know that as the legal municipality , the Town of Kiawah Island is responsible for the health , safety and welfare of its citizens , and it contracts with Charleston County Sheriff ’ s Office ( CCSO ) to provide 24 / 7 law enforcement presence on-island . ( Learn more about town public safety at kiawahisland . org / services / public-safety .)
KICA Security : What It Is and Isn ’ t KICA is licensed by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division ( SLED ) as a Premises Security Operation . As such , KICA Security is primarily responsible for activities on KICA property ( its roads , buildings , etc .). Each Security employee is SLED certified and trained in areas such as patrol duties and responsibilities , operational and situational awareness , and how to communicate with and support other public safety officials within KICA capabilities .
Some of their key duties are :
• Gate control and access 24 / 7 . From January-mid December 2017 , more than two million vehicles entered the main gate , with one million of those also accessing the Vanderhorst gate .
• Providing island patrols , with the goal of patrolling the island three times during each of the three shifts , reporting any incidents occurring on the island . As part of this patrol function , KICA Security ensures notification is made to the agency responsible for managing any incident observed while on patrol . In addition , Security team members provide or arrange for roadside assistance during patrols .
• Management and coordination of resources during major island special events such as the PGA , marathon and triathlon .
• On KICA property , Security provides traffic and crowd management , independently at times and also in support of the CCSO on request
• Communications with other security and law enforcement operations , including frequent contact with the town and CCSO .
• Emergency management , such as natural disaster preparation , response and evacuation assistance as well as aiding with recovery on KICA property . Members of our Security team are typically among the last to leave and first to return to the island in coordination with Public Safety and the town .
• While trained in preliminary response and other law enforcement topics , Security team members are not first responders . When Security members respond to incidents that require public safety , they are tasked with assisting if the primary public safety agency requests assistance .
• KICA may assist in crime investigations , but is not the lead in these matters .
• KICA Security operates the KICA shuttle , which is for the use and convenience of members only . Through November , the shuttle service provided approximately 1,000 trips to a variety of destinations for members .
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