Security Site Survey Checklist and Report Format

Most security site survey checklists online are written for camera and alarm installers. They focus on mounting heights and cable runs. If you manage a property and want to know where guards or patrols are needed, those lists miss the point. This security site survey checklist is built for property managers, business owners, and HOA boards. Use it to walk on your own property, or to check that a security company’s survey actually covers everything. After the checklist, you’ll find a simple report format for writing up what you find. New site surveys? Start with our guide to what a security site survey covers, then come back here for the checklist.

Before the Walkthrough: What to Gather

A survey goes faster and finds more when you have these on hand:

• A site map or floor plan, even a rough one.
• A list of past incidents from the last 12 to 24 months, including police reports.
• Your operating hours, delivery times, and busiest periods.
• Keys or access cards for locked areas, roofs, and utility rooms.
• The details of any current security: guard schedules, patrol logs, camera and alarm providers.
• A phone or camera for photos.

Plan two passes if you can: one in daylight and one after dark. Lighting gaps and nighttime activity only show up at night.

The Security Site Survey Checklist

Work through each area and note anything that needs attention. Take a photo of every problem you mark.

1. Perimeter

• Fencing is intact, with no gaps, holes, or climbable sections.
• Gates close and lock properly.
• “No trespassing” and property signs are posted and readable.
• Nothing stacked against fences or walls that could be used to climb over.
• Shortcuts or footpaths across the property are noted.

2. Entry Points

• Every exterior door is counted and locked properly.
• Doors are not propped open or left unlocked during the day.
• Loading docks and roll-up doors are secured when not in use.
• Roof hatches, ladders, and fire escapes are locked or monitored.
• Ground floor windows are secured.

3. Lighting

• Parking lots and walkways are evenly lit at night.
• Every entrance, including the side and rear doors, is lit.
• Burned-out or flickering lights are recorded.
• Trees or signs that block light are noted.
• Lights are on timers or sensors that match actual dusk and dawn.

4. Parking and Grounds

• Lots and garages are visible from the building or camera.
• Signs of past vehicle break-ins, such as broken glass, are noted.
• Dumpster areas, loading zones, and back lots are checked.
• Overgrown shrubs or landscaping near doors or windows are noted.
• Places where people loiter or sleep are recorded.

5. Existing Technology

• Every camera is working, recording, and pointing out where it should be.
• Blind spots where no camera covers are listed.
• The alarm system is armed, tested, and monitored.
• Access cards or codes have been updated after staff or tenant changes.
• Someone is assigned to review footage and alarm alerts.

6. People and Operations

• Opening and closing routines are documented.
• Visitor and contractor sign-in process is in place.
• Busiest and quietest hours are recorded.
• Cash handling or high-value storage areas are identified.
• Staff know who to call in an emergency.

7. Incident History and Surroundings

• Incidents from the last 12 to 24 months are listed by type, date, and location.
• Patterns are noted, such as the same door, lot, or time of night.
• Nearby properties with similar problems are noted.
• Typical police response times for the area are noted.
• Upcoming changes are recorded: new tenants, vacancies, construction, or events.

Security Site Survey Report Format

A checklist tells you what you found. A report turns that into decisions. Use this security site survey report format to write it up in seven sections:

Property details

Name, address, property type, survey date and time, and who carried it out.

Summary

Three or four sentences on the overall condition and the most urgent problems.

Findings by area

The seven checklist areas, with what was found in each and a photo reference.

Risk rating

Each finding marked High, Medium, or Low, based on how likely it is and how much damage it could cause.

Recommendations

What to fix, and what coverage is needed: on-site guards, mobile patrols, or both, with posts and hours.

Priority and timeline

What to do this week, this month, and this year.

Next review date

When the property should be surveyed again. The findings section works best as a table. Here is what three rows might look like:

Area	Finding	Risk	Recommendation
Lighting	Rear parking lot has two lights out; area is dark after 7 p.m.	High	Replace bulbs this week; add the lot to overnight patrol checks
Entry points	Side door is propped open during deliveries	Medium	Assign staff to close it after each delivery; add a door alarm
Existing technology	Front camera faces a wall after a recent storm	Low	Re-aim the camera and check all others monthly

These rows are examples only. Your report should reflect what you actually find on your property.

Tips for a Report People Will Actually Use

Lead with the urgent items

Most readers stop after the first page, so put the High-risk findings there.

Be specific

“Rear lot, two lights out” is useful. “Lighting could be improved” is not.

Attach photos

A picture of a broken gate settles arguments about whether it needs fixing.

Assign an owner to each fix

A recommendation with no name next to it rarely gets done.

Keep it short

For most single properties, two to four pages is enough.

Rather Have a Professional Do It?

A checklist helps you spot the obvious problems. A trained security professional will also notice the patterns behind them and turn the findings into a coverage plan with the right posts, hours, and type of guard. Velocity Guard provides armed and unarmed guards, mobile patrol, event security, and construction site security across Kansas City, KS and Kansas City, MO. If something has already happened, we can deploy officers on short notice and review the property once they are in place. That is what we mean by Security with Speed. See all our security services, or contact Velocity Guard to arrange a walkthrough.