Pedestrian Tailgating Guidelines

Mindset

1. 1. Always assume positive intention: People may be careless and kind in letting others come in, or they may have something on their mind as they exit and may not notice. Someone could be having a bad day. Don't be a jerk about it. 

   2. Don't stereotype who does and does not live here: Avoid implicit biases against anyone who may not dress or behave the same way as you. P51 is a diverse area with residents from different walks of life. 

Behavior

1. Look before you enter: If there is someone behind you, ensure they have their phone out or are ready to punch in their own code. If you are suspecting they are loitering to tailgate in, gracefully allow them to use the Latch to enter first.

1. If you confront, do so with a positive attitude: Start with a friendly wave and a smile, and ask something like "Hey, can I help you get somewhere?" without letting them in. If you didn't notice and they followed you, say "We're trying to build a safe community and I would like you to go back out and enter on your own." If they refuse or are acting suspicious, you can call 911.

2. Avoid dangerous situations: If they are threatening in any way, call 911 and avoid confrontation. Let your neighbors know in the Google Group as well so they stay out of harm's way.

DO NOT:

• Aggressively confront someone and interrogate them.

• Judge someone based on their appearance (e.g. wearing a hoodie and having long hair - we are literally in Silicon Valley).

• Accuse them of anything (e.g. breaking into a car) if you have not personally witnessed the behavior.

Car Tailgating Guidelines

Mindset

• Unintentional tailgating happens. Education is more important than judgement and condemnation. People may be tired after a day of work or a long drive. There may have been times you've driven and have been absent minded as well. Security is a muscle we must all build. 

• Start with an education/de-escalation mindset. Arguments are unnecessary, unproductive, and everyone feels worse after going through one. 

Behavior

• If you see an individual on foot attempting to enter the gate behind or in front of you, please report that immediately to SJPD and alert the Google Group.

• It's okay to stop the car after entering to prevent the tailgating car from entering, and having them use their own Latch to prove they live here.

• If the other individual holds up their phone with the Latch App, you can use your best judgement to assume positive intention and that they are a neighbor.

• Don't start arguments with your neighbor or a suspicious individual, always de-escalate the situation and assume positive intentions.