Compound defenition

Sorry my ignorance.
A compound it seams is something common in Jeddah?
it is a living area sort of Island'ed-off from the rest of the City correct?
And from what i understand,the rules and laws are a little more flexed within such an area?

A compound is a gated residential community protected by a wall or a fence and beyond reach of the Haia to make is simple for you.

This is common?
in Jeddah.
* Interesting that the police is off-limits with this area.

thanks.