Why Do False Alarms Matter to You?
Most people think of false alarms as just a nuisance. Many businesses thought of them as nothing to worry about; not worth the effort of eradicating. Things have changed.
Why Do We Need to Solve this Problem?
Police officers have been injured or killed in the process of responding to false alarms!
The following article from a police industry journal seeks to help officers avoid danger in responding to burglar alarms. It shows the level of the problem that has become an occupational hazard for officers.
https://www.policeone.com/Officer-Safety/articles/5813627-Dont-fall-prey-to-False-Alarm-Syndrome/
False Alarms Cost Money
Here’s a snippet from a local city’s website listing their false alarm fine structure. They are serious about reducing false alarms.
False Alarms Reduce the Likelihood of a Quick Response to Your Genuine Alarms
This article link tells of an independent study that details methods of prioritizing calls to increase safety, while saving on manpower and money. The summary in essence recommends that sending an officer to respond to a burglar alarm would at best be optional.
How Can I Improve My Chances Police Will Respond When I Need Them?
It’s simple; make sure your alarms are VERIFIED. Police respond on the basis of whether or not there’s a likelihood of a crime or personal injury occurring.
That’s why likelihood and speed of response go up if the alarm is VERIFIED.
The definition of VERIFIED ALARMS that is most often used includes a witness on site, or video and/or audio that confirms the event.
So, you need a security system that triggers on the basis of SIGHT and SOUND strategically placed around the facility that will alert the monitoring station and record suspicious activity. At the very least, a video system that triggers on motion and can also be used to alert the monitoring station and record the activity.
Both of these types of systems have the advantage that monitoring operators can speak to the officers who respond and help direct them more effectively.
For more information, contact Joe Allen, Sonitrol Security of Delaware Valley at (302) 652-3060 or jallen@sonitrolde.com