A call to alarms

The 43 UK police forces have adopted a much tougher stance on response to alarms, placing greater emphasis on the inclusion of technology to confirm that any alarm is genuine.

From 1 October 2001, all new alarm systems will have to include a means of alarm confirmation. Those customers who choose not to upgrade their systems will find the police refusing to respond to alarms after five false call-outs – and will be prey to reduced response levels after two false alarms (see box story).

UK police forces will also be able to administer charges for setting up new alarm systems requiring a response. Levying an administration charge for each site's Unique Reference Number (otherwise known as the URN, by which a monitored alarm system may be identified) is not a new practice. To this end, the ACPO has set the current maximum at £30.

That said, this is a 'one-off' charge that doesn't apply to the call-out itself. There will be charges not just for new installations, but for changes of name, confirmation, and reinstatement after an installation has been withdrawn from the list. Debates are raging within the security industry, with many end-users angry at having to pay for what they feel should be a public service.

On top of this disquiet, there remains a groundswell of opinion that the ACPO Council's latest missive will reduce the number of domestic alarm installations due to increased cost, but this is balanced by the assertion that blue chip companies will be keener than ever to make sure their buildings are on the list.

The Metropolitan Police Force is seemingly the most advanced when it comes to implementing the new measures. Inspector Kevin Mann, secretary of the ACPO Security Systems Group and head of the Met's Intruder Alarms Unit, stated: "Confirmation is an opportunity for all, and may well be the saviour of an industry apparently still rife with cowboys. It will require a new expertise in system design."

Therein lies the opportunity for electrical contractors involved with security system procurement and installation.

Confirmation technology includes sequential activation set ups, sound monitoring (in the shape of audio sensor equipment) or the addition of CCTV, whether digital or analogue-based. All new remotely-monitored alarm systems will have to be equipped with such technology right from the word go – if this isn't the case, the local constabulary will not issue the necessary legislation for a Level 1 response. Not only that, the police will not attend unless the monitoring centre can definitely confirm the alarm as genuine.

Many in the security industry feel that the ACPO is condoning a policy which will see those companies with money being protected, while the less fortunate are left to fend for themselves. There are devices – such as dual detection – which can reduce false alarms. Why, then, are they not more widely employed? Simple. It would not be commercially viable for the contractor to quote for dual detection devices when its competitors are quoting for passive infrared systems.

While dual detection systems do cost more, they are not as financially prohibitive as confirmed systems.

Whichever side of the fence you sit on, there's an opening here for discerning contractors to get in on the action when it comes to system procurement and installation. Now's the time to make your move.