ACPO unscrambled

When Security Installer and BT RedCARE got together at the beginning of this year to organise a series of forums around the country on the imminent ACPO 2000 policy, we anticipated a thirst for information among installers. The controversial new demands for confirmation systems, the reduced threshold for police response and the charges for URNs had all resulted in a strong lobby of opinion lining up against the policy. However, from the very first ACPO Unscrambled event, when it was 'standing room only', we realised that the loudest voices did not necessarily represent the grassroots opinions of the whole installation sector. There were, admittedly, many strong opinions expressed about how the police had implemented the changes "without consultation" and doubts voiced over the necessity for "blanket" confirmation systems.

But there was an equally strong recognition among installers that things had to change if the false alarm rate would ever be significantly reduced, and, as our forums played to packed houses around the country, we noticed a perceptible swing of opinion. Many were determined to make it work … for the sake of their own livelihoods. Six months on, installers now know they must make it work if they want to stay in business. The forums, which attracted 1,200 readers, helped clear the fog and confusion surrounding the proposals … and the success of the BT RedCARE/Security Installer partnership was recognised by the industry when it was awarded the the BSIA Chairman's Award for raising standards in the industry.

Now the October 1 deadline has passed for all 43 forces to implement the policy and, despite the best efforts of the industry, there is still confusion surrounding it. The standard covering confirmation technology (DD243) will not be fully revised until early 2002, so installers must work within new guidance notes covering the interim period (see page 14). Hence, this ACPO Unscrambled "Deadline" supplement. We have gone to all sectors of the industry to canvas opinions on the policy … installers, manufacturers, end users, insurers, ACPO, the BSIA … and not forgetting the alarm receiving centres who are playing a crucial role. The opinions sum up the situation now. But as Inspector Kevin Mann of ACPO has repeatedly said, this is a 'living' document and subject to change. It is vital for installers and all other sectors to keep abreast of these through their inspectorates, the BSIA and the pages of Security Installer and its sister magazine SMT.