We look at the effects of the policy and how his company is responding
The discussion around the introduction of the ACPO Policy on Police response, following on from the ACPO Policy on Security Systems, has been lively and protracted – not least at Ademco Microtech! Now, in the post-October 1 era, we find the ACPO Policy implemented whilst supporting technical documents, namely DD243, are still in the process of being revised.

Ademco Microtech has tracked closely the development of this document and how it affects the industry. We believe that installers using Ademco Microtech products are well placed to reassure customers that their systems can provide confirmed alarms as described by the current version of DD243:1999.

So, if police response is required, what are the key factors?

  • Ensure that any system installed after October 1 2001 is capable of generating confirmed alarms
  • Options for confirmation include sequential, audio, visual as defined in DD243: 1999. There will be variable cost implications for each of these options, we recommend that you discuss your requirements with your account manager.
  • For existing systems, check out the upgrade routes for installed systems if you believe they are likely to be removed from police response.
  • Check the details of the ACPO policy imple-mentation in your customers' areas (each Police Force may have a slightly different policy in place).

    Significant changes in revision
    As everyone is now aware, D-day for the ACPO Policy on Police response was October 1 2001. From this date the policy will be enforced (albeit potentially with regional variations) backed up by DD243: 1999. The revision has been in discussion for some time and DD243: 2002 is likely to be published early in 2002, with a 6–9 month period of grace for manufacturers and installers to adopt the changes. This revision will introduce significant changes to DD243: 1999, primarily relating to sequential verification, external setting, the unsetting period and rearming.

    The BSIA's 'Interim Guidance Notes' (see page 14 ) will be used in conjunction with DD243: 1999 until DD243: 2002 is implemented early next year.

    The high profile of this new regulation provides the industry with an ideal opportunity for improved and enduring customer relations to a common end

    It is our intention that all Ademco Microtech products will be compatible with DD243: 2002 well before the final forecast adoption date of October 2002.

    The industry, ACPO and the ABI contributions to the various policies and documents are being co-ordinated by the British Security Industry Association in an effort to ensure that sensible, practical and workable standards evolve. The overall objective of the ACPO policies and DD243 is the reduction of false alarms, a goal that the industry must support in order to take the next step in ensuring a professional image. The high profile of this new regulation provides the industry with an ideal opportunity for improved and enduring customer relations to a common end. Despite the potential cost implications, customers requiring police response will be compelled to install and operate systems with a degree of sophistication consistent with the prevailing way of life. These systems will naturally require equipment that is designed and engineered to the highest quality, inextricably linked to support from knowledgeable security professionals – a situation which will ultimately benefit not only the industry but also the end user.

    Ademco Microtech expects that the most popular and cost effective route to alarm confirmation will be using sequential verification. In this respect:

    Existing systems
    Galaxy 8 – 512 panels (version 1.1 to version 2.1x) incorporate alarm confirmation technology Galaxy 16plus panel (version 2) incorporates alarm confirmation technology Accord xpC panel – incorporates alarm confirmation technology

    Upgrade routes
    Simple upgrade paths have been developed for Ademco Microtech products. These upgrade options will continue to be developed as DD243 evolves. Contact our sales team for details.

    Alternative methods of confirmation
    Audio verification technology can be used with the full Galaxy 8-512 range, the Galaxy 16plus and the Accord xpC.

    • Source

    Security Installer

    Postscript

    By Mike Reddington, Sales Director, Ademco Microtech Ltd