© 1999 National Burglar & Fire Alarm Association 6-1 Chapter 6 How can false dispatches be prevented? Alarms: The First Line of Defense

© 1999 National Burglar & Fire Alarm Association 6-2 What Reduced False Dispatches From Past To Present? Industry involvement resulting in- Improved equipment quality & technology More user friendly systems Easier to repair Expanded user training & improved user manuals Alarm verification by central stations prior to dispatch.

© 1999 National Burglar & Fire Alarm Association 6-3 Industry Lip Service or Industry Action ? The Alarm Industry is acting to reduce false alarms National Programs Model States Program AIREF National Training School NBFAA Resource Center IQ Certification Program FARA Professional Certification Board Joint Education Partnership With Trade Magazines NBFAA False Alarm Committee

© 1999 National Burglar & Fire Alarm Association 6-4 Industry Lip Service or Industry Action ? Industry Self Regulation Equipment standards & improved application Installation training programs Expanded User Training Improved monitoring center procedures and training Support of Government Regulation Model licensing law for states State to state reciprocity

© 1999 National Burglar & Fire Alarm Association 6-5 Solutions to False Dispatches Alarm Companies Responsibilities Proper User training Examine the environment before installing alarm systems to prevent unnecessary false dispatches Follow up calls by the alarm company Service calls by the alarm company when needed Verification policy before dispatch Inform alarm user of City Code/Ordinance

© 1999 National Burglar & Fire Alarm Association 6-6 Train All Users Make sure all users know the central station phone number, code number & code word - & know how to operate the system RESIDENTIALCOMMERCIAL family membersemployees house guestslandlords real estate agentsdelivery people housekeepersjanitorial services babysitters Solutions to False Dispatches

© 1999 National Burglar & Fire Alarm Association 6-7 USE Decals FALSE ALARMS

© 1999 National Burglar & Fire Alarm Association 6-8 Solutions to False Dispatches Alarm User Responsibilities Lock & secure all doors & windows Train all alarm users Know cancellation code Get a yearly systems inspection Respond to activated alarm to meet officers

© 1999 National Burglar & Fire Alarm Association 6-9 Solutions to False Dispatches Call Your Alarm Company When: n you have an unexplained false alarm n you get a pet n you are about to remodel n your phone number changes n you want to change your emergency contacts n you are moving

© 1999 National Burglar & Fire Alarm Association 6-10 Solutions to False Dispatches Inspect The Alarm System n Follow your alarm company's instructions on testing the system regularly - don't test it by intentionally setting it off n Have your alarm company replace batteries as needed; wireless systems generally require this more often

© 1999 National Burglar & Fire Alarm Association 6-11 What Can Law Enforcement Do? Accept the cancellation of dispatch up to the moment the officer arrives at the alarm site Collect, analyze & use data. Identify & impact upon alarm abusers Support a local alarm ordinance based on the NBFAA Model Alarm Ordinance. Support an alarm abuser school in your municipality.

© 1999 National Burglar & Fire Alarm Association 6-12 What Will Help Eliminate False Dispatches In The Future Law Enforcement & Industry Involvement - National standards Government Regulation »Ordinances »Permitting »Eliminating Top Offenders

© 1999 National Burglar & Fire Alarm Association 6-13 Is That All That Can Be Done? In the next chapters we will explain how major parts of the alarm system work along with what can be done when we use or design that segment of the system to prevent false dispatches NO!

© 1999 National Burglar & Fire Alarm Association 6-14 Alarms: The First Line of Defense 1- Introduction 2- What is an Alarm System 3- What is A False Dispatch 4- Impact of False Dispatches 5- Causes of False Dispatches 6- Preventing False Dispatches 7- User Controls 8- Sensors 9- The Control 10- The Central Station 11- How Authorities Respond 12- What to expect for Alarm Co.s 13- The Alarm Ordinance 14- Sources of Information 15- Site Survey 5 Minute Break 10 Minute Break 60 Minute Lunch 30 Minute Lunch Next Chapter