The what and why?
Security alarm systems make an undeniable difference in the deterrence of crime. National surveys of law enforcement personnel reveal that security alarms are highly effective in the aid of apprehension of criminals. Criminals say they are less likely to commit a crime where a security system is present. That makes the seamless function of these systems very important.
Security systems rely on a network of technologies such as motion sensors and door alarms to identify a breech. These systems, by their nature, are sensitive and failure to use them properly can result in false alarms.
What Are False Alarms?
A false alarm is an alarm that triggers emergency response where no emergency has occurred. In most cases false alarms are generated because of user error, such as using an improper key code, improperly training personnel in the security system, and failure to secure doors and windows once the alarm is engaged. False alarms can be a big problem because they place an unnecessary burden on patrol men, law enforcement system and result in slow response times.
4 Common False Alarm Triggers
The origin of false alarms can vary, but many can be attributed to the following causes.
- Faulty equipment is cited as the cause of 27% of false alarms.
- Poor installation comes in at 15% of the reason for false alarms.
- Inadequate employee training leads to 32% of false alarms.
- Other culprits include sensitive motion detectors, sensors set off by the wind, leaves, etc., and human error.
Alarm Video Verification
In order to know whether a triggered alarm is a true emergency or not, the alarm must be verified. This may happen through a call to the owner or other designated person. In some cases, the owner knows immediately whether the alarm is a false or not. However, if the owner is away from the property or business, they may have no way of providing verification. Even worse, sending an owner into an unknown situation can prove to be very dangerous.
Alarm Video verification solves those issues by providing immediate visual verification of the nature of the emergency. This verification results in many advantages including:
- Reducing costly false alarms.
- Faster emergency response.
- Increased apprehension of suspects.
- Increased safety.
- Video can be used in the prosecution of criminals.
- Better confirmation of the status of an emergency.
- Peace of mind.
Today’s alarm systems must do more. Alarm Video verification technologies allow security system owners to use the systems to their fullest potential as well as address the important issue of reducing the number of false alarms.
Alarm Video Verification is a great way to reduce the cost of physical guards. Rather than having a guard patrolling a site, the use of electronic detection equipment can alert our monitoring centre of an activation. Through the use of Alarm Video Verification software our trained controllers would inspect the site in real time. Depending on the visual evidence from site, either a confirmed intruder or a false alarm our controllers will take the necessary steps.