Contracts for Video Clips and Streaming Video  

      February 23, 2013

Question

Ken,

We have recently rolled out new service to verify alarms using video. We have purchased an automated software through DICE to push the video to our central station during an alarm. We receive a 30 second clip (15 sec pre/15 sec post event) and can then choose to go live and access the customers entire DVR. From there we follow our customers instructions in regards to dispatching. This allows us to see what has caused the alarm in hopes of improving response and reducing false alarms, but also leaves us open for more human error. Unlike a standard alarm signal our dispatchers are using more discretion by reviewing video in hopes of determining what caused the alarm. I would like to strengthen my monitoring contracts and usually start by purchasing one of your contracts. I do not see anything for Video Verification Monitoring. Is anything available?

John Smythe

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Answer

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    A good guess is that alarm verification is going to be required in many if not most jurisdictions, and video verification is likely to be the premium service.  While many jurisdictions already require ECV, electronic call verification - generally 2 calls to the premises to confirm the alarm, video clips or streaming video for verification purposes is immediate and precise.  Additionally video captures the activity for law enforcement use later.  

    The most familiar product for this service that I know of is Videofied.  Keith Jentoft, president of RSI Video Technologies, the manufacturer of the Videofied product sends me information often.  To see how the Videofied service worked in an actual alarm situation see below for the link.

    To answer your question, there are several Standard Form Contracts that address alarm verification by video or other verification procedure.  In fact the new Commercial All in One and the newly upgraded Residential All in One both contain provisions for video clips, streaming video and video verification, and significantly, provides for separate RMR for these services.

    I am sure you are going to find that your new service is going to offer new opportunity for RMR revenue.  Make sure you contract properly for that revenue.  Get the All in One contracts; both commercial and residential forms.  Call our Contract Administrator Eileen Wagda with any questions about these contracts 516 747 6700 x 312

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Comment

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Ken,

This YouTube link explains what happens between the Central Station and the 911 center.  I have found that many people in the alarm industry have never actually heard the audios of actual calls.

 

 

The two examples of a video verified alarm made arrests.  The last example is what we are attempting to avoid by giving law enforcement other, more positive options with a priority response policy that encourages video alarms AND continues response to traditional alarms.  All videos/audios are of actual incidents.

I thought that you might find it interesting.

On another note, we are making incredible progress with the insurance side of things.  ISO is using our message to promote their loss control conference in a promotional email with the title. “Once upon a time, alarms detected burglars and police officers responded and made arrests…”

Here is the invitation from ISO (Insurance Services Organization) and their Engineering and Safety “E&S Executive Loss Control Forum” that was just sent out.  see link  

http://now.eloqua.com/es.asp?s=891&e=63423&elq=c7e3d7be0eb743479dcb96b8dfa13556 

They are using the results of video verification to promote their loss control conference to the most important loss control  insurance executives in the USA.  There has never been an alarm person invited to speak at this forum.  We are breaking new ground and building new partnerships.

I think that this link (and the forum itself) underscores the effect we are having at re-educating insurers at how we can deliver greater value, a game changer.  They are already moving to encourage their commercial clients to upgrade to video verification.

Thank you,

Keith Jentoft, President

RSI Video Technologies

www.videofied.com