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Question: exposure for installing surveillance
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Ken
    I am involved in a situation regarding a property manager/landlord and a tenant who was assaulted on the landlord's property.  There was an inoperable door lock that was a potential precipitant to the attack.  
    I am involved as the property has video surveillance that I installed and provide some assistance on maintenance.  The equipment is owned by the landlord and was installed by me as a contractor/consultant.  I did not market the systems to them, I was already a consultant working for them on other projects not surveillance related. There was video footage of the assailant captured from exterior cameras, however the interior cameras did not capture the attack.
    I have not received any summons or been served any papers, and I do not expect to, however, if I am drawn into any suit, I'd need representation and wanted to see if you'd have availability within your firm - given your expertise in the security field.
anon
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Answer
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    Doesn't sound like you should be brought into a lawsuit, but several other related issues come to mind.
    Installing surveillance cameras usually involves an alarm license.  My bet is you don't have one.  Why?  Because it also appears you have no written contract for the installation or the "maintenance".  You also haven't been getting or reading my articles for the past 35 years or you would know that you aren't providing maintenance, but service on request.  
    The defective lock presents a much more serious risk for the landlord than the cameras.  I defended a rape case years ago involving a defective lock.  Won the case for the locksmith.  As you describe the problem, the cameras were not monitored and would not have prevented the attack or reduced the damages.  Failure to record the event didn't prevent it from happening.
    Get a license if required in your jurisdiction.  Your camera installation and service would be covered by the Commercial All in One, and that's the contract you should have used.  You wouldn't be losing sleep and worrying about engaging me if you had that contract in place.  You should also have E&O insurance which would step in if you do get sued.  
    Providing security on a consulting basis or installing systems is not for a casual part time person who is not fully trained, licensed and insured and smart enough to use proper contracts.  
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comment on taking over fire system from July 4, 2014 article
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Ken,
    G B is smart to" look before he leaps" into NYC Fire and he brings up a very good opportunity  for himself and other dealers which is benefiting from the very personal relationships smaller dealers cultivate with homeowners who own or manage businesses. 
    It could mean BIG payoffs for smaller dealers to network with other companies when they have a very satisfied customer that wants them to manage a related service they can't provide. 
    We at Briscoe cultivate such relationships with dealers and give then a commission on the sale plus a piece of the RMR as long as they maintain the relationship with the customer.  It's a win win situation for all 3 parties and is a competitive edge for smaller companies. 
Regards,
Bob Williams
Briscoe Protective Systems Inc.
bobw@briscoeprotective.com
NYC, LI and Westchester Fire Alarm Specialist
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Note:  Briscoe is listed in The Alarm Exchange in the Merger and Acquisition category
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Quick Response Dealer and Integrator Information and Technical Conference.   July 15 -16,  2014 at  Holiday Inn - Independence Ohio.  All alarm dealers are invited.   For more information, schedule and to RSVP contact Margie or Renee at reneet@quickresponse.net or call Margie/Renee at 800 462 5353 www.quickresponse.net
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Alarm Association of Greater St. Louis.   September 16, 2014.  at Tech Electronics HQs office at 6437 Manchester  Ave, St. Louis, MO 63139.  Meeting is from 11:45 – 1:30  Video conference presentation starting at 12:15 CST.  For more information or to register contact Tony Drago adrago@tyco.com  www.alarmstl.org
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Alabama Alarm Association.  AAA's Fall Meeting and Trade Show - October 21, 2014 from 3 to 5 PM at DoubleTree Hotel 808 South 20th Street Birmingham, AL 35205  for more info contact AAA Executive Director: director@alabamaalarm.org  (205) 933-9000 

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