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An article in SSI's on line newsletter caught my attention - Champaign Illinios amended its alarm ordinance "in an effort to reduce" false alarms. http://securitysales.com/article/illinois_city_prepares_for_false_alarm_crackdown/news?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email
It's the arithmetic figures upon which the city purports to rest its rationale that is interesting. First the typical biased number: 2555 alarms, only 19 'legit", so 2536 "false alarms". Cost to city: $111,717.00. No report on what happened on the 19 real alarms or cost associated with policing the city without alarms.
But here's what the city thinks will help. Imposing an annual permit renewal fee, $20, which will add $87,260 to city coffers. [that translates to 4363 alarm systems]. There is also a registration fee for the permit, but added revenue is not disclosed for that.
Fines will be imposed after 3 false alarms are $100 and $150 after 9 false alarms. This is expected to add $32,550 to city coffers. Between registration, renewal and fines the city plans on collecting $142, 410 annually.
The new law also requires ECV, 2 calls to the premises.
So what does this have to do with false alarm reduction? Well let's do the math. Apparently the city thinks its false alarm rate is going to drop to 1302 false alarms. Since the fine kicks in only after 3 false alarms, using the lowest fine of $100 the total false alarms for which fines are accessed is 325. Apparently the city believes the fines and ECV will reduce alarms from 2536 to 1302, almost a 50% reduction. I guess the city will save 50% of the $111,717 it claims was the cost of false alarms.
It will be interesting to find out how the plan works out. Seems like the laudable purpose of reducing false alarms will come at an expense to the 4363 citizens of the city who have alarms.
One of the features of the All in One Agreements is that they break down the services, and one of those services is ECV. It's an add on and something you can charge for. Should pay for the cost of the contract in no time.
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Speaking Engagements
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Sonitrol Verified Electronic Security. Annual convention March 22, 2014 at The Worthington Renaissance Fort Worth Hotel in Fort Worth, Texas.
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SentryNet's 19th Annual Dealer Conference. April 22 - 24, 2014 at Harrah's in Tunica, MS. register at http://www.sentrycon.us or call Peggy at 800-932-3304 for more information. www.sentrynet.com
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Northeast Security & Systems Contractors Expo. Thursday, May 22, 2014 10 am to 5 PM at Royal Plaza Trade Center, Marlborough, MA. registration https://www.expotracshows.com/neacc/2014/ Presentation on Alarm Law issues and Q&A will be at 2 PM. For more info contact Gary Spaulding, NEACC President
207-384-2420 gary@spauldingsecurity.com
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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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Electronic Security Summit for 2014. October 22-24, 2014 at the landmark Broadmoor Hotel. Colorado Springs, CO. For more information contact Alexander J. Quirin, CEO & Managing Partner, Advisory Summit Providers, LLC., (786) 999-9738 alex.quirin@aspsummits.com www.aspsummits.com
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