Question:

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Ken -

     I know we have ordered contracts from you before. I'm not sure how recently. A question: 

    Is there anything that can be done about a client that refuses to allow access to an alarm that continually sends us signals long after being taken off-line?

Billy Rauers

Security Services Inc.

Savannah, Ga

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Answer:

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    My standard alarm contracts permit you to remotely reprogram an alarm system to terminate monitoring once the contract is expired, either by end of term or default by the subscriber.  If the equipment is owned by the subscriber be sure to terminate only monitoring; do not disable the system so that it can't be used as a local alarm.  If the system is leased then you can disable it entirely.

    You can gain access to a system with permission of the subscriber.  You may not breach the peace under any circumstances.  Gaining access to premises under false pretense is most likely a technical trespass.  Too close to the next step - breach of peace - so don't do it.

    Years ago run away alarm signals were a problem for central stations; I don't know if central stations have found a way to isolate and ignore unwanted signals, either run away or from terminated subscribers.

    My monitoring contracts do make the subscriber liable for signals once service is terminated or run away signals, but I haven't seen a single case where those charges were pursued.  Central stations can impose charges on the dealer for unwanted signals, but that will undoubtedly lead to friction, so I haven't seen that issue in many years.

    You could commence a lawsuit to gain access to reprogram a system or to retrieve your equipment, but that lawsuit will be expensive and most likely not worth pursuing.

    I'd like to hear from central stations - how do you deal with run away signals and signals from terminated subscribers?

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Comments:

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Videofied Additional

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    Mark is very correct in his explanation of video services.  In addition to the "videofied" usefullness you can add that central station can, once the client's system has come on line, can change from camera to camera and also create a video file that can be texted straight to the resonding authorities in car computer.  This give them a much better description of whom they need to stop and question.  Since all dvrs we use back up 5 seconds before the actual event, you get a clear picture of what is unfolding and can prevent an uneeded dispatch.

John Elmore

Security By Elmore Inc

elmore@ix.netcom.com

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Remote Viewing

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Camcorders are in existence since the invention of film. We would never know how JFK was shot if there wasn't some guy making movie of the Dallas Presidential Parade. Your parents probably have movies of you as a kid, and you have movies of your kids. Today the camcorder is as small as a cellphone, a pen, or a watch, but it is the same device. It records both - video and audio. I don't see why it should be illegal to buy, or sell it. We can not make everything illegal. We just need laws to punish those who perform illegal activity. Unfortunatelly in our twisted world we don't have laws for criminals, no capital punishment, no hard labor prisons, so we punish the working American trying to make living.

Dusan

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Ken

    Day Care -Cameras

    Can you suggest language one could utilize both as an addendum to the installing contract as well as languge that the parent and child care providor would have to agree to that would cover the camera/kindergarten situation. My sense is that cameras would only be located in play/learning areas an not in typically private areas.

Ron

SafeSecure Solutions

********  Day care centers need a properly worded consent form.  They have to pay for that.

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