Question:
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Ken
Is there a clause we should be adding to deal with Enhanced Call Verification (ECV)?
Kevin Leonard, A.Sc. T., President & CEO
Huronia Alarm & Fire Security Inc.
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Answer:
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Enhanced Call Verification. What provision in the contract would you suggest. I don't see why that kind of detail is necessary in the contract. The monitoring contract provides that if the central station receives a signal it will dispatch unless it does not believe an alarm condition exists. Elsewhere the contract provides that the alarm company will comply with whatever the law requires. Unless someone can explain to me why reference to ECV is necessary I am not making any change to the Standard Contracts.
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Question:
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Ken,
I was reading an article in SSN on verified response. Police departments and city councils are interested in shifting the cost from the end users to the installing companies for fines. What are your thoughts on video, audio or other forms or verification and how can installing companies like mine protect ourselves contractually or otherwise?
Regards,
John Gillis
JRG Security LLC
Securitybyjrg.com
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Answer:
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False alarm reduction is a laudable goal. As technology evolves there will be more ways to verify alarm conditions. The Standard Alarm Contracts sufficiently cover this issue and no changes are necessary at this time. You should be using the Disclaimer Notice on all sales or when entering into a contract for monitoring or service. The subscriber needs to know and acknowledge that there is always more and better protection and equipment available for the right price.
How can you protect yourself? Use proper contracts, carry E&O insurance and do everything possible to train yourself and your staff so that you can be the best security integrators you can be.