February 2, 2012
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False alarms continue to plague police departments in all jurisdictions.
Enhanced Call Verification is popping up all over. It typically involves two calls to different telephone numbers to confirm an alarm condition. It seems to me that this solution doesn't really offer any opportunity for additional RMR to the alarm industry.
A Verified Response System involves a video or audio system that can be used to confirm an alarm condition. This of course requires additional equipment and services, for which the alarm industry should be charging and receiving additional RMR. I've been a proponent of such systems for a long time and somewhat surprised that it's taken so long to catch on.
The Standard Form Contracts that you would use for the Verified Response Systems is the Remote Video Monitoring Contract. For subscribers who want to self monitor, the Subscriber Enabled Monitoring Service Contract. For further explanation, contact our Contract Administrator, Eileen, at 516 747 6700 ext 312.
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Ken
What is very interesting about the news from Las Cruces, NM [see below] is that the alarm industry's MAIN argument against verification is that it obsoletes the 30 million systems in the field.
The mayor's proposal is actually providing the industry with the ability to UPSELL all new alarm systems without obsoleting the installed base. This is a golden opportunity for the industry to make money and should be discussed somewhere.
"Earlier this week, Mayor Ken Miyagishima proposed amending a city ordinance regulating false alarms to include an Enhanced Call Verification system could possibly go into effect this spring and a Verified Response System could be required for the installation of burglar alarm systems in any new residential or commercial construction."
Why would we as an industry oppose the mandate to upsell? This is especially true if we consider that insurers are now willing to subsidize this upsell. I think that we need to begin looking to the future and delivering greater value than looking to the past to create ordinances that prevent progress and innovation in even the new systems to be installed. Opposing innovation in new systems is undefendable.
Thanks again,
Keith Jentoft, President
RSI Video Technologies
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Here is excerpt from the article, which you can access at http://www.lcsun-news.com/ci_19724681
LAS CRUCES, NM - The number of false alarm calls to emergency dispatchers and the amount of taxpayer money used by police to respond has gotten out of control, authorities say.
But a solution to correct the problem isn't easy.
Earlier this week, Mayor Ken Miyagishima proposed amending a city ordinance regulating false alarms to include an Enhanced Call Verification system could possibly go into effect this spring and a Verified Response System could be required for the installation of burglar alarm systems in any new residential or commercial construction.
Enhanced Call Verification would require alarm companies to attempt to verify the alarm activation by making a minimum of two phone calls to two different numbers prior to dispatching law enforcement. The first call would be to the home or business where the alarm discharged. If a responsible party can't be reached, a second call would be made to a different phone number that would most likely be answered after hours or when the alarm owner is away.
A Verified Response System would require alarm companies to install audio or video equipment to verify a home or business was broken into, or provide private security to respond to an alarm call at residence or business.
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More on paper vs paperless contracts and electronic storage
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Ken,
Even as the Kirschenbaum Contracts Authorized Printer, I'll admit that digital contracts are a great way to execute and store contracts. As long as you're willing to equip each of your sales representatives with an iPad or comparable tablet, you'll be fine. Plus, DFI Software is aware of funding sources that accept digital contracts.
For those systems integrators who don't feel comfortable with digital contracts, aren't ready to hand out tablets, or would rather not limit themselves to the funding sources or potential buyers who accept digital contracts, there is always the traditional route.
When they print your professionally drafted contracts at MonitoringContracts.com, systems integrators can be sure they won't lose even a single multiple in a sale due to the format. Plus, they can peel a hard copy right off of the original to leave with the customer.
When they print contracts with us, in addition to free shipping, all of your clients will receive 10% off when they use coupon code KIRSCHENBAUM10 at checkout.
Respectfully,
Jake Voll