NCJ Number
29879
Journal
SIGNAL Dated: (SECOND QUARTER 1975) Pages: 14-16
Date Published
1975
Length
3 pages
Annotation
A DISCUSSION OF THE GROWING PROBLEM OF FALSE ALARMS FROM PRIVATE SECURITY ALARM SYSTEMS AND THE NEED FOR CLOSE COOPERATION OF THE POLICE, THE ALARM INDUSTRY AND THE PUBLIC IN HALTING THIS COSTLY AND WASTEFUL SITUATION.
Abstract
CAUSES OF FALSE ALARMS ARE OUTLINED, AND INCLUDE LACK OF CLIENT EDUCATION ABOUT THE OPERATION OF THE SYSTEM, IMPROPER INSTALLATION AND SERVICING OF ALARMS, AND DELAYED RESPONSE BY THE ALARM INDUSTRY TO CUSTOMER CALLS. THE DETRIMENTAL EFFECTS OF THESE FALSE ALARMS IN TERMS OF WASTED MAN HOURS AND POLICE EFFECTIVENESS ARE DESCRIBED. THE AUTHOR SUGGESTS THAT THE PROBLEM OF FALSE ALARMS CAN BE SOLVED THROUGH A COMBINATION OF VOLUNTARY CLIENT EDUCATION BY THE ALARM INDUSTRY AND INTELLIGENT, WELL WRITTEN LEGISLATION. (AUTHOR ABSTRACT MODIFIED)