TMA-AVS-01 Alarm Validation Standard Receives ANSI Accreditation

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The Monitoring Association (TMA) Standards Committee has received confirmation that its TMA-AVS-01 Alarm Validation Standard has received official ANSI accreditation. Initiated in 2020, the standard provides a method of creating an alarm scoring or classification metric for unauthorized human activity detected by alarm systems. The alarm scoring will assist law enforcement with resource allocation and Call-for-Service prioritization. The standard is available for download at  http://tma.us/standards/tma-avs-01-alarm-validation-standard/.

“I am extremely proud of the Committee’s work to bring this game-changing standard to completion. My sincere thanks to those in the security industry and the public safety community who participated in this collaboration,” TMA-AVS-01 Committee Chair Mark McCall commented. “Now begins the equally important work of implementing this standard into both communities, bringing significant benefits to both and to our mutual customers.”

The TMA-AVS-01 Standard Committee was composed of more than 60 participants, representing diverse stakeholders, such as professionals from the security industry, law enforcement, and public safety.

TMA’s President Morgan Hertel observed the significant impact of the new standard on the security industry. “It’s been almost four years since its inception, which includes two years of actual work on this standard. We have finally reached the point where it’s ready to launch. This is the biggest change in the intrusion industry since the release of the digital dialer.”

TMA-AVS-01 establishes standardized methods for calculating an alarm score, or classification level, that results in a repeatable metric that estimates the validity or potential threat level of an intrusion alarm activation using historical and real-time data.

Once completed and implemented, Call-for-Service to Emergency Communication Centers (ECCs)/Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs) will include a standardized scoring metric that will assist public safety departments with their alarm response policies.

The standard identified four alarm Levels:

  • Alarm Level 0 – No Call for Service
  • Alarm Level 1 – Call for Service with limited to no additional information
  • Alarm Level 2 – Call for Service with confirmed or ‘highly probable’ human presence with unknown intent
  • Alarm Level 3 – Call for Service with confirmed threat to property
  • Alarm Level 4 – Call for Service with confirmed threat to life

David Holl, director of Public Safety, Lower Allen Township Department of Public Safety (PA), and one of the TMA-AVS-01 Committee co-chairs, remarked “ECCs/PSAPs are the leading-edge in processing citizen calls for service and communicating active alarm event data to law enforcement responders. TMA-AVS-01 will shift the paradigm and provide enhanced strategic information to greatly improve officer response logistics, officer safety, and impact more efficient and effective alarm call management. The development and evolution of this scoring standard has been an impressive collaborative effort of the alarm industry community and public safety professionals. It will change the way we all manage and respond to alarm events.”

“AVS-01 changes everything. The security industry now has a unified method for security alarm reporting, as well as a new level of partnership with public safety. This standard was only possible with the exchange of ideas, experiences, sometimes robust dialogue, and commitment of public safety and the security alarm industry. I am so very proud of this standard and cannot wait to see the results for our communities and customers. Specifically, a priority response can now be requested based on corroborating information. AVS-01 provides better information to public safety helping them prioritize their resources and save lives,” stated TMA-AVS-01 Committee Co-Chair Larry Folsom.

TMA is in the process of developing targeted online training for monitoring center personnel, law enforcement, and ECC/PSAP staff. Additionally, discussions with monitoring center software and automation providers have been initiated to provide for necessary updates in line with the standard’s validation and scoring classification.

If you have any questions or comments, please contact Bryan Ginn at bginn@tma.us.

New York Governor signs Fair Repair Act, with amendments to protect most alarm devices and services

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At year end, New York Governor Hochul signed the Fair Repair Act into law, making it easier for consumers to repair their own electronic devices.  Fortunately, in response to concerns raised by AICC and members of the alarm industry, the Governor simultaneously enacted amendments to the Act to help prevent the compromise of alarm systems in a way that would endanger customers and the public.

The original version of the Act (S. 4104-A) would have required manufacturers of “digital electronic equipment”, including alarm systems, to make product manuals, repair tools, lockout codes, passwords, system design schematics and other information available to customers and third-party contractors, so that they can attempt repairs on their own.  Both houses of the New York legislature passed the bill in June 2022.  Before the bill was forwarded to the Governor for signing, AICC and members of the alarm industry weighed in with a request asking for chapter amendments to the Act, so as to exempt central station alarm operations from the disclosure requirements in the bill.  AICC pointed out that if access codes, passwords, or alarm system schematics are provided to customers or their contractors, and then either hacked or innocently made public (e.g., as part of a You Tube self-help video), it could allow bad actors to disable alarm systems, endangering tens or hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers.

The Governor’s amendment to the Fair Repair Act was responsive to alarm industry concerns in multiple ways:

  • Creation of a specific exemption for “home” security devices and alarm systems;
  • Creation of a specific exemption for equipment sold under a specific business-to-government or business-to-business contract, which is not otherwise offered for sale directly by a retail seller;
  • Deletion of the requirement for any alarm manufacturer or provider to disclose security codes and passwords for alarm equipment under any circumstance;
  • Creation of an exemption for “medical devices” which should be broad enough to cover many security/medical monitoring pendants (to the extent that these devices are not already protected by the “home” alarm exemption discussed above);
  • Grandfathering of pre-July 1, 2023 equipment, narrowing the scope of the new disclosure requirements and giving the alarm industry time to prepare for the new law (to the extent any devices don’t qualify for one of the above exemptions).
  • Creation of an exemption for certain anti-theft security measures;
  • Allowing the provision of replacement part assemblies rather than individual components.
  • Protecting alarm and other manufacturers from having to disclose trade secrets or intellectual property.

Provided courtesy of AICC.

Johnson Controls Collaborates with Cobalt Robotics Robot Guards

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Cobalt Robotics, a machine-learning company that automates repetitive manual security and facility tasks with autonomous robots, has announced a new collaboration with Johnson Controls. Johnson Controls C•CURE 9000 access control and event management system is now integrated with Cobalt’s remote robot guard service which includes AI robotics, machine-learning software and human oversight.

With this integration, Cobalt robot guards listen for alarms and are automatically dispatched to the location in real-time after an alarm is triggered. The robots will escalate the incident in the C•CURE 9000 system, stand guard and provide situational awareness until the issue is resolved. Cobalt robots can also escalate incidents to C•CURE 9000 if an anomaly is detected such as a door held open (DHO) alarm and escalate the incident to a GSOC operator if human support is required. At the end of the event, Cobalt provides a complete paper/digital trail, including images, live video, timestamps, response time and resolution for each incident.

“We are excited about this collaboration, as businesses now can take advantage of both the C•CURE access control system and Cobalt’s AI-powered robotics,” said Mike LeBlanc, President and COO of Cobalt Robotics. “As companies turn to technology to secure their facilities and keep employees safe, the integrated Johnson Controls and Cobalt solution can automate responses to major security incidents from breaches and break ins to risks like open doors. With businesses struggling to find security guards and keep costs under control, this integrated system is the way to automate alarm response at a substantially reduced cost.”

“For many of our customers, hiring expensive security guards during a difficult labor shortage is not an option,” said Rick Focke, Director of Product Management, Enterprise Access Control, Johnson Controls. “With this integration, companies can get an all-in-one security solution from alarms to robots to keep their building secure and employees safe. The security workflow between our alarms and Cobalt’s robots is seamless, and all reports are automatically created and tracked so companies can make facility improvements over time. Dispatching AI robots from state-of the-art security alarms is going to be the future of securing buildings in a much smarter, more cost-efficient way.”

Cobalt is propelling the use of robot guards among modern enterprises as companies look to new AI-based innovations to automate security and improve safety.

American Alarm Grows Massachusetts Footprint with Malfy Alarm Acquisition

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American Alarm and Communications, based in Arlington, Mass., completed the acquisition of Malfy Alarm of Falmouth, Mass. , a provider of life-safety and security systems serving some 700 customers, both residential and commercial.

Malfy Alarm Founders Sarah and Philip Malfy will remain with American Alarm full-time to continue to serve and grow the company’s combined customer base across Cape Cod.

Alarm system monitoring for Malfy Alarm customers will be handled by American Alarm’s company-owned and operated UL Listed and TMA Five Diamond-certified security monitoring center, located at the company’s headquarters.

“We started Malfy Alarm in 2011, working out of our house, because we are native Cape Codders who love this area and we wanted to create a sustainable means for our family to remain here, year-round,” Sarah Malfy said. “Malfy Alarm grew steadily, even faster than we expected. Now with so many customers relying on us, the time has come to join a bigger team, with more resources to serve customers. American Alarm was the right fit.”

“Cape Cod is a special part of New England and we remain committed to providing our customers there with the highest levels of security and life-safety systems,” said Wells Sampson, president and co-owner of American Alarm. “As we grow strategically in New England, we are essentially a collection of local family businesses uniting together to protect families and businesses in the communities we serve.”

Jewelers Mutual® Group Acquires Core Luxsurance Technology

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Jewelers Mutual® Group recently announced its acquisition of the core technology of Luxsurance, LLC. This acquisition brings new technologies to the jeweler that transform the point-of-sale experience through an app that allows customers to digitally manage their new and existing jewelry with ease.

Jewelers Mutual continues to work with jewelers to reimagine the customer experience and make it easy for customers to protect their jewelry purchases before they walk out of the jewelry store. The Lux Digital Vault® is an app recently launched with a pilot group of independent jewelers. The advanced software capabilities give customers a sleek and easy way to keep inventory of their entire jewelry collection, while allowing them to submit their jewelry descriptions directly to Jewelers Mutual to receive a quote and insure each piece with a click of a button.

“The acquisition of the Luxsurance technology is an exciting opportunity for us as we continue to drive innovation and bring a new, comprehensive digital solution to market,” said Mike Alexander, Chief Operating Officer at Jewelers Mutual. “In listening to our jewelers and agents, we’re uncovering growing business needs and investing in technology that enhances the experience for both consumers and jewelers. The digital vault will be transformational in strengthening jewelers’ in-store offerings while staying connected to their customers in new ways.”

“We’re excited about this acquisition as it will allow us to bring our innovative solutions to more jewelry retailers,” said Stephen Alexander, cofounder of Luxsurance, who has joined forces with Jewelers Mutual to continue driving the insurtech platform forward. “The app is truly an added-value gift jewelers will be able to extend to their customers while building loyalty and strengthening relationships.”

The Lux Digital Vault seamlessly integrates into some of the most-used point-of-sale systems, including THE EDGE®, Logicmate, ARMS and more joining the platform. Jewelers interested in learning more about how the app works can visit JewelersMutual.com/luxsurance and get ready for broader availability in the coming months.

SecurityCEU.com Launches New Webinar Series

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SecurityCEU.com has created a new series of webinar events for security dealers/integrators.

Upcoming webinars include:

  • Feb. 16th – Holdup and Panic Alarm Systems – Methodologies and Best Practices
  • February 21st – How to Retain Top Talent & Improve The Bottom Line of Your Alarm Business
  • April 13th – Household Combination Listed Burglar and Fire Alarm Control Units

Go online to view the full list of upcoming events on the new SecurityCEU.com Webinar Channel. All the webinar events are live there. Click on the event of interest to learn more and to register.

TMA Honors Fiore’s Lifetime Contribution with Everlasting Scholarship

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The Monitoring Association’s (TMA) President Morgan Hertel announced the establishment of the Louis T. Fiore Electronic Communications Scholarship on Mon., Oct. 31st during the TMA General Business Meeting at the 2022 Annual Meeting on Marco Island, FL. The scholarship honors Mr. Fiore’s enduring contribution to the alarm industry and the Alarm Industry Communications Committee (AICC) and is intended to promote careers in electronic communications.

“How do you recognize someone who’s given his heart and soul for more than 30 years to an organization?” asked President Hertel when introducing the new scholarship. “Lou has served the alarm industry in many capacities. We wanted to honor his immeasurable contributions in an everlasting manner to make certain he and his work is never forgotten.” The room rose with a standing ovation as Fiore approached the stage to accept a small token of recognition from President Hertel.

“I am honored. As chair of the AICC for 30 years, I worked hard to make certain the Committee and its members thrived. The work was very close to my heart. Thank you very much. This is incredible,” stated Fiore in his acceptance comments.

The scholarship is open to anyone studying electrical engineering, specifically electronic communications, or software development related to electronic communications, regardless of financial need. Students at any nationally accredited educational institution, including vocational schools, two-year colleges, or other institutions of higher learning are eligible.

For more information on this scholarship, including donating, go to http://tma.us/louis-t-fiore-electronic-communications-scholarship/

Pictured (l to r): Bill Signer, Carmen Group; Ret. U.S. Rep. Peter T. King [R-NY]; and Louis T. Fiore

New York Governor Signs Fair Repair Act, with Amendments to Protect Most Alarm Devices and Services

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At year end, New York Governor Hochul signed the Fair Repair Act into law, making it easier for consumers to repair their own electronic devices.  Fortunately, in response to concerns raised by AICC and members of the alarm industry, the Governor simultaneously enacted amendments to the Act to help prevent the compromise of alarm systems in a way that would endanger customers and the public.

The original version of the Act (S. 4104-A) would have required manufacturers of “digital electronic equipment”, including alarm systems, to make product manuals, repair tools, lockout codes, passwords, system design schematics and other information available to customers and third-party contractors, so that they can attempt repairs on their own.  Both houses of the New York legislature passed the bill in June 2022.  Before the bill was forwarded to the Governor for signing, AICC and some of its members weighed in with a request asking for “chapter amendments” to, so as to exempt central station alarm operations from the disclosure requirements in the bill.  AICC pointed out that if access codes, passwords, or alarm system schematics are provided to customers or their contractors, and then either hacked or innocently made public (e.g., as part of a You Tube self-help video), it could allow bad actors to disable alarm systems, endangering tens or hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers.

The Governor’s amendment to the Fair Repair Act was responsive to alarm industry concerns in multiple ways:

  • Creation of a specific exemption for “home” security devices and alarm systems;
  • Creation of a specific exemption for equipment sold under a specific business-to-government or business-to-business contract, which is not otherwise offered for sale directly by a retail seller;
  • Deletion of the requirement for any alarm manufacturer or provider to disclose security codes and passwords for alarm equipment;
  • Creation of an exemption for “medical devices” which should be broad enough to cover many security/medical monitoring pendants (to the extent that these devices are not already protected by the “home” alarm exemption discussed above;
  • Grandfathering of pre-July 1, 2023 equipment, narrowing the scope of the new disclosure requirements and giving the alarm industry time to prepare for the new law (to the extent any devices don’t qualify for one of the above exemptions).
  • Creation of an exemption for certain anti-theft security measures;
  • Allowing the provision of replacement part assemblies rather than individual components.
  • Protecting alarm and other manufacturers from having to disclose trade secrets or intellectual property.

AICC is seeking clarification of some of the terms in the new law, and expects more guidance in the coming weeks.  The alarm industry should move expeditiously to urge the adoption of similar exemptions and measures in other pending state and federal Right to Repair legislation.

Celebrate National Technician’s Day, Jan. 23rd

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TMA is pleased to support the first-ever #NationalSecurityTechnicianDay this Monday, January 23rd. Established by FAST, with the support of SIA and ESA, National Security Technician Day  recognizes the contributions technicians make to our industry and our communities.

Technicians are everyday heroes whose work ensures that security and safety technologies are installed and supported so that people and property are protected. It’s not an easy job: They’re wizards who have to know the newest technologies and equally know the labor skills required for complex installations, and how to work with clients in demanding environments.

Join in the celebration and Make a Plan to Celebrate Your Security Technicians:

Make the day special for your security technicians or those of your partners. Can’t celebrate on Monday? Pick another day for your internal celebration and simply announce your plans this Monday.

Here are some ideas to show your appreciation:

  • Host a luncheon, cookout, or other event for your team to celebrate technicians support security, fire and other safety systems.
  • Surprise your techs with swag. Think cool gear, tools and apparel.
  • Put your money where your heart is: Gift cards or spot bonuses go a long way to show appreciation for techs.
  • Reward them with some time off or a short day!
  • Invest in their training/professional development.
  • Recognize your techs or techs you know. Even better, encourage your clients and partners to recognize some of their favorite techs; it’s hard to beat client appreciation

 

California DOJ Approves Pilot of TMA’s Automated Secure Alarm Protocol

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The Monitoring Association (TMA) welcomed its 119th Emergency Communications Center (ECC) in the United States and its first ECC in the state of California to implement the Automated Secure Alarm Protocol (ASAP). The state of California became the 22nd state in the United States to participate in the ASAP program. Launched in 2011 as a public-private partnership, TMA’s ASAP service is designed to increase the accuracy and efficiency of calls for service from alarm monitoring centers to Emergency Communication Centers (ECCs).

“We are excited to introduce our leading-edge technology to our first California ECC,” stated Pam Petrow, co-chair, TMA ASAP-to-PSAP Committee. “The team at the City of Riverside PD has been extraordinary partner throughout the implementation process. We’re looking forward to a positive pilot program and the opportunity to welcome additional ECCs from across the state of California in 2023.”

The City of Riverside PD went live with: Rapid Response Monitoring, Vector Security, Affiliated Monitoring, United Central Control, Guardian Protection, Securitas, Security Central, Stanley Security, Tyco (Johnson Controls), Vivint, Brinks Home Security, Protection One, and National Monitoring Center. ADT will go-live with Riverside during a second implementation phase in January 2023.

Learn more about TMA’s ASAP service at www.tma.us/asap/.