ESA – TMA 10/18/24 AVS-01 Webinar Available to Stream

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On Oct. 18th, ESA hosted “Selling and Installing for Escalated Response – The Benefits of Selling AVS-01.” TMA-AVS-01 (Alarm Validation Scoring Standard), a new TMA Standard, the defines how monitoring centers and 911 ECCs will communicate the alarm level of burglary signals during the dispatch process with the goal to increase the safety of first responders and drive escalated response to the highest priority alarms. This webinar explored the current state of this impactful standard and what the future holds for sales and installation companies.

SPEAKERS:

  • Jeremy Bates, Bates Security
  • Steve Butkovich, TMA President, CPI Security
  • Chris Denniston, Rapid Response Monitoring
  • Morgan Hertel, Rapid Response Monitoring
  • David Holl, Lower Allen Township (PA)

Stream the 10/18/24 presentation here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qP9a9NEC20s&t=4s

 

COPS Monitoring Makes Another Significant Investment In Technology

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COPS Monitoring has announced its latest significant six-figure investment in technology. The company’s data storage upgrade to NetApp’s newer state-of-the-art Storage Area Network (SAN) is a testament to COPS Monitoring’s unwavering dedication to technological advancement. This strategic move ensures reliable and secure services for our dealers and their customers.

“We understand that back-end upgrades may not sound exciting to most people, but we believe that making frequent and recurring investments is crucial to providing reliable monitoring services,” said Jim McMullen, President of COPS Monitoring. “With a focus on staying prepared for the future, we elected to upgrade our existing NetApp infrastructure. By doing so, we are confident that we’ll continue to meet our customers’ evolving needs and deliver the highest service levels.”

The new SAN incorporates advanced features designed to enhance fault tolerance and provide the latest data security. Equipped with dual power supplies, dual controllers, and hot-swappable components, the new NetApp SANs are widely regarded for delivering unparalleled reliability and resilience. Configured in a RAID format for added fault tolerance and employing AES 256-bit encryption, this new system also offers robust data security, a standard recognized as one of the most secure methods available today.

Recognized for its five nines (99.999%) uptime, exceptional performance, and scalable architecture, SAN technology ensures optimal storage solutions for data centers. By facilitating ultra-fast and reliable data transfers between servers and storage devices, SANs significantly boost application performance and availability, ensuring seamless operations in even the most demanding environments.

To leverage its geo-diverse redundancy, COPS Monitoring will deploy two identical NetApp SANs in its New Jersey and Texas facilities. Each SAN has a total storage capacity of 35 petabytes, roughly 1.5 times the storage capacity of the Library of Congress, or 13 years of HD video. With this massive amount of storage, these SANs will help to ensure that COPS Monitoring can effectively manage and safeguard the ever-expanding volumes of data generated by its business operations and partners.

A key enhancement in this upgrade is the shift from SCSI-based SSDs to NVMe-based SSDs, which provides higher data transfer speeds, reduced latency, and improved input/output operations per second (IOPS). These improvements significantly boost overall system performance, enabling COPS Monitoring to deliver even faster and more responsive services to its customers.

CPI Security Commits $1M to Support Hurricane Helene Relief Initiatives

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CPI Security has pledged over $1 million to assist those in need as Hurricane Helene’s devastation continues to affect communities in Western North Carolina.

Headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., CPI Security is sending crews of its own employees weekly, focused on helping its customers and employees in need. The crews are equipped with generators, Starlink satellite internet service, chainsaws and other much needed supplies.

CPI has already sent over 75 employees who have volunteered over 1,000 hours, according to an announcement.

“The devastation caused by Hurricane Helene is like none I’ve ever seen before,” Ken Gill, CEO and founder of CPI Security, said. “Many of our employees, customers, and neighbors are trying to rebuild from this storm, and we’re committed to standing alongside them.”

In addition to CPI’s direct engagement with its affected employees and customers, CPI Security has donated to organizations like Samaritan’s Purse, the American Red Cross, High Country Charitable Foundation, and the Community Foundation of Western North Carolina.

“There are many lives, homes, and businesses that will need to be rebuilt,” Gill said. “This effort will be ongoing for quite some time. Please continue to pray for those affected and give of your talents.”

SDM Magazine, October 24, 2024

Donate to Support Helene Victims in NC

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TMA Board of Director Caroline Brown, a North Carolina resident, shared information on two charities assisting communities in North Carolina that have been impacted.

Please consider making a donation.

https://givingtuesday.mightycause.com/event/Supportbannerelk

https://www.samaritanspurse.org/article/pray-for-those-in-helenes-path/?utm_source=Ggl&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=m_YGND-B24V&utm_content=HurricaneHelene&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwpP63BhDYARIsAOQkATb6wV68kcjmmT72m30gWkBJJ2er3cYDTbOappPIXtK0cVuaPHUW6poaAsQWEALw_wcB

Reminder – new TN 729 area code

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The Tennessee Public Utility Commission issued a news release about the new 729 area code that will overlay the existing 423 area code in eastern Tennessee earlier this year. Please be aware of the key dates for the overlay implementation:

  • August 5, 2024: Permissive 7- or 10-digit dialing began for customers with the 423 area code
  • February 5, 2025: Mandatory 10-digit dialing begins for customers with the 423 area code
  • March 5, 2025: The new 729 area code becomes effective, and mandatory 10-digit dialing is required in the new 729 area code too.

October is Cybersecurity Month – Stay Safe Out There

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Since 2004, the President of the United States and Congress have declared October to be Cybersecurity Awareness Month, time dedicated for the public and private sectors to work together to raise awareness about the importance of cybersecurity.

Over the years it has grown into a collaborative effort between government and industry to enhance cybersecurity awareness, encourage actions by the public to reduce online risk, and generate discussion on cyber threats on a national and global scale. October 2024 marks the 21st Cybersecurity Awareness Month.

Find free resources to support Cybersecurity Awareness Month activities on CISA’s website.

Download CISA’s Resources & Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2024 Toolkit

 

Register to attend:

Emerging Technologies in Cybersecurity
A TMA VPR hosted by OneTel Security

Thursday, October 24, 2024 at 1:00 PM

The WASH Foundation Identified as TMA Annual Meeting Beneficiary

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Each year, TMA hosts a fundraiser to benefit a local charitable organization in conjunction with the TMA Annual Meeting. This year’s beneficiary is The WASH Foundation, an organization what aims to improve the quality of life of vulnerable populations through increased access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH). To accomplish its mission, The WASH Foundation works with partners to strengthen policies, governance, systems, infrastructure, financing, and health-seeking behaviors while empowering women and underserved communities. To date, we have helped serve over 15 million people in need globally.

To learn more about the work of The WASH Foundation, visit https://thewashfoundation.org/

To donate, scan this QR code, or visit the website. Important! If you donate on the website or use the QR code, select the amount that you would like to donate and complete your information. In the “Leave a Comment” section, add: TMA

All who donate are entered into a raffle for prizes! A drawing will be done on Wed., October 7th in the afternoon. You do not need to be present to win.

TMA Dispatch, Fall Issue, Is Now Available

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The fall issue of the TMA Dispatch is now available! Login to the TMA member portal to read.

Our Cover Story…With the increasing demand for advanced and scalable video monitoring solutions, the debate between Edge AI and Cloud AI has gained significant attention. Traditionally, edge devices focused on on-premises storage and video management. Members of TMA’s Technology Committee came together and drew upon their collective expertise to construct this issue’s cover story, the first of a three-part series, to help TMA members navigate the complexities of these technologies and make informed decisions when it comes to AI technology and its application.

In our Guest Column…Stephen Devine, Chief Technology Officer, APCO International, explores the decade-long discussion on the topic of NG9-1-1. In this column, he writes about the key benefits and make the case for the “comprehensively interoperable and an end-to-end solution.”

In Technology…Cyber-attacks – you hear about them…you read about them nearly every day. Is your company of the many that remain unprepared? TMA Technology Co-Chair Matt Narowski takes on this HOT topic. Don’t make the mistake of thinking it can’t be you.

In Research…The sale of smart smoke/CO detectors is booming! According to Parks Associates, 9-10% of U.S, Internet households own a smart smoke/CO detector and more than half of smoke/CO detector owners pay for a service. Parks Associates VP Jennifer Kent explores the latest trend.

In the GSOC Column…It’s important to put your best foot forward when hiring and onboarding a new team member. Training is critical. GSOC TMA GSOC Council Co-Chair Randy Rickert shares what every GSOC training program should have.

Read these and more in the latest issue the TMA Dispatch now!

TMA 2024 Achievement Highlights

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With your support and participation, TMA has advanced the following initiatives over the past year:

  • To support TMA’s Alarm Validation Standard (AVS-01), three free operator training modules and a Training Manager guide were released to excellent reviews. Over 332 individuals from 35+ companies have completed the course. APCO International offers 1 CDE for course completion, which may encourage AVS-01 adoption in the public safety community.
  • The 2024 Mid-Year Meeting was delivered virtually in April. It covered AI, government affairs, litigation strategies, marketing, diversity, tech and video monitoring advancements, and leadership/industry trends.
  • In October, TMA will hold its Annual Meeting on St. Thomas in the USVI. Senior leaders and members of public safety organizations will gather to discuss overarching issues that impact the professional monitoring industry.
  • In November, TMA’s OPSTech program will take place in Charlotte, NC, featuring a visit to Security Central in Statesville. The hybrid format includes two days of operations and tech education, with a third day of three concurrent tracks covering deep-dive sessions on video monitoring, cybersecurity, big data, and GSOC best practices. Eight of the 14 sessions will be available virtually.
  • Since January 1, 2024, nearly 1407 Operator Level 1 & 2 courses have been sold, with over 1236 students successfully completing the courses.
  • TMA announced in June that it had signed a new agreement with Mission Critical Partners (MCP) to manage the lifesaving ASAP Service. The managed service provider will also assist in designing and developing the next-generation alarm signaling message broker for the ASAP service, which will deliver expanded capabilities, integration options, and an ongoing roadmap for the platform.
  • The ASAP service continues its exponential growth this year, with 147 active ECCs and plans to reach 160 by year-end. ASAP now covers over 17% of the US population, over 56,000,000 nationwide!
  • The TMA-ATN-01 Monitoring Center Notification of Active Threat Detection is a brand-new Standard that has been in development since mid-2023. Monitoring centers are increasingly receiving what may be classified as non-traditional alerts, such as shot detection.  These events require immediate notification to Public Safety.  Alert and situational information may be received in the monitoring center from a human source, initiated by technology, or a combination of both.  Monitoring centers increasingly monitor shot detection, weapons detection, manual lockdown notification, and other innovative threat technologies.  Human interaction initiated during the alert may indicate an active shooter situation.  These detection technologies and subsequent alerts are typically from facilities with high human presence.
    • The Project’s Need:
      • When a monitoring center receives electronic notification that one of these systems has been activated, a standardized workflow is needed to ensure timely and accurate notification to identified entities, such as first responders, employees, students, etc.
      • The standard is developing an efficient means for the monitoring center to provide responding authorities with information that assists with an efficient and safe response.
      • The standard will also facilitate means to initiate other actions, such as “shelter in place,” “wait for further instructions,” and notifications via multiple methods.
    • ATN-01 will be an ANSI Recognized National Standard by the end of 2024.
  • TMA presented the first Louis T. Fiore Electronic Communications Scholarship to Destini Spain, an engineering student at VCU in Richmond, VA. The scholarship, established to honor Mr. Fiore’s enduring contribution to the alarm industry and the Alarm Industry Communications Committee (AICC), is intended to promote careers in electronic communications. The 2024 recipient will be announced at the 2024 TMA Annual Meeting in October.
  • The 2024 TMA/SSI Marvel Award, presented in partnership with Security Sales and Integration magazine (SSI), was awarded to Elite Interactive Solutions. The 2024 TMA/SDM Excellence Awards, presented in partnership with SDM magazine, drew a combination of entries from small-to-medium and enterprise-sized member companies. 2024 winners included: Monitoring Center of the Year – Enterprise: ADT; Monitoring Center of the Year – SMB: Stealth Monitoring; Monitoring Center Manager of the Year: Erik Chalifour, TELUS Smart Security & Automation; Monitoring Center Operator of the Year: Brenda Eichfeld, COPS Monitoring; and Monitoring Center Support Person of the Year: John Turner, ADT Security Services. The application period for the 2025 awards opens Dec. 2, 2024.
  • TMA has published the spring, summer, and fall issues of TMA Dispatch magazine and 38 issues of TMA Signals weekly e-newsletter. Engagement in TMA’s social media communities, which include LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter, has continued to grow in 2024.
  • A process was approved to offer translation and exam proctoring services for TMA’s monitoring center operator courses, available to Five Diamond program applicants on a case-by-case basis, ensuring non-English speaking operators have equal access to course materials and certification opportunities.
  • This year, we are pleased to celebrate the achievement of 104 Five Diamond Designated companies and counting! The program is a testament to an unwavering commitment to excellence, quality, and service in professional monitoring. A company bearing the Five Diamond designation exemplifies the best in business.
  • TMA’s Installation Quality Certification Program, known as “IQ Certification,” continues to make significant strides. This year, we proudly recognize 15 companies that have achieved this esteemed certification, highlighting their excellence in installing, maintaining, and servicing electronic security systems.
  • We are excited to announce that 56 companies have achieved FirstNet Certification this year, marking a significant milestone in our commitment to public safety and emergency response.
  • The Alarm Industry Communications Committee (AICC) diligently monitors federal issues impacting the alarm industry’s ability to use telecommunications technology for public protection services. With the backing of legal counsel and a lobbyist, AICC effectively interfaces with the FCC, regulatory agencies, and Congress on behalf of its members. The committee addresses a range of critical issues, including Right-to-Repair, the interference on alarm systems and other 900 MHz devices, Non-Compete Restrictions, Net Neutrality, the Chevron Doctrine, and NG911, among others, ensuring the industry’s interests are well-represented and protected.
  • TMA’s Government Relations (GR) Committee continues collaborating closely with the AICC and other industry GR Committees and educating TMA members on vital legislative priorities.
  • TMA’s Compliance Committee continues to work actively on summarizing licensing requirements across all 50 states, having already summarized 15 states, ensuring that industry standards are met nationwide.
  • The Surveillance and Video Verification Committee has completed 8 modules of video monitoring operator training, which will inform a future video monitoring standard. Modules will be released online as they become available.
  • The Technology Committee is conducting a due diligence review of TMA’s online operator technology training for potential updates.
  • The NextGen Committee has launched the New Empowering Leadership Series with Chairs Jessica Lambert and Amy Becht. The series offers engaging discussions on influential resources that have shaped our industry mentors. Stay tuned for more to come!
  • TMA Staff and leadership participated in public safety associations’ meetings to promote ASAP and AVS-01, exhibiting at APCO, hosting a dinner for the Fire Life Safety Section of the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), and attending the NENA Annual Meeting. Plans are underway for a reception in honor of the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP). TMA will host again the top leadership of the main public safety organizations at its Annual Meeting: APCO, IACP, IAFC, NENA, NLETS, and NSA.
  • We continue to enhance the member portal, the InfoHub, adding resources and continually work to improve the member experience. Make sure to update your profile!

TMA acknowledges and thanks our many volunteers; your efforts allow us to succeed in elevating the professional monitoring industry. With your continued support and engagement, we look forward to another productive year. Many thanks to each of you!

For more information please reach out to membership@tma.us.

Seattle Issues New Response Parameters

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Starting October 1, 2024, the Seattle Police Department (SPD) will only dispatch officers to calls from alarm companies with supporting evidence, such as audio, video, panic alarms or eyewitness evidence that a person is illegally entering or attempting to enter a residence or commercial property. SPD will no longer respond to calls from alarm companies based only on sensor or motion activations. With depleted resources we cannot prioritize a patrol response when there is a very low probability that criminal activity is taking place.

Read the full announcement HERE.