TMA Members Contribute to ASAP 3.0 Next Generation Fund

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TMA announced on Wed., June 26th it had signed a a multi-year managed services agreement with Mission Critical Partners (MCP) to power the future growth of its Automated Secure Alarm Protocol (ASAP) Service.

The partnership with MCP will expedite the rollout of the next-generation of the ASAP Service and drive the development of a new, cloud-based solution. The next-generation solution will allow for the real-time sharing of rich data, including camera video streams, live location, health information, photos, and interior blueprints, dramatically improving situational awareness for emergency responders.

The primary goal for the Service is to achieve 80% coverage of the populating by 2028.

This partnership and technological advancements have been made possible by the generous support and commitment of TMA members that contributed to our ASAP 3.0 Next Generation funding program. TMA extends its gratitude to the following donors:

  • ADT, LLC
  • Affiliated Monitoring
  • Alarm Detection Systems, Inc.
  • Alert360
  • AvantGuard Monitoring Centers
  • COPS Monitoring
  • CPI Security Systems
  • Doyle Security Systems, Inc.
  • Dynamark Monitoring, Inc.
  • Holmes Electric Security Systems
  • National Monitoring Center
  • Per Mar Security Services
  • Quick Response
  • Rapid Response
  • Securitas
  • Security Central
  • United Central Control
  • Vector Security, Inc.
  • Vivint Smart Home
  • Washington Alarm, Inc.

Learn more about the new partnership and goals for enhancements to the Service by reading the full public announcement HERE.

APCO webinar to address OMB SOC revision, July 17

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On June 12th, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) announced the beginning of a multi-year process to revise the Standard Occupational Classification. Through this process, OMB will consider whether to change the classification of public safety telecommunicators from the administrative/clerical category to the category for Protective Service Occupations.

APCO’s Government Relations Committee will present a webinar July 17th to explain APCO’s strategy for providing input to OMB, how this effort relates to the 9-1-1 SAVES Act and what you can do to help ensure that OMB finally corrects this outdated classification.

Register now to attend at https://www.apcointl.org/courses/reclassification-update-omb-requests-input-for-soc-revision-webinar/

Reclassification Update: OMB Requests Input for SOC Revision – Webinar
Wednesday, July 17 | 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Free for everyone

Preview TMA’s NEW AVS-01 Operator Online Training

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The first of three new TMA-AVS-01 online training modules for monitoring center operators is now available for preview. Module 1 provides operators with a foundational understanding the ANSI/TMA-AVS-01 Alarm Validation Scoring Standard by explaining the “What and Why.” It is the first in a series of online training modules that will help monitoring center operators to understand the impact and tremendous benefits of the new standard for the professional monitoring industry and public safety community.

By adopting the AVS-01 Standard, monitoring centers can significantly enhance their alarm response processes, improve public safety outcomes, and contribute to industry-wide standardization and efficiency. By using real-time and historical data, AVS-01 provides us with a standardized way to calculate an alarm score that results in a repeatable metric to estimate the validity or potential threat level of an intrusion alarm activation.

The three modules are:

  1. TMA-AVS-01 Introduction for Monitoring Center Operators
  2. TMA-AVS-01 Introduction to Understanding Category Definitions
  3. TMA-AVS-01 Overview of the Call Handling Scoring Process

Preview the first module:

Learn more about TMA-AVS-01 HERE

New CA 738 Area Code Coming 11/1/24

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The new 738 area code will overlay the existing 213 and 323 area codes in the Los Angeles area so that all three area codes serve the same geographic region. The new 738 area code that becomes effective on November 1, 2024.

Mandatory 1+10-digit dialing is already required in the 213 and 323 area codes and will be required in the new 738 area code as well.

For additional information, contact:

CA 213/323/738 overlay implementation committee co-chairs
Dana Crandall (Verizon), dana.crandall@verizonwireless.com, 682-831-3662
Javier Rodriguez (AT&T), jr1515@att.com, 512-457-2260

 

Creenan, Amherst Alarm, Elected Security Industry Alarm Coalition Chairman

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Tim Creenan, founder and Vice President of Amherst Alarm and a long-time leader in the field of electronic security, has been elected chairman of the Security Industry Alarm Coalition (SIAC).

SIAC is comprised of four major North American security associations–Canadian Security Association (CANASA), Security Industry Association (SIA), The Monitoring Association (TMA), and the Electronic Security Association (ESA). Tim serves as the ESA representative on the board.

SIAC represents one voice for the electronic security industry on alarm management issues by communicating solutions and enhancing relationships with law enforcement.

“Tim’s unanimous selection reflects his commitment to SIAC’s mission and breadth of experience and leadership in our industry,” said outgoing chairman Kirk MacDowell.  “As treasurer, Tim demonstrated exceptional leadership as the finance chair steering the financial ship with precision and securing a solid foundation for the future.”

“Working with Kirk and our other board members has been a privilege,” said Creenan. “We will continue to move forward on our path of grooming the next generation of experts on our law enforcement liaison team and enhancing the fund-raising efforts to support SIAC’s important mission.

“While SIAC has had a great deal of success promoting the Model Alarm Ordinance in communities throughout the country, there are still many opportunities as we help promote the TMA AVS-01 standard, ASAP-to-PSAP and other technology to reduce unnecessary dispatches,” said Stan Martin, SIAC Executive Director.

Tim started in the electronic security field in 1975 working for a large locally owned security firm. Tim earned a degree in electronic engineering at State University College at Buffalo. In 1984 Tim and his wife founded Amherst Alarm, Inc., which today has more than sixty-five employees serving the Western New York market. Amherst Alarm is the recipient of the prestigious Police Dispatch Quality Award (PDQ). In March 2023, Amherst Alarm became part of the Pye-Barker Fire Safety family of companies.

Tim’s involvement in the industry associations began with the Western New York Electronic Security Association, where he served as Secretary, President and Past President. He has also served the New York State Electronic Security Association, as Secretary, Treasurer, Vice President, and President- during two different terms. He is currently Chair of the association’s Legislative Committee and was instrumental in leading the association’s efforts in reforming the enforcement policies of New York State’s alarm installer license. On the national level, he has served as chairman of the Election Committee of the Electronic Security Association, the Government Relations Committee, Governance Task Force and as member of the Board of Directors as the New York State Electronic Security Association representative. And is a past Board member of the Electronic Security Association. He is also involved in SIAC – Security Industry Alarm Coalition as a member of the board of directors as Treasurer.

In 2018, Tim was inducted into the Security Sales & Integration’s Hall of Fame.

Tim’s concern for the industry and public has kept him focused on reducing false alarms. This has led to Amherst Alarm’s certification in and his personal involvement in the Installation Quality (IQ) Board program, where he served as Treasurer, Chairperson and is currently board member.

UL Solutions Empowers Alarm Monitoring Centers to Help Advance Public Safety with New Certification Program

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UL Solutions announced its new service, the UL Solutions Alarm Validation Scoring Certification Program, that helps security alarm monitoring centers in the United States improve communication with public safety professionals, such as law enforcement agencies and emergency response operators. The new certification program resulted from a collaboration between the security monitoring industry, public safety professionals and UL Solutions with the goal of enhancing security alarm notifications and information.

UL Solutions can now evaluate monitoring centers against requirements in The Monitoring Association’s (TMA) voluntary standard ANSI/TMA-AVS-01 2023, Alarm Validation Scoring Standard. This standard includes an alarm scoring or classification metric designed to streamline communication between monitoring centers and public safety professionals, leading to better prioritization of calls. The new UL Solutions certification program uses the alarm scoring system as defined in the standard.

“The move toward industry-wide standardization of security alarm notifications and response processes supports collaboration and efficiency between monitoring centers and public safety professionals,” said Karine Johnfroe, vice president and general manager of the Built Environment group at UL Solutions. “We work closely with The Monitoring Association and industry stakeholders to understand their needs and help address safety-critical challenges. UL Solutions’ new program empowers monitoring centers to demonstrate they are aligned with industry best practices for security alarm response procedures, which play an essential role in the success of public safety professionals throughout the United States.”

UL Solutions’ new program includes a self-assessment, ongoing compliance management, and an audit of the monitoring facility’s alarm notification, validation and response processes.

The ANSI/TMA-AVS-01 standard provides an industry-first alarm scoring or classification metric for intrusions detected by security alarm systems. It assists public safety professionals with resource allocation and prioritization of calls for service.

  • Alarm Level 0 – No call for service
  • Alarm Level 1 – Call for service with no other information
  • Alarm Level 2 – Call for service with proof of or a high probability that a person or persons are present at the alarm site
  • Alarm Level 3 – Call for service knowing a person or persons are present at the alarm site and an apparent threat to property
  • Alarm Level 4 – Call for service knowing a person or persons are present at the alarm site and an apparent threat to life

“The Monitoring Association brought together a wide section of stakeholders from the security monitoring industry, including UL Solutions and public safety professionals, to develop an ANSI standard that provides a standardized alarm validation score or classification metric for intrusion detected by security alarm systems. The score will assist law enforcement with resource allocation and call for service prioritization,” said Celia Besore, CEO of The Monitoring Association. “UL Solutions will help alarm monitoring centers demonstrate their commitment to this industry-wide collaboration that can enhance notifications and provide public safety professionals with critical information.”

Learn more about UL Solutions’ new service for security alarm monitoring centers.

New White Paper Now Available for Download

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TMA’s latest White Paper, “Implementing the AVS-01 Alarm Validation Scoring Standard: Enhancing Alarm Response Through Industry Collaboration,” is now available for download.

The AVS-01 Standard represents a collective effort to address industry challenges. Participating monitoring center leaders demonstrate their commitment to industry-wide best practices, fostering a culture of collaboration and excellence in alarm response. This strengthens industry credibility and professionalism, promoting consistent and effective alarm response processes.

TMA has prepared a White Paper that highlights the benefits of implementing the AVS-01 Standard and inspires monitoring center leaders to actively participate in this voluntary standard.

Check it out and see why monitoring centers that actively participate in AVS-01 position themselves as industry leaders, showcasing their commitment to public safety and operational excellence. Join the growing community dedicated to improving alarm response and public safety through standardized practices. Become part of the movement driving the improvement of alarm response and public safety.

Download the White Paper HERE.

Learn more about the AVS-01 Alarm Validation Scoring Standard and its benefits at http://tma.us/standards/tma-avs-01-alarm-validation-standard/.

New Study: Communities Find Success with Model Alarm Ordinance

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A new study by a professor at the UNC-Charlotte, Criminal Justice & Criminology Department shows that most electronic security systems in the communities studied protect life and property without generating calls for police services. The study examined four communities that had adopted the Model Alarm Ordinance, developed by the industry and leaders in law enforcement to reduce unnecessary calls for service while maintaining police response to alarms.

The four communities included Charlotte-Mecklenburg, North Carolina; Atlanta and Marietta, Georgia; and Montgomery County, Maryland. These communities represented two large agencies, one smaller suburban agency and one county agency managing more than 570,000 permitted alarm systems.

“A key finding of the study,” said Dr. Joe Kuhns, “is that the vast majority of alarm systems in these four locations were effective at protecting lives and property while generating zero calls for service in a given year, and only a tiny percentage are problematic systems that generated multiple calls for service.”

The annual average percentage of registered alarms that generated zero dispatches was as high as 92% in Charlotte-Mecklenburg, 82.6% in Atlanta, 87.5% in Montgomery County and 66.4% in Marietta. These statistics represented an 8 or10-year average, depending on how long the ordinance had been in effect.

“It is also noteworthy that the percentage of zero dispatches tends to increase over time,” said Kuhns. “As jurisdictions get better at administration, and the public becomes more familiar with the ordinance, results consistently improved over time in these four settings.”

The proportion of problematic systems, which generate three or more dispatches in a year, was only .09% in Charlotte-Mecklenburg, 3.5% in Atlanta, 1.08% in Montgomery County and 8.7% in Marietta.

The Model Alarm Ordinance was created in collaboration with leaders in public safety through organizations such as the International Association of Chiefs of Police and the National Sheriffs’ Association,” said Stan Martin, executive director of the Security Industry Alarm Coalition (SIAC) which funded the study. “Public safety leaders recognize the important role electronic security plays in their communities and the importance of police response as a deterrent to crime.

“The Model Alarm Ordinance directly addresses the issue that the vast majority of false alarms are caused by user error,” said Martin. “The study demonstrates that the strategy of focusing on the chronic abusers and fining owners who are careless in operating their electronic security systems is the most effective way of minimizing calls for service.

“The Model Alarm Ordinance is a framework that communities can modify to best fit their local needs,” said Martin. “SIAC provides consultation at no cost to law enforcement agencies considering or modifying alarm ordinances.”

“The model alarm ordinance calls for increasing fines or even curtailing response to the very small percentage of systems that place inordinate demands on public safety agencies,” said Kuhns. “In addition, it mandates multiple contacts with the alarm site prior to contacting public safety agencies.”

“False alarms did not consume a lot of law enforcement resources in the four agencies we studied,” said Kuhns. “If we can replicate what they are doing across the nation’s 18,000+ law enforcement agencies, we are going to wind up saving a whole lot of money and time which can be devoted to other public safety priorities.”

Joe Kuhns, Ph.D., Professor, UNC-Charlotte, Criminal Justice & Criminology

Dr. Joe Kuhns teaches courses in policing, community policing, drugs and crime, and research methods at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Prior to arriving at UNCC in 2003, Dr. Kuhns served as a Senior Policy Analyst at the U.S. Department of Justice (Office of Community Oriented Policing Services).

About SIAC

SIAC represents one voice for the electronic security industry on alarm management issues –communicating solutions and enhancing relationships with law enforcement.  SIAC is comprised of four major North American security associations–Canadian Security Association (CANASA), Security Industry Association (SIA), The Monitoring Association (TMA), and the Electronic Security Association (ESA). For more information, go to www.SIACinc.org ,  www.siacinc.wordpress.com, or follow us on www.twitter.com/siacinc.

TMA Standards Committee to Host Town Halls on TMA-AVS-01

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TMA’s proposed ANSI standard, TMA-AVS-01 – Alarm Verification Standard Preliminary Technical Review period is now closed. The next step in the ANSI standards development process is the 60-day public comment period. We currently anticipate this will begin Mid-July.

In line with this formal comment period, TMA’s Standards Committee has scheduled five, stand-alone Virtual Town Hall question and answer forums for TMA members and other stakeholders. Security, monitoring, and public safety practitioners are encouraged to attend one or more of these sessions to share comments, ask questions, and exchange dialogue with the Standards Committee and their peers.

TMA-AVS-01 – Alarm Validation Standard

Register to attend one or more of the following TMA Virtual Town Hall Meetings (Each begins at 1:00PM/ET):

Homeland Security Department Warns of More Mass Casualty Violence

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Homeland Security warns of individuals using high-profile events to justify violence against ideological opponents, public gatherings, schools and more

The Department of Homeland Security issued a bulletin Tuesday warning of a “heightened threat environment” over the next several months as they monitor both risks of domestic terrorism and foreign adversaries looking to sow discord within the U.S. to promote acts of violence.

“The United States remains in a heightened threat environment, as noted in the previous Bulletin, and several recent attacks have highlighted the dynamic and complex nature of the threat environment,” DHS said in a new bulletin from the National Terrorism Advisory System.

“In the coming months, we expect the threat environment to become more dynamic as several high-profile events could be exploited to justify acts of violence against a range of possible targets,” DHS said.

The bulletin listed potential targets to include “public gatherings, faith-based institutions, schools, racial and religious minorities, government facilities and personnel, U.S. critical infrastructure, the media, and perceived ideological opponents.”

The department stressed that “foreign adversaries-including terrorist organizations and nation state adversaries-also remain intent on exploiting the threat environment to promote or inspire violence, sow discord, or undermine U.S. democratic institutions.”

“We continue to assess that the primary threat of mass casualty violence in the United States stems from lone offenders and small groups motivated by a range of ideological beliefs and/or personal grievances,” the bulletin said.

DHS pointed to several recent high-profile events including the mass shooting in Buffalo, New York, where the suspect in the grocery store attack allegedly claimed that he was motivated by racist, anti-Black, and anti-Semitic conspiracy theories. The department said it is monitoring online forums following the mass shooting at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas, that have been encouraging copycat attacks.