Alarm Industry Seeks Answers in the Issue of Dropped Signals

The Alarm Industry Communications Committee (AICC) has launched an industry-wide survey on the issue of dropped signals involving Digital Alarm Communications Transmitters (DACT). The survey aims to collect information on how the telecom network’s move towards Internet Protocol (IP) affects these signals.

The survey is open to all central stations in the industry. Results of this research initiative will be reported on at the June 2015 AICC meeting. For more information, visit http://csaaintl.org/dact-dropped-signals-survey/.

CSAA 365: Security Industry Recruiting Center

Got a minute to spare? Take a quick break to view our new “CSAA 365” video. It’s the latest in our series of videos that we hope will help our members take advantage of CSAA’s services and member benefits all year long.

[youtube=http://youtu.be/HZfQCXM5OHE]

In future videos you’ll hear from CSAA leaders, volunteers, and staff about many more CSAA programs and activities. As always, thank you for your membership and support.

(Missed the introductory video? Check it out at http://youtu.be/0Kl7_8nZ7Hw or just scroll down the blog to find it.)

Teresa Gonzalez Appointed to CSAA Board of Directors

Teresa Gonzalez, president of United Central Control, Inc. (San Antonio, TX) has been appointed to the CSAA Board of Directors.

“No association can succeed without volunteer participation, and Teresa has been one of our most active and effective member volunteers,” said CSAA President Jay Hauhn. “The leadership she has demonstrated as co-chair of our Education Committee since 2012 has resulted in significant upgrades to our educational programs. I am excited that she will be bringing this leadership and dedication to the CSAA Board.”

“It is a privilege and an honor to be asked to participate as a board member for CSAA. The association is a driving force in the industry representing its members in important initiatives effecting our industry,” said Gonzalez. “The security industry is experiencing rapid change more than ever in our history. Our association must also change to continue to be relevant and provide continued value to its members. It takes a lot of work, commitment and courage to make changes. CSAA is at a pivotal point of change, and it’s exciting to be a part of that change.”

Teresa Gonzalez (photo courtesy of Teresa Gonzalez)

Teresa Gonzalez (photo courtesy of Teresa Gonzalez)

Ms. Gonzalez is a 35-year security industry professional with over 28 of those years managing personnel, business operations and technical advancements in the central station environment. She joined United Central Control, Inc. (UCC) in 1997 as the Assistant Operations Manager where she was responsible for all technical and operational aspects of the company. In 2004 she was promoted to General Manager and in 2005 to Vice President.  In 2008 Gonzalez was promoted to the position of President, and appointed to the UCC Board of Directors in 2014.

“I look forward to working more closely with President Hauhn and the great group of successful business owners, executives and advisors who are on the CSAA board today,” said Gonzalez. “Learning from their experience and knowledge will be an added bonus.”

–Elizabeth Lasko, CSAA

AICC Takes to the Hill to Talk #NetNeutrality

The week of February 9 has been a busy one for the alarm industry in responding to the FCC’s announcements regarding net neutrality.

AICC Chair (and CSAA Executive Director) Lou Fiore, along with AICC lobbyist Bill Signer, CSAA counsel Ben Dickens, and CSAA counsel Mary Sisak, visited the offices of more than a dozen Members of Congress to raise awareness of the concerns the alarm industry on this topic.

AICC’s message to legislators is that alarm industry companies welcome competition on a level playing field, but is concerned that when broadband and wireless providers offer the same alarm and video monitoring services, fair competition will not exist without some safeguards.

Rep. Bob Latta (R-CO) and AICC Chair Lou Fiore

Rep. Bob Latta (R-OH) and AICC Chair Lou Fiore

Fiore explains, “As broadband and wireless providers enter the business, we are concerned that they could use their control of the network to gain an unfair competitive advantage. If these companies do so, our customers will be at risk — and small companies, such as those that make up more than 60% of our industry, could be driven out of business.”

In 1996, recognizing that the alarm industry would be vulnerable to anti-competitive practices by a service provider engaged in alarm monitoring, Congress enacted Section 275 as part of the Telecommunication Act. Section 275 requires a carrier engaged in alarm monitoring to:

  • provide alarm companies with the same services they provide their affiliates on a nondiscriminatory basis
  • not engage in cross subsidization
  • not use alarm company customer data to market their own alarm services

Section 275 also provides for an expedited complaint process at the FCC, an issue critical for small businesses.

The AICC is asking legislators to include these safeguards in any discussion of net neutrality or Telecommunications Act rewrite.

Fiore explained that AICC’s message to legislators is that of an industry, comprised mainly of small businesses, that is crucial to public safety. “Alarm companies are critical to ensuring that emergency services are deployed promptly and appropriately,” he said.

Much more on this issue in the coming weeks.

–Elizabeth Lasko, CSAA staff, 2/12/15

ASIS Foundation — Secure Your Future Scholarship

Security practitioners or those who aspire to a career in this field may apply for the ASIS Foundation/University of Phoenix full-tuition scholarships. Professionals may apply to earn either an undergraduate or graduate degree at a University of Phoenix on-ground campus or may attend University of Phoenix online.

  • Open Application: February 2, 2015
  • Application deadline: April 6, 2015
  • Scholarship award date: June 16, 2015

More information and apply now.

“CSAA 365” is Coming!

CSAA is launching a video series called “CSAA 365” to promote the many programs, services and membership benefits we offer that will help you advance your business all year long. Here’s President Jay Hauhn with a preview!

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Kl7_8nZ7Hw&w=560&h=315]

CSAA Board Member Ron Rothman Retires from Honeywell

On January 16, Honeywell announced the appointment of David Paja as president of Honeywell Security Group, succeeding Ron Rothman, a member of the CSAA board of directors who has served as president of Honeywell Security Group since January 2010 (and who will remain with Honeywell through June to assist with the transition).

“Ron’s involvement in the industry goes well beyond his role as the president of a leading manufacturer,” said CSAA President Jay Hauhn today. “His unselfish participation in industry associations is without equal.”

Jay Hauhn (left) and Ron Rothman at the CSAA 2013 Annual Meeting

Jay Hauhn and Ron Rothman at the CSAA 2013 Annual Meeting

“Ron has been a real friend of the industry and CSAA,” said CSAA past president Ed Bonifas. “During the time he has represented our Associate members on the CSAA board over the past five years, Ron has never solved problems with a shotgun approach. I appreciate that his insights are always on target.”

“Ron has been a long time friend and a business mentor, for whom I have the utmost respect,” continued Hauhn. “I am sure I speak for the entire industry when I say ‘thank you’ for all your contributions, and ‘best of luck’ wherever your path leads next.”

In Honeywell’s official press release, Ismail says “I would like to thank Ron Rothman for his leadership and significant contributions to both Honeywell and the industry, and I wish him and his family the best … Ron has been a strong and passionate leader. In his more than 30 years in the security industry and at Honeywell, he built lasting customer relationships and drove the development of innovative products and solutions that helped transform the market. He has been a driving force in making Honeywell a security industry leader and positioning the organization for ongoing growth and success.”

— Elizabeth Lasko, January 19, 2015

FCC Issues New Equipment Certification Procedures 

Attention Alarm Equipment Manufacturers:  FCC Outsources RF Equipment Certification, and Updates Testing and Measurement Standards

On December 30, 2014, the FCC issued a Report and Order in ET Docket No. 13-44, updating the Commission’s radiofrequency (RF) equipment authorization program to expand the use of Commission-recognized Telecommunications Certification Bodies (TCBs) as a faster and less expensive way to certify equipment. The TCB program up until now allowed equipment manufacturers to go to a private sector certification contractor rather than going through the full FCC Equipment Certification process, but only for certain categories of equipment. The new rules essentially outsource the entire certification process to the TCBs, in the name of facilitating the more rapid introduction of new and innovative products to the market while ensuring that these products do not cause harmful interference.

The rules have not yet appear on the Federal Register so the 30-day period for the rules to become effective has not yet started. Find details on the CSAA website.

Why Should You Present at the 2015 CSAA Annual Meeting?

Julie Webber Sept 2014

Julie Webber

A message from Julie Webber, CSAA VP of Education and Training.

Happy New Year! My colleagues and I on the CSAA staff want to make sure you know about speaking opportunities at our Annual Meeting coming up in October of this year. While it seems a ways off, from our perspective it really is right around the corner.

We here at CSAA are committed to making our annual meeting a value-added learning event. We want attendees to leave the meeting with essential information and action items that they can implement immediately within their business environment.

Our presenters are the key to creating this result. The central station monitoring industry is gearing up for another exciting year of growth. And this isn’t just with technology enhancements. For example, as an industry we are becoming more involved with keeping smart homes smart. We are the ones who watch over your home when you’re not there.  In fact, we have become integral players in the overall security business. Cyber security affects all of us. Issues that impact the internet, such as net neutrality, are important to us. Keeping up with telecommunications changes and the FCC can be overwhelming. Will you be one of those who step up to the plate to help us understand the issues and take action?

A few weeks ago we opened our Call for Presentations, and I’ve received a number of interesting topic proposals, many focusing on “issues that keep us awake at night.” There’s still time to participate, but the deadline for submissions is approaching. If you have something to share, we’ll be accepting proposals until noon on Monday, February 2.

I challenge you to take the leap and consider how your contributions can positively impact the entire industry — and I am here to help you get a great return on your personal investment. Please contact me at jwebber@csaaintl.org to start our discussion.

We look forward to seeing you in Sonoma, California in October!

Call for Presentations

IACP’s McEwen Remembers Mario Cuomo

Chief Harlin R. McEwen, chairman of the International Association of Chiefs of Police Communications and Technology Committee, goes back a long way with Mario Cuomo, the former governor of New York who died January 1, 2015.

“Upon hearing of his death last week, I immediately thought back to the day in 1984 when he came to the Turf Inn in Albany to announce he was appointing me as Deputy Commissioner of the NY State Division of Criminal Justice Services,” recalls McEwen.

The photo below shows the Governor with former Executive Director of the New York State Association of Chiefs of Police Joe Dominelli and McEwen as Cuomo arrived to make the announcement at the New York State Association of Chiefs of Police conference. “This is one of my favorite photographs,” says McEwen. “I enjoyed working for him.”

Harlin Cuomo 1

McEwen also shared another favorite photo, taken in 1987, showing former NY State Criminal Justice Director John Poklemba, Governor Cuomo, former NY State Police Superintendent Tom Constantine, and himself. “How young we look!” he remarked.

Harlin Cuomo2

“Another era comes to an end, but I have certainly been blessed with meeting and working with many wonderful people during my career in law enforcement,” concluded McEwen, a recent recipient of the CSAA President’s Special Recognition Award for his contributions to advancing the alarm industry.

–Elizabeth Lasko, CSAA, January 5, 2015