Member Call-for-Action – FCC Ruling

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Call for Action

The Alarm Industry Communications Committee (AICC), a committee of The Monitoring Association (TMA), is requesting your help in this survey to protect your company’s interest in Internet communications in a proceeding now before the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The FCC is once again considering, after several attempts, rules of the road for broadband Internet access service (BIAS) providers which are fair to industries that use the Internet, as the monitoring industry does.

These BIAS carriers are the companies with whom you contract for Internet service, and which allow the transmission of information and access to third party websites like YouTube. Importantly, quality of Internet service directly impacts the quality and speed of video transmission, which is an integral and growing aspect of alarm monitoring.

Please answer the following questions to the best of your knowledge. If you do not know an answer, simply indicate so. If this has occurred more than once, describe the one you feel impacted your company the most. Your company’s identity and specific responses will be kept confidential and will not be disclosed to third parties, including government agencies, without your permission.

Your time and attention are greatly appreciated. If you have any questions or comments, please contact Ben Dickens (bhd@bloostonlaw.com, 202-828-5510) or Sal Taillefer (sta@bloostonlaw.com, 202-828-5562).

AICC BIAS Survey

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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.

Telguard Wins 2023 TMA/SSN Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Award

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TMA President-elect Steve Butkovich and Security Systems News Editor Cory Harris presented the 2023 TMA/SSN Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Award to Telguard President George Brody and Sr. Director of Technical Service Daniel Rosales at the 2023 Annual Meeting on November 7th in Maui, Hawaii. The award was established in 2021 to raise industry awareness of the importance and value of being a diverse and inclusive industry.

“Inclusion and diversity are not just buzzwords for us; they are the cornerstones of the corporate culture at Telguard. This recognition isn’t just a testament to our efforts, but to our collective commitment towards creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered. This achievement is a reflection of the hard work of every team member, the leadership’s unwavering commitment, and the spirit of collaboration that defines our organization.  We believe that diverse perspectives and backgrounds fuel innovation, enhance creativity, and drive better business outcomes. It’s not about meeting quotas; it’s about embracing differences and harnessing the unique strengths each individual brings to the table,” stated George Brody, President of Telguard.

View Acceptance Message

Telguard, a brand of Telular Corporation, provides industry-leading security and life safety technologies to independent security dealers for commercial and residential markets.  Telguard combines devices, communications, video, interactive service and alarm processing into turnkey systems for monitoring intrusion and fire systems without a traditional landline. Telguard offers the industry’s most versatile platform, outstanding solutions, and first-class technical-customer service. Telular Corporation is a business unit of AMETEK Inc. AMETEK Inc. (NYSE: AME) is a leading global manufacturer of electronic instruments and electromechanical devices with annualized sales of approximately $5 billion. 

TMA Presents 2023 Mel Mahler Award to Mark McCall, Immix Protect

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The Monitoring Association’s (TMA) President Morgan Hertel honored one of TMA’s volunteer members with the Mel Mahler Award, formerly known as the President’s Award on Mon., Nov. 6th during its General Business Meeting at the 2023 Annual Meeting in Maui, HI. The Mel Mahler Award is presented at the discretion of the TMA president in recognition of outstanding contributions within his/her tenure. The 2023 Mel Mahler Award recipient is Mark McCall, global director of Operations, Immix Protect.

In presenting the 2023 Mel Mahler Award to McCall, President Hertel shared his personal and professional experience working closely with the awardee over the past 20 years. “I have great respect for Mark – both as a dedicated leader and colleague. Most recently, Mark chaired the development committee for the ANSI/TMA-AVS-01 standard. Without his guidance and expert stewardship, I am not certain that the standard would have been completed within the targeted timeline. He is a consummate professional. I am pleased to recognize his outstanding contributions to TMA.”

View Acceptance Message

Longtime Security Industry Contributor Dischert Honored with Top TMA Award, Nov. 7th

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The Monitoring Association (TMA) had the distinct opportunity to recognize the exceptional contributions of Larry Dischert, LRD Consulting, on Mon., Nov. 6th during its General Business Meeting at the 2023 Annual Meeting in Maui, HI. TMA President Morgan Hertel presented the respected and esteemed volunteer with TMA’s highest honor, the Stanley C. Lott Memorial Award.

The Stanley C. Lott Memorial Award, established in 1991 to honor its namesake, a dedicated leader and past president, recognizes exceptional long-term leadership and support. In presenting the award to Dischert, TMA President Morgan Hertel shared, “In our industry, there is a whole subset of individuals who work tirelessly, doing the lion share of the work with little or no public recognition. This year’s Stanley C. Lott Memorial Award winner is one example of those that have been working in the background for many years. Over the course of five decades, his contributions to standards development within the security and monitoring industries have been immeasurable.”

From a blank piece of paper and assistance from a few industry peers, Dischert initiated the creation and development of UL1981 Central-Station Automation Systems and has since contributed to many UL standards. From an emphasis on the continuous maturation of UL1981 and UL827, he became a key contributor to UL STP 205 and its sub parts for all equipment and installation standards that impact the safe reliable operation of a monitoring center.

Most recently, Dischert’s involvement includes, but is not limited to, extensive work with TMA CS-V-01 Alarm Confirmation, Verification and Notification Procedures, and ANSI/TMA AVS-01 2023 Alarm Validation Scoring (AVS) Standard with the mission to increase the value of the Central Station service by greatly reducing or eliminating false dispatches.

“I can’t thank the TMA and industry leaders enough, for this recognition,” stated Dischert. “I’ve put 50 years of my life into this arena and have gotten much in return. And this rounds it out very nicely. Again, thanks.”

VIEW DISCHERT’S ACCEPTANCE REMARKS

Brown County WI Public Safety Communications became the 137th ECC to go live with TMA’s ASAP Service

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Brown County WI Public Safety Communications became the 137th Emergency Communications Center (ECC) in the United States and the 3rd ECC in the state of Wisconsin to implement the Automated Secure Alarm Protocol (ASAP).

Brown County went live on October 31, 2023 with the following companies: Rapid Response Monitoring, Vector Security, Guardian Protection, Security Central, Protection One, Brinks Home Security, Securitas, Vivint, Tyco (Johnson Controls), National Monitoring Center, Affiliated Monitoring, United Central Control, and ADT.

Learn more about TMA ASAP-to-PSAP Service HERE.

FAST Launches 2023 Compensation & Benefits Benchmarking Study

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The Foundation for Advancing Security Talent (FAST) is today launching the 2023 Security Industry Compensation & Benefits Benchmarking Study.

This survey “will provide invaluable insights into salaries and benefits across the security industry, empowering decision-makers to recruit, hire, and retain top talent effectively,” according to the foundation announcement.

“The security industry plays a pivotal role in safeguarding our communities and businesses, and understanding compensation and benefits trends is crucial for its continued growth and excellence,” the FAST announcement says.

“FAST, in collaboration with prominent industry partners such as the Security Industry Association (SIA), Electronic Security Association (ESA), PSA Security Network and Security Sales and Integration, is committed to providing the most comprehensive and accurate data possible.

Inside the Survey

Key highlights of the 2023 Compensation & Benefits Benchmarking Study include:

  • Industry-Wide Focus: This study encompasses both security manufacturers and integrators, offering a holistic view of the industry’s compensation landscape.
  • Standardized Data: Standardized job titles and descriptions enable direct comparisons of compensation data, allowing businesses to make informed decisions.
  • Advance Access: Participating organizations will gain access to a sneak preview of the survey results before the full publication, giving them a competitive edge.
  • Complete Confidentiality: Individual responses will remain confidential, with only aggregated data being published to protect participants’ privacy.

FAST invites all industry stakeholders to actively participate in this essential initiative. By contributing your insights and expertise, you can:

  • Assess compensation structures within your organization
  • Attract and retain top talent by aligning with industry compensation benchmarks
  • Make informed, data-driven strategic decisions

Complete the survey by Friday, Oct. 6 using the instructions provided by FAST’s survey partner, Vault Consulting. The survey may take one to three hours to complete.

“Widespread participation ensures the quality and reliability of the data, so your contribution is vital,” the FAST announcement says.

The latest news on TMA’s 2023 Annual Meeting in Maui

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We have received several inquiries in recent days as to the state of our 2023 Annual Meeting, which is scheduled to take place on the island of Maui, Nov. 4-8th. With all communications down in the area, we have not been able to connect with our contacts at the Ritz Carlton, Kapalua, our host hotel. We have reached out to the Ritz Carlton main offices and requested any information that is available but have yet to receive a reply. Therefore, we have not made any decisions at this point.

As you can imagine, we remain in a holding pattern as of today. Once we receive word from the Ritz Carlton, the Board of Directors and staff will evaluate our options and decide how to best proceed based on the information provided to us.

Thank you for your patience and understanding. We will keep you informed as to the status of the host hotel, its property, and the surrounding areas as we learn more in the coming days and weeks.

Until then, please keep the people of Maui in your prayers.

As in years past, TMA will select a local charity for Annual Meeting attendees to support. The names of those who donate are entered into a raffle for a prize. We are currently researching local Maui charities for this year.

Considering the urgent and overwhelming need for aid in Maui today, we have identified several organizations that you may consider donating to prior to the meeting below.

DGA Mourns the Loss of VP Craig Dacher

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We learned yesterday of the passing of TMA member Craig Dacher, Vice President, DGA. He passed unexpectedly at his home on August 13th. Craig joined DGA in 1983 and was an essential contributor to DGA’s success over the last 40 years. He leaves an indelible mark on both the business and its employees.

A warm and deeply caring person, Craig made it a point to know each DGA employee and took sincere interest in their personal lives and authentic pride in their professional growth. His personal friendships with employees, customers, vendors, and members of the broader security industry span decades and his loss will be felt by many.

Raised in New York City, his warm smile and zest for life was evident to everyone he met. Craig’s legacy will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

He is survived by his loving wife Lori, who he met while she also worked at DGA, and two sons, Richard and Matthew.

Fourth Maryland ECC Goes Live with TMA’s Automated Secure Alarm Protocol

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The Queen Anne’s County MD Emergency Services is the 131st Emergency Communications Center (ECCs) in the United States to implement The Monitoring Association’s (TMA) Automated Secure Alarm Protocol (ASAP). 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).

Queen Anne’s County ECC is the 4th ECC in the state of Maryland to implement ASAP. The Center went live the week of July 17, 2023 with: Vector Security, Rapid Response Monitoring, Johnson Controls, Securitas (Stanley Div), Securitas, CPI, Security Central, Brinks Home Security, United Central Control, Protection One, National Monitoring Center, Vivint, Affiliated Monitoring, Guardian Protection and ADT.

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