Finalists for 2019 TMA/SSI Monitoring Technology “Marvel” Award Announced

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The Monitoring Association and Security Sales & Integration announced the finalists for “the Marvel” — the inaugural TMA/SSI Monitoring Technology “Marvel” Award. They are:

  • CPI Security
  • Securens Systems Pvt. Ltd.

This award honors innovations in monitoring center technology. It is co-sponsored by TMA and Security Sales & Integration (SSI) and coordinated by the TMA Technology Committee.

The purpose of the Marvel is to provide recognition for monitoring centers creating and/or using cutting-edge technology and to raise awareness of these new technologies.

The Marvel will be presented to one overall winner for the “best adoption of new technology to advance your business.” Submission categories included:

  • Best implementation of video verification
  • Best implementation of PERS monitoring
  • Best technology to build efficiency in monitoring
  • Best cybersecurity
  • Best new business model
  • Best migration to the cloud

The winner of the Marvel will be announced on June 3, 2019 in Indianapolis (as part of the 2019 Electronic Security Expo) and will be featured in the August 2019 Monitoring Issue of SSI. Runners-up will also receive coverage in the issue.

2019 TMA Excellence Awards Finalists Announced

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The Monitoring Association (TMA) is pleased to announce the twelve finalists for the 2019 TMA Excellence Awards. Listed in alphabetical order by company within each category, they are:

2019 TMA Monitoring Center of the Year

  1. CPI
  2. Guardian
  3. Lydia (COPS)

2019 TMA Manager of the Year

  1. Tracy Ehrsam, Habitec Security
  2. Patricia Morse, Richmond Alarm Company
  3. Sarah Murphy, Sonitrol

2019 TMA Operator of the Year

  1. Ciera Cannon, Universal Atlantic Systems
  2. Jane Starkey, Habitec Security
  3. Charles White, Affiliated

2019 TMA Support Person of the Year

  1. Adam Crowe, Alarm Systems
  2. Ben Perry, Universal Atlantic Systems
  3. Robert Rodriguez, Affiliated

“Each year, we take tremendous pride in recognizing Monitoring Centers who demonstrate their commitment to excellence, as well as those working in key support roles within the monitoring industry whose dedication, skills, and abilities set them apart from their peers,” said Leigh A. McGuire, director of Marketing and Communications, TMA. “Our finalists this year represent the best–in-class within the monitoring industry today and we extend our sincere congratulations to each company and professional.”

The TMA Monitoring Center Excellence Awards recognize any FM Approvals, Intertek/ETL or UL-listed monitoring center (TMA members and non-members) and outstanding personnel who perform in the highest professional manner, thereby making a significant contribution to the betterment of the alarm industry and the alarm profession while demonstrating exceptional service to their customers and community.

The purpose of the awards program is to:

  • Establish and promote the inherent value of professional monitoring services in general.
  • Honor those who have made the most significant contributions to the service.
  • Promote the distinct level of professionalism attained by NRTL-approved monitoring centers.

The TMA Monitoring Center Excellence Awards are co-sponsored by SDM Magazine, which will publish a feature story on the winners later this summer. Entries are judged by a blue-ribbon volunteer judging panel appointed by TMA. The four winners will be announced at the Opening Reception of the 2019 Electronic Security Expo (ESX) on Monday, June 3, 2019.

NY State Police Officer to Receive 2019 TMA Public Sector Award

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The Monitoring Association [TMA] is pleased to announce New York State Lieutenant Rachael VanDeusen is the 2019 recipient of its Public Sector Award. Lt. VanDeusen is credited with leading the efforts to expand access to TMA’s ASAP-to-PSAP1 Service via the New York eJustice Information System (CIIS). She will be the fifth recipient of the award, which was established in 2015 to recognize a public sector individual’s contribution to the alarm industry and its subscribers. Lt. VanDeusen will receive the Award at a luncheon on June 6 at the Electronic Security Expo (ESX) in Indianapolis, IN

The ASAP-to-PSAP service, launched in 2011 as a public-private partnership, is based on an American National Standard developed jointly by the Association of Public Safety Communications Officials (APCO) International and TMA, then the Central Station Alarm Association (CSAA). The service provides a standardized method, through the use of automation and the power of Nlets, to deliver alarm notifications to 9-1-1 Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs). The result can be an increase in the likelihood of law enforcement apprehensions for crimes in-progress and of fire quickly extinguished with minimal property damage. ASAP can be a life-saver for a medical emergency patient when every second counts.

“Through her efforts in sharing her vision with the New York State Police command staff and in working in collaboration with COMMs, Lt. VanDeusen has introduced life-saving technologies that will ultimately lead to greater safety throughout her community,” stated Ivan Spector, president, TMA. “She has demonstrated extraordinary leadership and determination. TMA is very honored to present this year’s Public Sector Award to Lt. VanDeusen in recognition of and appreciation for unwavering efforts.”

Of particular significance, Suffolk County Fire Rescue Communications Center (known as COMMs) will be the first fire-only PSAP in the nation to be connected to ASAP via a state law enforcement system. Traditionally, by policy or law, non-law enforcement agencies have not been able to access the state CISS system, the primary method for PSAPs to access the ASAP service. COMMs is a part of the Suffolk County Government, servicing 1.5 million residents and 10,000 first responders.

The award recipient must be nominated by one or more TMA members in good standing. Bob Turner, TMA ASAP Consultant and Jay Hahn, former President and former Executive Director & CEO of TMA put Lt. VanDeusen’s name forward for consideration.                            

Visit TMA’s website to learn more about previous winners of its annual Public Sector Award and the ASAP-to-PSAP service.

Lt. Rachael VanDeusen

TMA Intoduces New False Alarm Reduction Program

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TMA and the Security Industry Alarm Coalition (SIAC) are pleased to announce the availability of a newly-created false alarm course developed to help TMA member companies educate customers on how to use alarm systems responsibly.

Studies have shown that alarm user error is the main cause of false alarms, rather than equipment failure. The bottom line is false alarms cost you, your customers, and your community money and resources. Once customers are comfortable with their alarm systems, they will avoid false alarms and maximize their security investment.

This course will review how alarm systems work and what you can do to avoid mistakes that cause false alarms.

By avoiding false alarms, customers will be able to get the most out of their alarm systems and not worry about fines or suspension of services.  Customers can rest easy knowing that when unexpected emergencies occur, their alarm company is there to respond to any alarms generated from their systems.

LEARN MORE

TMA Launches Five Diamond Dealer Program

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The Monitoring Association [TMA] has launched its Five Diamond Dealer Program. An extension of its prestigious Five Diamond Designation, which is the standard of excellence for the monitoring industry, the new program provides the means for TMA Five Diamond-designated alarm companies to share the benefits of its designation with key dealers. TMA is an internationally-recognized non-profit trade association whose mission is to advance the professional monitoring industry through education, advocacy, standards, and public safety relationships.

“TMA’s Five Diamond designation is the benchmark for excellence for monitoring centers. Designees share a commitment to the highest levels of customer service, education, and standards,” stated Ralph Sevinor, chair, TMA Five Diamond Committee. “We are pleased to offer this valuable new opportunity to dealers and monitoring companies with dealers whose level of commitment is aligned with the Five Diamond designation.”

TMA President Ivan Spector, added, “TMA’s mission has long been focused on advancing professionalism across the monitoring industry. With the addition of the Five Diamond Dealer program, TMA is positioning a new network of security dealers to be recognized for excellence in the services they provide and to, ultimately, achieve greater recognition and success.”                                                                                     

Detailed program information, including eligibility, benefits, and application guidelines are available online.

Professional Installation and Monitoring Associations Dispute Google’s Statement, “Security Systems Often Use Microphones”

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Recent reporting by Business Insider, CNN Business and many other publications have highlighted the undisclosed, on-board microphone discovered in Google’s Nest Guard Security Device—raising serious privacy concerns among consumers. The Monitoring Association (TMA) and the Electronic Security Association (ESA), trade associations representing professionals who install and monitor security and life safety technologies in homes and businesses, call into question the validity of Google’s published statements concerning the use of microphones in security devices. According to TMA and ESA, statements such as, “security systems often include microphones to provide features that rely on sound sensing,” misrepresent the vast majority of today’s residential security systems installed throughout the country.

Since audio recording includes privacy and legal complexities, it’s not extremely common in residential installations. Security professionals and integrators consult with customers and ensure all federal and state laws are abided by.

“Adding audio surveillance can certainly make for a more robust system,” says ESA President, Chris Mosley. “We’re seeing exciting advancements in the audio surveillance category, such as acoustic sensors and microphones that can help us detect gunfire or when voices become elevated that could indicate potential violence. However, sweeping statements to infer that residential systems commonly have this feature are simply not accurate.”

Louroe Electronics, an ESA Member company and 40-year-old manufacturer of audio-based technologies concurs with this analysis. “Sound-based technology in security systems is common in law enforcement, institutional, and smart city installations. However, the use of microphones for surveillance in residences is extremely rare on account of heightened expectations of privacy,” says the company’s CEO, Richard Brent.

“Security systems are now an important part of the customer home experience in that we can integrate with audio assistance,” says Ivan Spector, TMA President. “However professionally installed and monitored security systems are not designed to record data and conversations unbeknownst to our customers.”

According to both associations, adding microphones and audio capabilities to security systems adds another level of precaution that must be taken to install the system in a way that protects the privacy of the consumer.

Professionally installed systems have the backing of technology experts who know the full capability of the system and its components and can appropriately safeguard these systems, so as not to compromise privacy.

Visit www.tma.us to learn more about The Monitoring Association or to  find an ESA security professional in your area, visit www.alarm.org.

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About The Monitoring Association

The Monitoring Association (TMA), formerly the Central Station Alarm Association (CSAA), is an internationally-recognized non-profit trade association that represents professional monitoring companies, security systems integrators, and providers of products and services to the industry. Incorporated in 1950, TMA is legally entitled to represent its members before Congress and regulatory agencies on the local, state and federal levels, and other authorities having jurisdiction (AHJs) over the industry. Learn more online at http://tma.us/about-tma/.

About the Electronic Security Association (ESA)

Established in 1948, ESA is the largest trade association in the United States representing the electronic security and life safety industry. Member companies install, integrate and monitor intrusion and fire detection, video surveillance and electronic access control systems for commercial, residential, industrial and governmental clients. In cooperation with an alliance of chapter associations, ESA provides technical and management training, government advocacy and delivers information, advice, tools, and services that members use to grow their businesses and prosper. Together, ESA member companies employ more than 500,000 industry professionals and serve more than 34 million residential and commercial clients. To find an ESA security professional in your area, visit www.alarm.org

TMA Welcomes Stanley Security VP to its Executive Committee

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The Monitoring Association [TMA] today announced the appointment of Steve Walker, vice president of Customer Service for Minneapolis-based Stanley Convergent Security Solutions, to the Executive Committee of its Board of Directors. Walker brings over 20 years of leadership experience in security operations and IT to his new role on the TMA Board of Directors.

“I have been proud to serve on the TMA Board of Directors for many years and have been grateful to be part of an organization that serves our industry in so many important ways,” Walker commented. “As I step into this new role, I look forward to helping and serving our leadership team as we navigate the waters of change in the years ahead.”

TMA President Ivan Spector remarked, “Steve’s vast wealth of industry knowledge and experience, coupled with his business acumen, is a tremendous asset to TMA as we look to grow, diversify, and keep pace with new technologies impacting our members. We are grateful for his continued service and his many contributions to TMA on behalf of our members.”

Walker’s career in security began at Honeywell Security where he followed its transition to private equity ownership (HSM Security). He later went on to work for Stanley Black & Decker. In addition to previous service on the TMA Board and his current co-chairmanship of the Surveillance and Video Verification Committee, Walker has served on the Board of Directors (past president) of the Partnership for Priority Verified Alarm Response (PPVAR).

Morgan Hertel Honored with TMA’s Lott Award

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Rapid Response’s Morgan Hertel Honored with Stanley C. Lott Award at 2017 TMA Annual Meeting

Morgan Hertel, vice president of Technology and Innovation for Rapid Response Monitoring Services, Inc. was awarded The Monitoring Association (TMA)’s highest honor, the Stanley C. Lott Memorial Award for Exemplary Service, at the 2017 Annual Meeting in Scottsdale, AZ on October 11.

This award was created to honor the memory of Stanley C. Lott, a TMA (CSAA) past president renowned for his above-and-beyond efforts to lead and financially support the Association through difficult times.

“As always, the Lott Award was presented to a person who has demonstrated above and beyond commitment to our association and to the industry over a number of years,” said Pamela J. Petrow, then-president of TMA, who presented the award. “Morgan is someone who gives tirelessly of his time through committee work, responding on our digital community board, and in one-to-one consultation, all in an effort to improve our association and to educate others in the industry … including his competitors!”

“Morgan is a chair or participant on numerous committees – not only TMA’s, but on SIA, ESA, AICC, PPVAR and UL groups,” Petrow continued. “I would guess that the majority of people present when we announced his name at the Annual Meeting have benefited from Morgan’s knowledge and wisdom, which he shares so generously. I am honored to be the president who presented Morgan with the Lott Award – it is richly deserved.”

Hertel has been with Rapid Response since 2012. His work has led to many technological enhancements to the company’s infrastructure and the development of its west coast monitoring center in Corona, CA. He is well known throughout the industry, is a contributor to many industry publications and has served in various capacities in its education programs and in the development of standards. He is the chair of TMA’s Contract Monitoring Council and, in June 2017, was elected to the position of Vice President on the TMA Board of Directors.

“This is really an honor and a privilege – not only to receive this award but to be here at the TMA Annual Meeting,” said Hertel. “One of the reasons I do what I do is a personal belief in the importance of giving back. I think many in our industry feel the same way. You give back to your community, church, faith, your industry that’s provided you with a great living over the last 40 years. I’m honored to receive this and it’s great to be recognized, but really it’s another opportunity for inspire other industry members and their kids and the people following behind us to start giving back.”

Find out more about the Stanley C. Lott Award and view the list of recipients since 1991 at http://tma.us/stanley-c-lott-award/.

Morgan Hertel (left) and Pam Petrow

New Year’s ASAP® News: Vivint is Latest Company to Connect

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Implementation of the “Automated Secure Alarm Protocol” is Building Nationwide;
Boca Raton is First Connected PSAP in Florida

VIENNA, VA (January 12, 2016) – Vivint, one of the largest smart home technology providers in North America with more than one million customers, is the latest national alarm company to go live with ASAP®.

“We are very pleased to announce that Vivint has completed testing and officially is live with ASAP messaging,” said CSAA President Pamela J. Petrow. “They join the ever-growing list of companies actively participating in this technology and further increasing our accuracy and speed at getting emergency information to the first responders.”

“We are excited to be live with our first PSAP—Richmond, VA,” said Amy Becht, Vivint Director of Central Stations. “We plan on steadily adding additional PSAPs in the coming weeks.”

CSAA announced in December that Vector Security and Rapid Response went operational in production with Boca Raton on December 16, followed by Monitronics on December 17. This is the first ASAP implementation in the state of Florida. “We had great momentum throughout 2015 and look forward to the continuation of added PSAPs and connected alarm companies in 2016,” said Petrow.

ASAP was launched in 2011 as a public-private partnership, designed to increase the efficiency and reliability of emergency electronic signals from central station alarm companies to Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs). ASAP utilizes ANSI standard protocols developed cooperatively by the Association of Public Communications Officials (APCO) and the Central Station Alarm Association (CSAA).

With ASAP, critical life safety signals and accurate information is processed more quickly, through the Nlets system of state-to-state PSAP communication, insuring that complete and accurate information is transmitted to the PSAP every time. The ASAP program has the potential to save PSAPs and emergency services millions of dollars.

For more information on ASAP or to access ASAP resources (videos, webinars, training and outreach materials), contact CSAA at asap@csaaintl.org or 703-242-4670, or visit csaaintl.org/asap.

 

Stanley Security Implements ASAP®

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“Automated Secure Alarm Protocol” is Spreading Nationwide

VIENNA, VA (November 20, 2015) – Stanley Security, one of the world’s largest and most comprehensive security providers, went live with ASAP® in the city of Richmond, VA on October 22.

“We understand that this program is an important step forward for both our industry and for law enforcement, and we are proud to be part of this transformational process in public safety,” said Steve Walker, Vice President of Customer Service for Stanley. “The electronic communication of alarm information will reduce dispatch times, improve the accuracy of data exchanged between the monitoring center and the PSAP and, most importantly, will create the opportunity for law enforcement to respond more quickly to alarms.”

“The addition of Stanley is a big step in the advancement of ASAP,” said CSAA Executive Director Jay Hauhn. “The growth of the program this year has been tremendous. With the numbers of ASAP-active alarm companies and interested PSAPs, I believe we have reached the point where we will see widespread deployment in 2016.”

“We have appreciated the capable support of Bill Hobgood (Project Manager, Public Safety Team Department of Information Technology City of Richmond, VA) in helping us to navigate through the procedural challenges of implementing the ASAP-to-PSAP program,” continued Walker. “We have also appreciated the support of our partners at IBS in adapting the SBN monitoring automation platform to successfully leverage the ASAP-to-PSAP communications.”

Looking ahead, Walker commented, “We’re moving forward to expand our ASAP implementation at Stanley to include the other PSAPs in the DC area and have set our sights on going live in Houston in early 2016.”

ASAP was launched in 2011 as a public-private partnership, designed to increase the efficiency and reliability of emergency electronic signals from central station alarm companies to Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs). ASAP utilizes ANSI standard protocols developed cooperatively by the Association of Public Communications Officials (APCO) and the Central Station Alarm Association (CSAA).

With ASAP, critical life safety signals and accurate information is processed more quickly, through the Nlets system of state-to-state PSAP communication, insuring that complete and accurate information is transmitted to the PSAP every time. The ASAP program has the potential to save PSAPs and emergency services millions of dollars.

 

For more information on ASAP or to access ASAP resources (videos, webinars, training and outreach materials), contact CSAA at asap@csaaintl.org or 703-242-4670, or visit csaaintl.org/asap.

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About CSAA International

The Central Station Alarm Association International (CSAA) is an internationally-recognized non-profit trade association that represents professional monitoring companies that are listed by a CSAA-approved Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory, such as FM Approvals, Intertek/ETL or UL. CSAA is legally entitled to represent its members before Congress and regulatory agencies on the local, state and federal levels, and other authorities having jurisdiction (AHJs) over the industry. Since its incorporation in 1950, CSAA has served its members’ interests through education, online training, meetings and conventions, certification, insurance, and industry standards. www.csaaintl.org. For more information, contact Elizabeth Lasko at CSAA, 703-242-4670 x 16.