TMA is a great resource for Video Monitoring leaders as well as those new to the industry or adding Video Monitoring as a service.

What defines Video Monitoring

Video monitoring companies specialize in delivering proactive and event-driven surveillance through live camera feeds, intelligent video analytics, and remote guarding services. Unlike traditional alarm monitoring centers, these companies focus on visual detection, deterrence, and verification, often replacing or supplementing physical security guards with technology.

• For those New to Video Monitoring
• For Leaders in Video Monitoring
• Key Differentiators for Video Monitoring-Only Companies
• Industry Articles and Videos
• Online Video Operator Training (Module Descriptions/Course Outline)
• State Licensing (Members Only)
• Best Practices Overview (in development, coming soon)
• Video Monitoring Standard (in development, draft in review with SVV committee)

TMA Committees: Members are encouraged to join committees that are of interest to you. The work of committees help steer the Association and the industry. For all things video monitoring, consider joining the Surveillance and Video Verification (SVV) Committee, their efforts have been instrumental in providing these resources. Visit the committees page for more information and to join.

For those New to Video Monitoring

Unlock Growth, Credibility, and Influence in the Evolving World of Video Monitoring

As a TMA member, video monitoring companies gain a seat at the table in shaping the future of proactive, tech-driven monitoring. Whether you’re offering remote guarding, event-based surveillance, or AI-enabled video analytics, TMA provides the platform, partnerships, and credibility to help your business scale and succeed.

Key Benefits

Industry Recognition and Credibility

• Align your company with the leading trade association for professional monitoring.
• Strengthen trust with clients and partners by demonstrating commitment to best practices, industry standards, education, and code of ethics.

Standards Leadership

• Influence the development of TMA’s video operator standard and video-related standards such as AVS-01 (alarm validation scoring) and ATN-01 (active threat notification).
• Gain early access to evolving standards that impact video verification, remote video services, and integration into ECCs/PSAPs.

Advocacy and Thought Leadership

• Ensure that the unique needs and concerns of video monitoring providers are represented in national and global conversations on licensing, compliance, and regulation.
• Get visibility by participating in TMA panels, publications, webinars, and the Mid-Year, OPSTech and Annual Meetings.

Business Networking and Partnerships

• Build relationships with monitoring centers, manufacturers, AI developers, and integrators seeking video partnerships and capabilities.
• Connect with companies looking to outsource video services or add video as part of a bundled solution.
• Expand globally, through international channels.

Access to Exclusive Training and Resources

• Use TMA’s operator training, best practices, and legal/regulatory updates tailored to evolving monitoring services.
• Stay ahead of trends in AI, video analytics, cybersecurity, and workforce optimization.

Participation in Cutting-Edge Events

• Showcase your technology and solutions at the Virtual Mid-Year, OPSTech, TMA Annual Meeting, webinars, and exclusive virtual product reviews.
• Take part in peer-to-peer conversations around staffing models, liability concerns, and performance metrics unique to video operations.

Summary Statement

TMA membership gives video monitoring companies the visibility, voice, and tools to lead the next wave of professional monitoring. Whether you’re redefining remote guarding or scaling your video-based services, TMA connects you to the standards, partners, and industry channels that matter most. As a TMA member, your video monitoring company gains industry credibility, a powerful voice in standards development, and direct access to the leaders shaping the future of professional monitoring. Whether you’re delivering remote guarding, AI-driven analytics, or proactive surveillance, TMA connects you with the partnerships, advocacy, and resources to help you grow, influence, and lead in this rapidly evolving space.

For Leaders in Video Monitoring

Lead the Future of Video Monitoring with TMA

As a leader in video monitoring, your company is already redefining how security is delivered—through remote guarding, event-based surveillance, and AI-driven analytics. TMA membership amplifies your influence by giving you a seat at the table to shape the future of proactive, tech-enabled monitoring. It connects you to a trusted network of professional monitoring pioneers, aligns you with evolving industry standards, and provides the platform, partnerships, and credibility to help your business scale, innovate, and lead.

Key Membership Benefits

Industry Recognition and Strategic Credibility

• Position your company alongside the most respected names in professional monitoring.
• Reinforce your commitment to excellence through affiliation with the industry’s most trusted association.

Standards Development and Influence

• Help shape the future of video monitoring through direct involvement in TMA standards like the upcoming video operator standard, AVS-01 (alarm validation scoring), and ATN-01 (active threat notification).
• Gain early insight into regulatory and technical frameworks that will define tomorrow’s service models.

Advocacy and Executive-Level Visibility

• Ensure the voice of video companies is heard in national and global discussions around licensing, compliance, and public-private integration.
• Gain visibility through speaking opportunities, leadership committees, and published thought leadership.

Strategic Partnerships and Industry Access

• Build high-value relationships with monitoring centers, manufacturers, AI developers, and integrators seeking video partnerships and capabilities.
• Connect with companies looking to outsource video services or add video as part of a bundled solution.
• Expand globally, through international channels.

Specialized Training and Competitive Intelligence

• Access exclusive training programs tailored for video operators and hybrid service teams.
• Stay on the leading edge of AI, cybersecurity, operational scaling, and analytics innovation.

Showcase and Shape the Conversation

• Showcase your technology and solutions at the Virtual Mid-Year, OPSTech, TMA Annual Meeting, webinars, and exclusive virtual product reviews.
• Take part in peer-to-peer conversations around staffing models, liability concerns, and performance metrics unique to video operations.

Summary Statement

TMA is where leaders in video monitoring gain influence, amplify innovation, and shape the future of professional monitoring. Join a community that recognizes your leadership—and gives you the platform to elevate it.

Key Differentiators for Video Monitoring-Only Companies

Industry Articles and Videos

(Note: Some articles are behind a firewall for subscribers. Sign-up is free.)

• SDM Article: To Get Into Video, Act With Decisiveness & a Bias for Action
• SDM Article: TMA’s Ultimate Guide to Operator Best Practices
• Video (April 2024): Strategic Surveillance: Advanced Techniques in Camera Positioning
• Video (April 2024): Elevating Security: Advanced Training for Video Monitoring Excellence

Module Descriptions: Video Monitoring for Monitoring Center Operators

New Video Operators: Foundational Training

These foundational modules will provide an essential introduction to video monitoring systems and practices, ideal for those beginning their journey as video operators:

• Module 1: Introduction to Video Monitoring Systems
  An integrated overview of video monitoring and camera systems, offering a clear understanding of different types of monitoring systems, how they work, and their critical role in modern security. In production – Release end of Q2
• Module 2: Proactive Visual Security: System Meets Operator
  Explore how operators and systems collaborate to create a proactive, effective security environment.
• Module 3: The Video Monitoring Process
  Gain step-by-step insights into effective monitoring processes, from detection to response.
• Module 4: Operator Self-Care
  Learn essential self-care techniques to maintain focus, resilience, and effectiveness in a demanding role.
• Module 5: Legal and Computer Safety
  Understand legal considerations and best practices for computer safety to ensure compliance and secure operations.

Experienced Video Operators: Advanced Training

The advanced modules explore specialized topics, helping seasoned operators enhance their expertise and capabilities:

• Module 6: Understanding Camera Placement and Installation
  Learn the importance of strategic placement and proper installation to maximize the effectiveness of proactive monitoring.
• Module 7: Importance and Use of Audio Broadcasting/Voice Down Systems
  Discover how to leverage audio systems to deter threats and enhance real-time intervention.
• Module 8: Keeping the System Running: Troubleshooting and Limitations
  Master techniques for diagnosing and resolving technical issues, ensuring system efficiency and reliability.
• Module 9: Taking Security Beyond Verification: The Power of Remote Guarding
  Explore advanced remote guarding capabilities to elevate security operations beyond traditional monitoring.

View the course outline HERE.

State Licensing (Members Only) 

TMA’s Compliance Community actively tracks state licensing requirements for professional monitoring services. In all states where a business license is required for professional monitoring, a license is also required for video monitoring. We suggest you verify information with a licensing professional.

The US state summaries include detailed licensing information for the sale, installation, subcontracted installation, and monitoring of residential and commercial systems—covering intrusion, video monitoring, CCTV, and fire detection.

There are seven states that currently do not require licensing: Colorado, Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri, New Hampshire, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. These states, however, may have jurisdictions that have licensing requirements.

These summaries are available exclusively to TMA members. To join the group, request access to the full summaries or a quick-reference licensing table, email ComplianceRequest@tma.us.