“…The new “2018 Model Ordinance”, revised by traditional alarm industry leadership and powerful alarm associations like SIAC, have made several meaningful concessions. Including the reversal of a major commitment that could confuse association followers… recognition and support of VR-Verified Response. However, the new model ordinance deletes nearly all alarm industry accountability or responsibility for unnecessary police response produced by false alarms from customer alarm systems, which minimizes the solution to the problem. We believe this unsupported arrogance will continue to dilute alarm industry credibility with law enforcement, and dilute customer expectations, and market value of RMR. Municipalities could be required to rebate $millions of fines and fees that were directed at the wrong perpetrator. Related class-action litigation is already filed… ”
Back-story:
All customer systems are on long term contracts that are industry specific. All customer systems produce RMR- Recurring Revenue via a monthly fee that average between $25-$40. Business models for the “contract originator dealers” provide an on-premises sales presentation and system design, including selection and placement of sensors and related components and controllers. Selection of the remote monitoring service and related technology is also provided by the contract originator. It is a professionally customized access control system, aka “burglar alarm”. Most contract originators are licensed by state and/or local agencies.
The typical customer has little or no knowledge, or training, or experience that could contribute to their on-site customized alarm system, or the off-site monitoring service. Thus the alarm industry has near total control and responsibility for the function and compatibility of the customer system. Meaningful reduction of unnecessary police response must be focused on the professional alarm suppliers, especially the end-of-the-line monitoring firms. The customer has little or no responsibility for unnecessary police response.
Source: Lee Jones; Support Services Group