Security System Alarm Monitoring Centre

A brief introduction to our security alarm monitoring system

Crime Prevention Services Ltd operates an alarm monitoring security system or Alarm Receiving Centre (“ARC”), from where security alarm systems protecting client premises throughout the country are monitored.  As security alarm systems events arise, signals are transmitted to us and our Operators view & assess the signalled data then instigate response as appropriate.

The security alarm monitoring centre is continuously manned,
24hours a day, every day of the year

What types of security alarm monitoring do we offer ?
We monitor the following security alarms, primarily:

• Fire alarms
• Personal attack and Hold-up alarms
• Intruder Alarm Systems and Security Alarms
• Detector activated CCTV systems
• Remote video receiving centre

Each monitored security alarm system incorporates a communicator which, as well as signalling the security alarm event data, has the capability for signalling a wide variety of additional information.  These are logged, sometimes auto-handled as an information source, and sometimes are exception-based events requiring our ARC Operators to report or act upon.  Examples include:

• Outside hours entry to premises
• Routine site opening & closing
• Power failure
• Low battery alert
• Communication path failure
• Refrigeration failure

When would we call the police to a security alarm signal?
The police have a very specific policy in respect of responding to an intruder alarm or security alarm.  They want only to attend genuine events and they come down heavily on systems that generate false alarms that result in their unnecessary and wasted attendance.
Since 2002, systems incorporate intelligent signalling such that the first detector to activate would signal to us as an ‘unconfirmed alarm’.  This would not be reported to the police.
The moment a second independent signal is generated (subject to certain criteria) a ‘confirmed security alarm’ situation is signalled.  This is the point when the police can be called upon to attend.

How do we know who to call?
The Alarm Monitoring centre is a computerised call-centre, with all our operators located at their networked workstations.  As each signal is delivered to us it is received on our Sentinel Plus security alarm handling system.

As the Operator ‘takes control’ of the received signal, the system automatically brings to screen the full event detail and the action instructions and contact details.  Every call has to be handled rapidly and within very tight time constraints and all matters are irrevocably logged as the handling process creates a full audit trail of our actions.
On screen is therefore instantly displayed:

• Emergency Service detail & URN
• Site information
• Event detail
• Key holder details
• Response action instructions

What if a key holder changes?
Each customer is registered with us and has a capability to access our secure Sentinel Plus website, where they have unique access to their system for maintenance and event reports. So if a key holder changes, be that permanently or temporarily, simply log on, enter your password, then update the information.
Similarly, should you want to run off a report of particular matters, such as a list of site open and close times for the month, just enter the report criteria and print it off.

What types of communicator do we monitor?
There are various technologies we monitor, dependent upon the level of integrity and security a risk or application assumes.
At entry level we have the telecom module, an analogue or digital single path device which communicates over an unmonitored PSTN or ISDN landline.

More secure methods, as required in PD6662:2004 Grade 3 systems for example, require dual path signalling.  Redcare GSM is an example of this level, with the primary path being the PSTN landline and a secondary GSM path, utilised if the landline fails.  Both are polled to establish they are in tact so that a failure of either or both is identified rapidly at the ARC.
Alternative secure signalling may utilise Broadband with Stealth Polling for a secure and cost effective comms solution.

How secure is the alarm monitoring centre?
In a word:  VERY

The Alarm monitoring Centre is built and operated in accordance with BS5979:  2000. It is contained within a steel lined re-inforced shell with controlled access through steel plated interlocking doors.  Every foreseeable eventuality has been addressed to safeguard against catastrophe and there are some high security safeguards continuously in place to ensure our clients are in safe hands.
Add to this all staff  are police checked and rigorously security screened ahead of appointment, in accordance with BS7858.

Are we approved and recognised by the police, insurers, etc?
Absolutely.

By the industry regulators, the National Security Inspectorate, we have NSI Gold approval for the monitoring of:

• Intruder Alarms
• Fire Alarms
• BS8418 Detector Activated CCTV systems
• CCTV systems used in Security applications

This automatically gains acceptability by all major insurers and we are registered with police forces and fire brigades across the UK.
For further details see: http://www.nsi.org.uk/jkcm/default.asp?pg=212&rollcode=2747

For further information visit the National Security Inspectorate website:  http://www.nsi.org.uk

Our Business is Protecting Yours
NSI APPROVED SYSTEMS INSTALLER & MONITORING CENTRE