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Micro Key Solutions, Kissimmee, Fla., a provider of software solutions for the security alarm industry, in cooperation with the Central Station Alarm Association (CSAA), a trade association that represents companies offering security (alarm) monitoring systems through a central station, is offering to pay the first year’s CSAA membership dues for any CSAA-approved, nationally recognized testing laboratory (NRTL) central station using Micro Key Solutions’ Millennium Series™ monitoring software. This offer, which began Jan. 1, 2011, is open to non-CSAA members, and will be in effect for proprietary and commercial central stations throughout the United States and Canada throughout the rest of 2011.

A drafted bill in the state of New York has garnered much attention and zealous opinions from the alarm industry in the past few months. Article 6-E was developed by a committee of volunteers from the New York Burglar and Fire Alarm Association (NYBFAA) and would require all central stations to become licensed in the state in order to provide monitoring services. The licensing application would require fingerprinting of all operators and central station staff, a provision for potential State-required competency examinations and continued training among others.

Preparations for the Super Bowl were taking place around-the-clock at Dallas Cowboys Stadium when, amidst the excitement happening on the field, the Electronic Security Association (ESA) held its Leadership Awards presentation on a level of the stadium that overlooks the magnificent playing field and the world’s largest LED display made by Mitsubishi at 72-ft. high by 160-ft. wide on each of its two sides.

The Boston Police Department has adopted a new policy in its public safety answering point (PSAP) that gives dispatch priority to video intrusion alarms. A security industry group including representatives from Stanley CSS, ASG Security, American Alarm, Wayne Alarm Systems and Videofied has been campaigning for PSAPs to implement formal procedures to deal with alarm events where video that confirms a probable crime in progress is present. Boston is the first large city to formally implement such a policy.

A new bill concerning fire alarm installation, monitoring and maintenance was proposed by the House of Representatives during the Illinois 97th General Assembly on Feb. 9, 2011. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Donald L. Moffitt, was moved from the Rules Committee to the Executive Committee on Feb. 15, bringing it one step closer to becoming law.

Custom Alarm, Rochester, Minn., was recognized by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce for being one of the top 75 small businesses in the United States. The company was named a Blue Ribbon Small Business Award winner for the second straight year. These small businesses recognized have shown tremendous dedication to restoring jobs and prosperity despite a challenging economy.

ESA will hold its annual Day on Capitol Hill May 3 and 4, 2011 in Washington, D.C. The association invites colleagues to join them as they meet with congressional representatives and their staffs to discuss issues that are critical to the security industry and public safety.
 

If you reassure Harriett Knight, you’ll be assured that, with a significant reduction in false alarms, the highest priority calls will get quicker response.

Knight, a supervisor in the 9-1-1 Detroit call center, says her operators receive more than 300 calls a day. She added the city’s recent commitment to enhanced call verification (ECV) through a partnership with local and national security industry leaders created a level of trust that has impacted the quality of police and emergency response on the city streets.

There’s so much happening in the video surveillance market in 2011. From A (analytics) to Z (zettabytes), continued advancement in key areas means the best video has to offer just keeps getting better. 

 On March 3, the House passed H.R. 4 by a vote of 314 to 112 to repeal the 1099 IRS reporting provisions enacted in 2010 for small businesses.