301.519.9237 exdirector@nesaus.org

January 23, 2017

Association Events

Door to Door Sales

  • State AG’s Office settles with Utah home security firm in consumer …
    1.20.17 – The Pennsylvania Record – The OAG’s Bureau of Consumer Protection looking into the matter led to the settlement with Vivint, Inc., doing business as APX Alarm Security Solutions, Inc. More Info

Public Safety Updates

  • IL: Salem City Council Sees No Need to Change Police False Alarm Fees
    1.17.17 – WJBD Online – A representative of the alarm company, Daniel Dice of Security Alarm, said he understood the city’s policy which is similar to others in the area. He added they … More Info
  • MA: Faulty alarms and more send out firefighters
    1.17.17 – Brainerd Dispatch – The Brainerd Fire Department responded to a variety of calls over the weekend that included faulty alarms and calls where firefighters were canceled en route… More Info
  • NC: City to hike burglar alarm fee
    1.18.17 – The High Point Enterprise – High Point — An increase in permitting fees for residents and businesses with alarm systems are among changes being made to the city’s false alarm … More Info
  • OH: County Commissioners: Residents could face fines for false alarms …
    1.17.17 – The Post – Bud Bucher, an officer at the Humane Society, told the Athens County Commissioners on Tuesday that the department has fielded multiple false alarms alleging … More Info

Industry News

  • American Alarm acquires
    1.13.17 – SSN -Arlington, Mass.- American Alarm and Communications, a regional full-service security provider based here, announced a new acquisition. What did they gain? More Info
  • Lydia, UCC reflect on deal one year after acquisition
    1.16.17 – SSN – San Antonio – In January 2016, Lydia Security Monitoring acquired wholesale monitoring center UCC based here. One year after the acquisition, dust is settling and UCC is improving its operations while maintaining its core staff. More Info
  • Interface Security remodeling command center in Texas
    1.18.17 – SSN – Earth City, Mo.- Interface Security Systems Holdings, Inc., a national provider of cloud-based managed network services and security systems for retail, commercial and small business customers, is remodeling its command center in Plano, Texas, to meet the expanding needs of its growing clientele. More Info
  • CSAA prepares for 2017, changing name to The Monitoring Association
    1.16.17 – SSN – Vienna, Va.- Over the course of 2017, as the Central Station Alarm Association transitions to The Monitoring Association, it will get a new look, new logo. More Info
  • Veracity acquires icomply to deliver ‘security systems integration’
    1.19.17 – SecurityNewsDesk – It also expands Veracity’s portfolio of innovative, independent, security system solutions with flexible integration within surveillance, alarm receiving, incident … More Info
  • Alarm industry to continue to ride the wave of smart home tech
    1.20.17 – SecurityInfoWatch – However, while the smart home has helped to reinvigorate the alarm market, it has also brought with it some notable challenges, including new competition from … More Info

Legislative News

Bill Text Description History
CTHB05236
Text
AN ACT EXEMPTING SMOKE DETECTORS AND CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTORS FROM THE SALES TAX.
Status: 1/6/2017 : Referred to Joint Committee on Finance, Revenue and Bonding
History
FLHB00227
Text
Introduced by Senate Ethics and Elections | Specifies that provisions regulating electrical alarm system contractors do not prevent such contractors from acting as prime contractor or from subcontracting work to other licensed contractors under certain circumstances.
Status: 1/11/2017 : House – Filed
History
FLHB00241
Text
Introduced by Senate Ethics and Elections | Redefines term low-voltage alarm system project defines low-voltage electric fence provides requirements for low-voltage electric fence to be permitted as low-voltage alarm system project.
Status: 1/12/2017 : House – Filed
History
INSB00343
Text
Mike Bohacek | Carbon monoxide alarms in new homes. Requires the installation of carbon monoxide alarms in new single family and multifamily residential construction.
Status: 01/09/2017 : First reading: referred to Committee on Commerce and Technology
History
OKSB00113
Text
Alarm and Locksmiths; modifying member terms; powers of Commissioner of Labor. Effective date.
Status: 02/06/2017 : Authored by Senator Thompson
History
OKHB01593
Text
Professions and occupations; Alarm, Locksmith and Fire Sprinkler Industry Act; transferring certain duties to Commissioner of Labor; effective date; emergency.
Status: 02/06/2017 : Authored by Representative Hardin
History
ORSB00039
Text
Provides Board on Public Safety Standards and Training and Department of Public Safety Standards and Training with powers related to suspension of private security providers.
Status: 1-17-2017 : Referred to Judiciary.
History
ORSB00040
Text
Requires all private security providers to use same application process for certification or licensure.
Status: 1-17-2017 : Referred to Judiciary.
History
SCHB03005
Text
Collins | A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 5-25-1310, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO SMOKE DETECTOR REQUIREMENTS FOR ONE-FAMILY AND TWO-FAMILY DWELLINGS, SO AS TO RECHARACTERIZE “SMOKE DETECTORS” AS “SMOKE ALARMS” AND TO REQUIRE THAT ALL EXISTING ONE-FAMILY, TWO-FAMILY, AND MULTIFAMILY DWELLINGS MUST BE EQUIPPED WITH APPROVED AND PROPERLY FUNCTIONING SMOKE ALARMS
Status: 01/10/17 : Referred to Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry
All Versions: Introduced
History
SCHB03006
Text
Gilliard | A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING ARTICLE 1 TO CHAPTER 3, TITLE 52 SO AS TO REQUIRE MOTION PICTURE THEATERS, SPORTING ARENAS, AND CONCERT VENUES TO INSTALL AND OPERATE METAL DETECTORS.
Status: 01/10/17 : Referred to Committee on Judiciary
All Versions: Introduced
History
SCHB03038
Text
Duckworth | A BILL TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING CHAPTER 42 TO TITLE 40 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE LICENSURE OF LOCKSMITHS
Status: 01/11/17 : Member
All Versions: Introduced
History

 

State & National News

  • NIST Announces Facial Recognition Testing Program
    1.12.17 – Find Biometrics – The National Institute of Standards and Technology has announced a new facial recognition testing program that allows developers to have their biometric systems formally tested by NIST. More Info
  • The 100 Most Dangerous Cities in the United States
    1.16.17- SSI – Neighborhood Scout Reveals its 2017 list of cities with the most violent crime. More Info
  • U.S. Faces 33% Skills Shortage for Crucial Security Roles
    1.17.17 – indeed – With cybersecurity attacks continuing to make headlines throughout the world, U.S. employers continue to see a wide gap between the demand for cybersecurity professionals and supply of job seekers. More Info
  • Smart Home Discounts Would Compel Consumers to Switch Insurance
    1.17.17 – Business Wire – Two out of three U.S. homeowners insurance customers would be willing to change insurance companies to get policy discounts for using smart home devices, including smart thermostats, smoke/carbon monoxide detectors and garage door openers. More Info
  • Robberies and Burglaries Up in 2016
    1.17.17 – D&D Daily – A new report reveals a total 1,822 robberies and burglaries across the United States in the fourth quarter of 2016, bringing the total number of publicly reported incidents in 2016 to 5,974. More Info
  • Stable Growth Forecast for Home Improvement and Repair Market in 2017
    1.19.17 – SSI – The latest forecast projects national spending for home remodeling and repairs will grow to $317 billion in 2017, an increase of 6.7% from last year. More Info
  • Here’s How The FCC’s Net Neutrality Rules Might Be Throttled Under Trump
    1.19.17 – FC- To spread his message and rise to power, Trump relied on an open internet. Will his administration now kill it? More Info

Business Tips

  • 10 Questions to Ask Before Hiring Your Small-Business Accountant
    1.12.17 – Open Forum – Hiring a small-business accountant may seem overwhelming, but these 10 questions may help you find one who can boost your business—and potentially help save you money, too. More Info
  • 8 Questions a CEO Might Want to Ask Their CFO
    1.6.17 – Open Forum – Chief financial officers are becoming more like business partners to CEOs. To help ensure a fruitful relationship with your CFO, consider having this chat. More Info
  • The Most Common Passwords of 2016
    1.17.17 – SIA – According to a new study, nearly 17 percent of users are safeguarding their accounts with “123456.” More Info
  • Knowing When You Need a Lawyer Vs a Broker to Do That Deal
    1.21.17 – Security Sales & Integration – When buying or selling an alarm business or alarm accounts do you need a broker, lawyer, or both? Can both sides use one broker or one attorney? More Info
  • How to Reap Success by Doing Your Due Diligence
    1.20.17 – SSI: Performing your own due diligence will reveal strengths and weaknesses in your business. More Info

Fire News

  • AK: Unalaska Police Report
    1.21.17 – Arctic Sounder – Fire Response – Fire officers responded to a fire alarm at the airport. No fire was located. Assistance Rendered – Officers assisted with a fire response. Friday … More Info
  • AR: Smoke alarm alerts homeowner to a fire in her home
    1.18.17 – KTAL – Smoke alarm alerts homeowner to a fire in her home … The homeowner stated she was alerted to the fire by her smoke alarm and was trying to make her way … More Info
  • CO: 1 Rescued From Burning HomeOne person was rescued from a …
    1.19.17 – CBS Local- A CO detector went off in the home and the alarm company called the home and alerted the woman who lived inside. She called 911 and got out of the home. More Info
  • CO: 2 people rescued from house fire in Denver
    1.19.17 – The Denver Channel – An alarm company also called authorities after getting a carbon monoxide alarm from the home. When firefighters and Denver7 arrived, they found smoke and … More Info
  • MA: Fire marshal: Holyoke building’s alarm system wasn’t monitored …
    1.20.17 – wwlp.com – State Fire Marshal Peter J. Ostroskey said the local fire alarm went off in the building during the fire, but due to the broken connection, firefighters only learned of … More Info
  • MA: MA Man Charged with Pulling Multiple Fire Alarms
    1.18.17 – Firehouse.com – Brockton – Alarm after alarm came in to the Brockton Fire Department early Tuesday morning, and each time firefighters showed up to the location … More Info
  • MA: Police arrest man for pulling fire alarm at Pittsburgh Steelers’ hotel
    1.22.17 – ESPN- ESPN’s Sal Paolantonio gives a detailed account of the East Boston resident who pulled the fire alarm at the Steelers’ team hotel and was later apprehended by … More Info
  • MA: State investigation of fatal Holyoke fire finds no annual tests of alarm …
    1.21.17 – MassLive.com – That alarm system, investigators found, lost the connection to its monitoring company about 32 hours before the Jan. 1 fire. According to the … More Info
  • MT: Helena Police Department incidents reported Friday, Jan. 20
    1.21.17 – Helena Independent Record – At 12:54 p.m. a school resource officer met with a juvenile in regards to the juvenile pulling the fire alarm at the school. The juvenile was issued a citation for … More Info
  • NJ: Carbon monoxide incident hits Wayne care center
    1.17.17 – NorthJersey.com – The carbon monoxide alarm first went off at 3 p.m., Martin said, at which time the Fire Department responded and registered elevated readings in the basement. More Info
  • OH: Circleville Police Reports
    1.19.17 – Pickaway News Journal – Officers responded to an activated fire alarm at Wyngate Senior Living. The fire department determined it was a false alarm. – Officers … More Info
  • TX: Fire causes over $150000 in damages to local radio personality’s …
    1.20.17 – Waxahachie Daily Light – “Our neighbor called and then our alarm company called. Our son was having a heart procedure done because he had a heart attack,” said Wolverton after … More Info
  • TX: Popcorn machine sets off fire alarm
    1.20.17 – The Daily Toreador – A fire alarm went off in the College of Media and Communication at approximately 8:40 a.m. on Friday. The all-clear was given by the Lubbock Fire Department … More Info
  • VA: Kitchen fire causes more than $93000 in damages at Huntington …
    1.19.17 – Inside NoVA – Units from Fire Station 11, Penn Daw, were dispatched to a report of a fire alarm sounding at the Huntington Community Center… More Info
  • WA: Emergency Services – 1/19/17
    1.19.17 – Walla Walla Union-Bulletin – 9:25 a.m. – To fire alarm. 9:35 a.m. – To water flow alarm flow alarm … More Info

Crime News

  • AZ: Worker holds robbery suspect at gunpoint until police arrive
    1.18.17 – AZFamily – A burglar alarm brought police to the business but officers left after finding all the doors locked and no sign of any activity inside. An employee who was also … More Info
  • CA: EXCLUSIVE: 911 Call Captures Moments Fresno Man Holds Would …
    1.21.17 – yourcentralvalley.com – The caller says he woke up Thursday morning to house alarm going off and when he walked out to his garage, he saw Willis inside. Caller: “He has both my little … More Info
  • CA: Man surprises burglar in SE Fresno, holds him at gunpoint for police
    1.20.17 – Fresno Bee – The incident took place, where the homeowner heard the alarm sound in the garage, Lt. Joe Gomez said. The man quickly … More Info
  • CA: Man who allegedly brought child with him during DHS break-in …
    1.20.17 – KESQ – The pair then ran off after the homeowner’s alarm system triggered, Saucier said. Police received a tip Thursday morning regarding Caldwell’s whereabouts, … More Info
  • FL: Man charged with selling guns stolen from Bass Pro Shops in Port St …
    1.18.17 – TCPalm – Port St. Lucie Police went to the Bass Pro Shops/Outdoor World for a burglary alarm about 2:40 a.m. on Jan. 2 . More Info
  • GA: Armed robbery reported at food mart on Warm Springs Road
    1.19.17 – Columbus Ledger-Enquirer – An officer was called to the business at 9:09 p.m Wednesday to investigate the armed robbery after its alarm sounded. Further … More Info
  • GA: Effingham Sheriff: Would-be burglar scared by house alarm …
    1.17.17 – Savannah Morning News – The thieves were scared off by a loud burglar alarm and by a neighbor who fired a shot into the air when he heard the alarm. Dec. 29: A deputy pulled over a … More Info
  • IA: Naked man evades cops, found with hypothermia
    1.18.17 – Waterloo Cedar Falls Courier – Neil Lawrence Heminover, 54, and another man allegedly fled from Black Hawk County sheriff’s deputies who responded to an alarm at a rural … More Info
  • IL: 1 arrested in connection with January 9 burglary
    1.21.17 – WAND – Decatur Park Police officers were dispatched to the restaurant at about 9:51 p.m. due to an activated alarm. Upon arrival, officers discovered that someone had … More Info
  • IL: Burglar targets the same two Kincaid businesses
    1.17.17 – The State Journal-Register – Kincaid police responded to an alarm at 2:40 a.m. at the same Phillips 66 gas station and found the front door had been broken. Wheeler said surveillance … More Info
  • IL: FBI: Bank robber threatened to bomb West Side PNC branch
    1.21.17 – Chicago Sun-Times – “[D]on’t press the alarm or this f—— place will get bombed,” Williams allegedly said. Authorities said he struck again Jan. 4 at a Byline Bank branch … More Info
  • MA: Acton police reports, Jan. 6 to 12
    1.21.17 – Wicked Local Acton – 11:11 p.m.: Police responded to an alarm. Building checked and secure. Saturday, Jan. 7. 9:22 a.m.: Police responded for a … More Info
  • MA: Police/Fire: Man given birthday wish, and citations
    1.21.17 – Gloucester Daily Times – 3:20 a.m.: A burglar alarm sounded at The Elks lodge location. … 9:58 a.m.: A fire alarm was set off in error at a residence. More Info
  • MI: 4 arrested in home invasion of Warren woman, 71
    1.20.17 – Detroit Free Press – The home’s doors are monitored by an alarm system, police said. Police received information that the woman’s TCF card was used at the Walmart Supercenter .. More Info
  • MI: Jackson Sheriff: man with warrant out of Oregon for kidnapping …
    1.19.17 – MLive.com – Deputy Jacobson responded to an audible alarm. More Info
  • MI: Jackson Sheriff: two men with warrants arrested during traffic stop
    1.17.17 – MLive.com – Deputy Bretes responded for an alarm. 10:44 p.m. … Deputies Collins and Hudson responded for an alarm. 4:06 a.m. More Info
  • MI: Oak Park Man Bound Over In B&E Case At Local Cell Phone Store
    1.17.17 – WHMI – Brighton Police responded to an alarm at the Sprint store around 3:30am on October 31st and found a large rock had been thrown through the … More Info
  • MI: W. Mich. teen jailed, accused of breaking into Dollar General store
    1.17.17 – WWMT-TV – Officers saw a man running away while responding to the alarm, and quickly identified him as the suspect. Police aren’t releasing his name right now, but tell us … More Info
  • MN: MN man alerted of burglary as kids home alone
    1.21.17 – KARE – Fast asleep, the camera’s alarm suddenly chimed, and Tyler, 200 miles away, opened the app to see a man he didn’t know outside his front door. “I was so afraid … More Info
  • MO: South City break-in caught on home’s surveillance camera
    1.19.17 – KMOV.com – The two men then moved off-camera into another room before suddenly taking off when a high-pitched alarm went off. One burglar used the back door as an exit … More Info
  • MS: Roof caves in at Siwell Road convenience store
    1.19.17 – WJTV – A little after 9:00 Thursday morning, Singh was notified that his alarm sounded off. He thought someone was breaking in, but when he rushed to the store what .. More Info
  • MS: Roof collapses at gas station
    1.20.17 – WAPT Jackson – The store owner of Speedways thought a burglary was happening because the alarm was sounding off and the security company called him. “We thought it was … More Info
  • NV: Suspected Ranchos burglar in custody
    1.21.17 – The Record-Courier – Douglas County Sheriff deputies responded to the Walmart after a burglary alarm was activated. Ezekiel was found hiding inside the tire and lube center with a … More Info
  • OH: Beavercreek Police investigate break-in at Walgreens
    1.20.17 – WDTN – Officers responded to an alarm around 1:30 a.m. on Friday at the Walgreens. Police arrived on the scene within two … More Info
  • OH: Hudson Police reports for Jan. 18
    1.18.17 – Hudson Hub-Times – 4 at 3:48 a.m. to the sub station for a beam detector alarm. Upon arrival police searched the area and could find no reason for the beam … More Info
  • OH: Man breaks into store and eats merchandise: Brunswick Hills Police …
    1.17.17 – cleveland.com – Brunswick Hills — Breaking and entering, Police arrested a 33-year-old North Olmsted man at 10:18 p.m. Jan. 1 after responding to an alarm … More Info
  • ON: False Alarm Call to 911 Leads to Charges
    1.20.17 – Net Newsledger – The TBPS received an abandoned 911 call at 12:46PM EST today. On call back they reached a male who asked for urgent help at a residence. More Info
  • OR: Gresham Police Investigate Homicide
    1.21.17 – Patch.com – Police had responded to a residential alarm around 4:43 Friday morning. They found a dead man inside and determined it was a homicide. … More Info
  • PA: Burglars break into jewelry store through back wall, make clean …
    1.22.17 – FOX 29 News Philadelphia – Investigators say the burglar alarm went off just before 2am Sunday at Kim Thanh Jewelry Store. The thieves broke in … More Info
  • PA: Kittanning police investigating armed robbery at Subway
    1.22.17 – Pittsburgh Post-Gazette – Police said the woman gave over money while triggering a panic alarm. Police said the robber “several times” commented that he “didn’t want to do this.”. More Info
  • PA: Three in custody after robbery and wild police chase
    1.21.17 – The Delaware County Daily Times – Two minutes later, at 7:58 p.m., police were dispatched to the nearby McDonald’s for a hold-up alarm. Police dispatchers phoned the fast-food restaurant and … More Info
  • SC: Police: Man disables fire door alarm, steals go-karts from Walmart
    1.16.17 – Live 5 News – Spartanburg police are searching for a shoplifter who disabled the alarm on a fire door at the Walmart and stole several items, including two … More Info
  • TN: Tipton County deputies search for cigarette bandits caught on camera
    1.17.17 – wreg.com – Deputies say the alarm triggered around 3 a.m., but the burglars were out of sight by the time they got there. “This place is usually quiet and peaceful,” said … More Info
  • TX: Citizen Nabs One Burglary Suspect, K-9 Gets The Other
    1.21.17 – WLTX.com – Meantime, while OCSO deputies were on their way to the residential area, the burglars were observed by the motorist to flee the home when the home alarm … More Info
  • TX: Neighbor: Children at home as dad shot to death in NW Harris Co.
    1.19.17 – KTRK-TV – The teen tells Eyewitness News she heard a bing from the alarm as the door opened. She heard her father on the phone, and then, two gunshots rang out. More Info
  • TX: Police looking for Yeti cooler thieves
    1.21.17 – Corpus Christi Caller-Times – … a police news release. The men tried to exit through the back door of the store, but that set off a door alarm. The suspects dropped the coolers and fled on foot. More Info
  • TX: Robbery at Texas Bank in North San Angelo
    1.21.17 – Concho valley homepage – On Friday, January 20, 2017 at about 4:22PM, the San Angelo Police Department responded to a call of an alarm. While en route … More Info
  • UT: Cache deputies seek men in connection with 8 business burglaries
    1.21.17 – KSL.com – They quickly ran back outside moments later when an alarm sounded, detectives said. According to deputies, the men then attempted to break into a nearby … More Info
  • WI: Burglar smashes store door with rocks, takes cash register
    1.17.17 – Kenoshanews – The store owner was alerted to an alarm by his security company. When he arrived at the store, he discovered the door shattered. According to the report, about … More Info

The National Monitor is a service of the National Electronic Security Alliance (NESA). Member states are free to reproduce the information contained herein in print or electronic media as they see fit. Contact NESA for more information at 301.519.9237 or bradshipp@4yoursolution.com

NESA is a federation of state associations established to serve and promote the electronic systems industry at the direction of, and through its affiliated state associations. Five state associations are part of NESA – Texas Burglar & Fire Alarm Association (TBFAA), Maryland Burglar & Fire Alarm Association (MDBFAA), Kansas Electronic Security Association (KESA), Arkansas Security Alarm Association (ASAA) and Oklahoma Burglar & Fire Alarm Association (OKBFAA). For more info visit www.nesaus.org.

NESA Board of Directors