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NationalMonitor

December 7, 2015

Public Safety Updates

  • NY: False Alarm Reduction Act effective Jan. 1st
    12.4.15 – Hudson Valley News Network – Ulster Co. Sheriff’s office Sheriff Paul J. VanBlarcum announces that Ulster County property owners can now obtain alarm system permits from the Ulster County … More Info

Industry News

  • What Should CE Pros Be Called?
    12.1.15 – CEPro – What are best terms for consumers to use to describe CE Pro installation companies and technicians? New CEDIA study says ‘Home Technology Professional’ and ‘Licensed Technologists’ respectively. More Info
  • This Startup Wants WiFi to Be the New Burglar Alarm
    12.1.15 – Motherboard – Our world is awash with wireless signals emanating from all of our devices. We can’t see these radio waves, but we use their spectrum every day when we make … More Info
  • Demand for surveillance systems boosts sales for Vector Security
    12.1.15 – Tribune-Review – Today’s homeowners can use a cellphone or a laptop to control an alarm system that has door locks, thermostats, lights, garage door openers and video … More Info
  • Honeywell to Drop ‘First Alert’ Brand in New Dealer Program
    2.15 – CEPro – First Alert Professional, the iconic brand for Honeywell’s security dealer program, is being phased out in favor of a Honeywell-branded program. Dealers need not fret about existing alarm subscriber contracts. More Info
  • Study: Smart home offerings drive resi security
    12.2.15 – SSN – Dallas – Smart home offerings have boosted residential security by more than 15 percent in the past two years. More Info
  • CSAA announces insurance-focused project
    2.15 – Security Systems News- The organizations will be “examining the impact of professionally monitored alarm systems on insurance risk,” according to a recent release from CSAA. More Info
  • Drones have a place in security
    12.20.15 – SSN – Yarmouth, Maine—Drones have applications in physical security, according to 76 percent of respondents to Security Systems News’ latest poll. Half said they’re working with drones already. More Info
  • ADT wins first round against Capital Connect
    12.2.15 – Security Systems News – Boca Raton, Fla.—A U.S. District Court granted ADT’s request for a preliminary injunction against Capital Connect, a Monitronics alarm dealer, barring the … More Info
  • Home Surveillance Systems Helping Police Investigate Delivery Package Thieves
    12.3.15 – SSI – ‘Porch pirating’ spikes around the holidays and Madison Police say footage from home security cameras help investigators identify crooks. More Info
  • ADT puts deceptive sales practices in the crosshairs
    12.4.15 – SecurityInfoWatch – ADT has been at the forefront of the battle against deceptive sales practices in the alarm industry. In recent years the company has waged an aggressive … More Info
  • Safety comes first. Here are some home security gifts to check out …
    12.6.15 – Today.com – An alarm you can set up yourself. CNET recommends the iSmartAlarm, priced at $199. The device includes a motion detector, two contact sensors, two remote … More Info

Legislative News

Bill Text Description History
FLHB00779
Text
Introduced by Senate Ethics and Elections | Provides uniform process for registration of home business alarm systems requires owner, lessee, or occupant, or authorized representative thereof, of property to register alarm system within 20 days after occupancy or after installation of alarm system authorizes applicable local governmental entity to charge registration fee specifies requirements of application form requires owner, lessee, or occupant, or authorized representative thereof, to notify applicable local governmental agency of change in information provided in application form within 30 days authorizes applicable local governmental entity to assess or impose fines or penalties for failure to register alarm system or for excessive false alarms provides that fines penalties are responsibility of owner, lessee, or occupant of property.
Status: 11/24/2015 : House – Filed
History
FLHB00869
Text
Introduced by Senate Ethics and Elections | Provides exemption from public records requirements for video audio recordings from security system camera included in security system plan held by agency provides exemption for video audio recordings from security system camera for properties owned or leased by, or in possession of, certain entities provides criteria for disclosure of such confidential exempt information provides for future legislative review repeal of exemptions repeals provisions relating to exemptions from public records public meeting requirements for information relating to certain security systems provides statement of public necessity.
Status: 12/2/2015 : House – Filed
History
FLSB01004
Text
Introduced by Senate Ethics and Elections | Expanding the items in a security system plan to include certain video or audio recordings providing an exemption from public records requirements for video and audio recordings from a security system camera for properties owned or leased by, or in the possession of, certain entities providing for future legislative review and repeal of the exemption under the Open Government Sunset Review Act repealing a provision relating to security systems and records and meetings exempt from public access or disclosure, etc.
Status: 12/2/2015 : Senate – Filed
History

 

State & National News

  • Managing Millennials by making them part of the solution
    11.30.15 – CUinsight.com – Jeff came in one morning to find his restaurant alarm had not been set the night before. He confronted the Millennial manager who was in charge that night. More Info
  • Employers face Affordable Care Act reporting deadlines
    11.30.15 -Richmond Times-Dispatch – Human resource advisers to large and midsize businesses are sounding the alarm at approaching deadlines for meeting IRS requirements under the Affordable … More Info
  • Traffic Deaths Up Significantly This Year
    11.27.15 – OHS – Early estimates from the U.S. Department of Transportation show nationwide 2015 traffic fatalities through the first half of the year are up 8.1 percent from the same period a year earlier, causing DOT leaders to call for action and new ideas for reversing the trend. More Info
  • How to Stay Safe and Stay Warm This Winter
    12.1.15 – OHS – Winter is coming, when the annual battle to keep warm during the coldest months of the year begins. If you’re lucky enough to work in a climate-controlled environment or in warmer temperatures, cold weather may seem like a foreign nuisance. But for thousands of us, managing the cold is a harsh reality. More Info
  • Commission recommends overhaul of state government …
    12.3.15 – MarylandReporter.com – Larry Hogan’s Regulatory Reform Commission is recommending a massive overhaul of Maryland’s “convoluted” governmental structure along … More Info
  • What happens when you push the button: Emergency help on campus
    12.2.15 – Utahstatesman – “Very rarely do we get a phone alarm that is actually somebody in need of help. The ones I can remember have been accidents nearby. Traffic incidents and a … More Info
  • Focus Now On Security At Clinics Providing Abortion Services
    12.2.15 – WMFD.com – There is a sophisticated alarm system in the building, including panic buttons in strategic places. One right outside of the operating room. Security guards are in … More Info
  • Inland Regional Center Employee Recalls Moments During …
    12.2.15 – CBS Local – According to Garrett, alarms went off within the facility. Shortly after, police told employees to hunker down, shelter in place and to silence their cell phones. More Info
  • No, Christmas lights won’t slow down your Wi-Fi — but these …
    12.3.15 – PC World – A silly story about Christmas lights slowing Wi-Fi to a crawl went viral, and though holiday decorations … Electrical appliances can interfere with Wi-Fi signals, but the amount of current running through … The real WiFi killers. More Info
  • Economy adds 211,000 jobs, unemployment rate holds steady
    12.4.15 – The Washington Post – U.S. companies in November continued their robust hiring, adding 211,000 new jobs, according to government data released Friday. The signal of economic health will likely spur the Federal Reserve to raise interest rates at its next meeting in less than two weeks. More Info
  • Con Edison to Pilot Test Residential Methane Detectors
    12.4.15 – CNNMoney – Con Edison plans to place methane detectors and alarms in dozens of homes next year to test the detectors’ effectiveness in alerting residents to natural gas … More Info
  • Bill to Crack Down on Illegal Telemarketing Practices Clears Assembly
    12.5.15 – Cape May County Herald – “Many telemarketers ignore the ‘Do Not Call’ list, circumvent caller ID and harass New Jersey residents about everything from offers of credit to alarm systems,” … More Info
  • Dunwoody woman’s phone lines cut by AT&T. Can “Better Call Harr …
    12.5.15 – WTOC – The accident prevented almost 20 homeowners from directly connecting to 911, alarm service, and access to the main security gate. More Info

Business Tips

  • 7 ways to start building your leadership skills today
    11.19.15 – Forbes – Regardless of where you are on the career ladder now, there will be a point you’re handed a leadership role and your team will expect you to hit the ground running. Rather than waiting for the opportunity to arise, start developing those skills now. More Info
  • 6 Ways to Turn That Bad Client Relationship Around
    12.1.15 – CI – There are many reasons why a customer might not be a good fit for your firm, or vice versa. It’s best not to let a bad marriage fester… More Info
  • 4 Tips to Boost Your Closing Ratio
    12.2.15 – CEPro – If you do not close 75% of your proposals, stop selling equipment, ask better questions focused away from specific brands, do not avoid talking about price/budget, get the right business software tools and collect a 2% design fee. More Info
  • Stop Spare Change from Falling Through Holes in Your Company’s Processes
    12.2.15 – CI – Have you ever filled a jar with spare change and, after a while, cashed it in? It’s amazing the amount of money that can accumulate from just a few nickels, dimes and quarters here and there. Insignificant amounts at the time, but after accruing they can fill a Christmas fund or pay for a flight for your next vacation. More Info
  • How Alarm Companies Can Protect Themselves From Potential Litigation
    12.1.15 – SSI – Neglecting to arm your company against liability presents too much… More Info
  • 7 Big Mistakes Every Integrator Makes
    12.1.15- CEPro – From hiring relatives to overpaying employees, two veteran integrators offer sage advice of what to avoid. More Info

Fire News

  • CT: Alert Neighbor, Working Alarms Minimize Smoke Situation in South …
    12.1.15 – Patch.com – An alert neighbor and working smoke alarms helped minimize an incident at a South Windsor housing complex early Monday morning, according to fire officials. More Info
  • FL: Party prompts termination of Theta Chi’s housing contract with UCF
    12.5.15 – WESH Orlando – University police called to investigate a fire alarm at the house on Nov. 19 found a bicycle lock placed on the front door, preventing access to and from the … More Info
  • IA: Carbon monoxide detectors may have saved Waterloo family of four
    12.1.15 – KCRG – Saturday night, two carbon monoxide alarms went off in the home of Jari … said his department typically responds to about 25 carbon monoxide alarm calls a … More Info
  • IL: Bloomington couple saved by carbon monoxide alarm
    12.6.15 – Herald & Review – Bloomington – At first, Doug Matthews didn’t want to pay attention to the alarm that started sending an alert at 1:05 a.m. on a recent Saturday morning. More Info
  • PA: Fire alarm sounds for entire holiday weekend
    12.1.15 – WPXI Pittsburgh – Some Oklahoma residents were forced to listen to a blaring fire alarm for 2 straight days over the holiday weekend. It happened at Taft Stadium in Oklahoma City … More Info
  • TX: Texas prisoner escapes after pulling fire alarm
    12.1.15 – Sun Times National – A Texas prisoner is back in custody after pulling a fast one Monday night, leaving guards to search for him for nearly 30 minutes. According to Houston’s KHOU, … More Info
  • WA: Cherry Valley fire alarm triggered by damaged water pipe
    12.1.15 – Snoqualmie Valley Record – The Duvall Fire Department responded to the alarm and found that an outside water pipe was damaged and had triggered the alarm. There was no damage … More Info

Crime News

  • AL: Hoover police smoke out suspect in metro area cigarette heists
    11.30.15 -AL.com – Hoover police responded at 5:19 a.m. today to a burglar alarm at the Shell Station at 2497 John Hawkins Parkway. When they arrived, they found the front glass … More Info
  • DC: Holiday grinches hit homes in the District
    12.5.15 – WJLA – The thief walked in the house despite an alarm that went off and grabbed the flat screen television in the living room and walked right back out, put it in his car, …More Info
  • FL: Armed bank robber shot, killed at barber shop, Miami Beach police say
    12.6.15 – Local 10 – Police received a 911 call at 10:28 a.m. Saturday about a hold-up alarm at a Bank of America at 1414 Alton Road. WATCH: Raw video: Man allegedly involved … More Info
  • FL: Okaloosa lawmen investigating Crestview gun shop break-in
    12.5.15 – Crestview News Bulletin – The OCSO responded around 6:12 a.m. to an alarm. A back door was open, and a glass display case had been shattered. The business … More Info
  • GA: Alarm calls at DeKalb restaurant triggered by rats, not burglars
    12.1.15 – Atlanta Journal Constitution – Channel 2 Action News reported that, in a span of just 30 days, DeKalb County police officers responded to 17 alarm calls at the Church’s and … More Info
  • GA: Alleged shoplifter abandons accomplice
    12.5.15 – Moultrie Observer – An employee at Belk’s department store, reported that an alarm sounded when the man, who had entered with Madeline McFatten, walked out … More Info
  • GA: Five Buckhead Homes Hit by Burglars
    12.5.15 – FOX 5 Atlanta – Unfortunately for those residents, the alarm did not function, leaving the criminals with lots of time to take jewelry, electronics, cash and a premium camera before … More Info
  • GA: Police Investigate Burglaries at “Upscale” Homes
    11.30.15 -Patch.com -11/23: Just after 1 p.m., cops, responding to an alarm, found pry marks, evidence of a forced entry through a porch door of … More Info
  • IA: Testimony starts in pharmacy robbery trial
    12.1.15 – Waterloo Cedar Falls Courier – Walz said Waterloo police, who responded to a silent alarm tripped during the holdup, found Plummer in a nearby yard dressed differently and wearing only one … More Info
  • ID: News of Record, Dec. 2
    12.2.15 – Rexburg Standard Journal – Police were dispatched to an alarm at Teton Radiology. Police arrived and found the building to be secured. The owner of the building later contacted police to … More Info
  • IL: Country Club Hills man wanted for burglary charges in DuPage …
    12.1.15 – Chicago Sun-Times – 10, police responded to a report of a residential alarm. Officers saw three men on the scene, two of which fled on foot and … More Info
  • IL: Kenosha man arrested in Waukegan, Deerfield bank robberies
    12.5.15 – Chicago Tribune – In the Waukegan case, officers responded to a TCF Bank branch on Green Bay Road for a holdup alarm about 7 p.m. Nov. 12, after a man demanded money … More Info
  • IN: Cell phone picture leads to arrest of gas station robbery suspect
    12.1.15 – WANE – Fort Wayne Police were called to the Speedway gas station early Tuesday on a hold-up alarm there. The station clerk told police that … More Info
  • IN: Police investigate multiple grocery break-ins
    12.4.15 – WRTV Indianapolis – Indianapolis Metro Police say alarm systems stopped a would-be thief from breaking into at least two grocery stores in the early morning hours on Thursday. More Info
  • KS: Police work armed robbery in north Wichita
    12.1.15 – KWCH – The call came in as an alarm first. Officers arrived on the scene to find jewelry had been stolen from a business and shots had possibly been fired. Police don’t … More Info
  • KY: Convicted killer arrested after police standoff, charged with kidnapping
    11.30.15 – WAVE 3 – He was able to bypass the alarm system and enter the business. He left, drove around and returned to the store. He then used the woman’s keys and tampered … More Info
  • KY: Police Investigate Break-In At Lexington Restaurant
    12.3.15 – LEX18 Lexington KY News – Police were called to investigate a bizarre break-in following an alarm sounding at a Lexington fast food restaurant. Officers were called around 2 a.m. to the … More Info
  • LA: APSO searching for suspects in residential burglaries
    12.4.15 – Weekly Citizen – Prairieville – On Monday, Nov. 30, the Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office responded to four residential burglary alarms that were located in the immediate … More Info
  • MA: Gloucester police/fire: Local man faces second OUI after cops spot …
    12.1.15 – Gloucester Daily Times – 4:38 a.m.: A burglar alarm sounded at the J.D. & Myers building on Lexington Avenue in Magnolia, but responding officers found the building to be secure. More Info
  • MA: Marshfield Police Log
    12.2.15 – Wicked Local Marshfield – 4:48 a.m.: Police responded to a commercial alarm. 8:30 a.m.: Police and medical personnel responded to a medical emergency … More Info
  • MA: Surveillance video captures man breaking into Saugus Papagayo
    12.2.15 – Wicked Local – A male broke into Papagayo and tried to disable the alarm system before fleeing the scene. Surveillance video captured a masked man wearing gloves inside … More Info
  • MI: Bay City man accused of breaking into 2 businesses pleads guilty
    12.1.15 – MLive.com – 5 responding to an alarm at Die Stampco Inc.. While officers were en route, Bay County Central Dispatch advised them another alarm had … More Info
  • MI: Police investigate multiple home invasions
    12.1.15 – Hometownlife.com – Police responded to an alarm at one house, at about 6:45 p.m., and arrived to find it had been burglarized, Antal said. While officers were at that scene, police … More Info
  • MI: Three men arraigned following break-in at Flint business
    12.5.15 – MLive.com – 18 around 12:20 a.m. Flint police along with the Michigan State Police responded to an alarm at a business … More Info
  • MN: Meeker County Sheriff Report 11/30/15
    12.1.15 – Crow River Media – On the 30th at 8:58 a.m. the Sheriff’s Office dispatched the Litchfield Fire Department to a fire alarm at a business. The fire … More Info
  • MO: Alleged serial burglar of Bevo Mill homes and businesses behind bars
    12.4.15 – KMOV.com – 30, police responded to an alarm sounding at the Family Dollar. According to court documents, an officer spotted Dzananovic and when he caught … More Info
  • NC: Brothers charged in crime spree
    12.1.15 – Roanoke Chowan News Herald – Holley said an alarm at the store alerted his office of possible entry at approximately 1:51 a.m., and that Deputy Alvin Hendrix responded to the call and was on … More Info
  • ND: Fargo man arrested in Prescription Shop burglary
    12.5.15 – INFORUM – He said police were not called on the first alarm from the shop. Runcorn said West Fargo officers interviewed Metcalf at the jail, but said he could not talk about … More Info
  • ND: Police investigate attempted burglary at West Fargo pharmacy
    12.2.15 – WDAY – Police say they probably fled after hearing the alarm. Detective Tim Runcorn/West Fargo Police: “When officers arrived they noticed that there was broken glass … More Info
  • ND: UPDATE: Police arrest suspect in Prescription Shop burglary in …
    12.4.15 – WDAY – Authorities say an alarm sounded just before midnight at The Prescription Shop. They say someone broke glass on a door but … More Info
  • ND: West Fargo Police looking for suspect in pharmacy break-in
    12.2.15 – Valley News Live – Police officers responded to the alarm and the person fled the building. Officers tracked the suspect with a K9, but were unsuccessful. Reitan says they are … More Info
  • NJ: Arrest Made in Attempted Burglary of John’s Automotive in Newton
    12.6.15 – TAPinto.net – Newton, NJ – A Green Township man was arrested after trying to break into a Newton business. Police report they responded to an alarm on the morning of … More Info
  • NY: BLOTTER: Police reports for Nov. 28
    11.30.15 -Niagara Gazette – Officers responded to a burglar alarm at a convenience store at 6:20 p.m. Thursday and found that someone had entered the store by smashing a window on the … More Info
  • NY: Cops: Riverhead man caught on video breaking into downtown store
    11.30.15 – Riverhead News Review – Officers responded to an alarm at Damaris Multi-Service on Nov. 18 and found the glass front door was smashed and several cellphones were stolen, police … More Info
  • NY: Homeowner attacks robber with ax
    12.2.15 – News 10NBC – The incident happened in Rochester. A homeowner received a call from his alarm company for an alarm activation. When the homeowner returned … More Info
  • NY: Man robbed Hempstead Chinese restaurant 4 times, cops say
    12.5.15 – Newsday – Hempstead Village police responded to New Shing Wong Kitchen after an alarm was reported ringing about 1:47 a.m. … More Info
  • OH: South Euclid police arrest two burglary suspects after 12-hour SWAT …
    12.4.15 – cleveland.com – Officers arrived within a minute of a security alarm sounding, Nietert said. They illuminated the building and saw two males in the store. The burglars hid in a tiny … More Info
  • OH: Window shattered during attempted home break-in: Shaker Heights …
    12.5.15 – cleveland.com – Shaker Heights police were called to a home where a burglary alarm sounded and found that someone broke a window. … More Info
  • OK: Police investigating daytime home break-in near Piedmont
    12.2.15 – KOCO Oklahoma City – “Apparently they were doing their looting and ransacking while the alarm was going off,” victim Bob Shideler said. Shideler had just left home to get an oil … More Info
  • OK: Tulsa Couple Returns To Ransacked Home After Holiday Weekend
    12.1.15 – News On 6 – The thieves didn’t open up the door to get inside; instead, they found a way around the home alarm system and broke through the bottom part of the glass. More Info
  • PA: 3 arrested after break-in at American Legion hall
    12.2.15 – WPXI Pittsburgh – “They cut all of our telephone wires, alarm systems, but they must have missed one because the alarm did go off and state police came.” The suspects were … More Info
  • PA: Berks home burglarized with owners in house
    11.30.15 -Lebanon Daily News – Alarm Investigation: Fire crews from Campbelltown and Lawn and the Lawn Fire Company Ambulance were dispatched at 3:16 a.m. on Sunday to 21 Drescher … More Info
  • PA: Police: Woman admits to theft from Coney Island
    11.30.15 – New Castle News – The manager told police she had set the alarm at closing that night and arrived the next missing to find the doors still locked but the money missing. More Info
  • RI: Video: Suspect wanted in Cranston breaking and entering
    12.2.15 – Turn to 10 – The suspect broke into the home by throwing a concrete brick through a front window; he exited the house out the back after tripping a motion detector alarm. More Info
  • SC: Deputies Arrest Man Tucked in Church’s Air Ventilation Duct
    12.6.15 – WLTX.com – Church officials informed deputies at the scene that windows were shattered and the building’s alarm system was damaged. Several microphones were also … More Info
  • SC: MPD seeks suspect for unsolved January burglary
    12.4.15 – Manning Live – The alarm system’s box was forced open and wires appeared ripped out, along with the battery for the backup system. The battery was on the floor directly under … More Info
  • SC: Would-be burglar talks with alarm company dispatcher, runs from …
    12.2.15 – Island Packet – A Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office deputy who arrived at a Lady’s Island home on Saturday for an activated alarm call found the suspected burlgar still there and … More Info
  • TN: Burglars hit Shelbyville, Bell Buckle
    1.15 – Shelbyville Times-Gazette – Officers arrived at 9:51, p.m. in response to an alarm and found a door open. … in a burglary apparently occurring early Saturday, based on the time of an alarm, … More Info
  • TX: Man arrested for high-end bicycle burglaries
    5.15 – KXAN.com – “We got our alarm system up to speed, we didn’t have it on that night,” Gruber said. “You feel very secure until you realize you’re not.” While the cycling … More Info
  • TX: OPD: Suspected library burglar tried to escape through police …
    12.1.15 – Odessa American – When officers walked in, Reyes was gone, and “the security alarm activated indicating someone was inside the ceiling,” the release stated. “Reyes traveled … More Info
  • TX: Robbers Prompt Employees to Get Panic Buttons
    12.4.15 – KRGV – The device is connected to an alarm company. Once it’s activated … The silent alarm was used this week. “About 20 … The alarm was pushed several times. More Info
  • UT: Intruder attacks Kearns homeowner with knife, police say
    11.30.15 -KSL.com – At some point, the man got up to turn off the TV and heard his door alarm chirp. The homeowner rounded a corner and saw two men who had entered through a … More Info
  • VT: Plainfield Co-op sees robbery, break-in
    12.5.15 – Barre Montpelier Times Argus – Towbin said somebody also entered the grocery section of the store, tripping an alarm. Nothing was stolen. Towbin believes the alarm scared off the intruder or … More Info
  • WA: Washington’s Most Wanted viewer helps police catch suspected …
    12.1.15 – Q13 FOX – They were vacationing in Oregon when their alarm company notified them of a break-in. Surveillance video showed Leair running from their house with a pillow … More Info
  • WI: Janesville police arrested robbery suspect moments after bank …
    12.5.15 – Janesville Gazette – A bank employee called 911 as the robbery was occurring, and a bank alarm also was activated, Lawver said. Dispatchers alerted police around 3:45 p.m. … 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.

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