Public Safety Updates

• AZ: 7 things to know for the Feb. 6 City Council meeting
  2.5.18 – Kdminer – Some of the proposed increases include increases in golf course fees, false alarm fees, and inspection and review fees. No action will be taken Tuesday. Beale Street Gateway Arch. Council will take action on the construction contract for the Beale Street Gateway Arch and authorization of $90,000 of Capital Project Fund … More Info
• MN: Stearns County Adds False Alarm Ordinance
  2.5.18 – WJON News – Cloud – The Stearns County Sheriff’s Office responded to more than 500 burglary false alarms each of the last two years. Now, in an effort to reduce that number, county commissioners have adopted a false alarm ordinance. A study of the sheriff’s office determined there should be an ordinance which holds the property … More Info
• MN: Stearns starts fines after fourth false alarm
  2.7.18 – St. Cloud Times – When the Stearns County Sheriff’s Office receives an alarm call, deputies respond to it as an emergency. But many of the 500 alarm calls the office responded to last year were false alarms. That’s why the Stearns County Sheriff’s Office is now fining residents and businesses with repeated false alarms. The ordinance … More Info
• MO: Independence PD adopts new policy to curb false alarm calls
  2.8.18 – KSHB – Independence, Mo. – Every day, police in Independence rush across town responding to alarms going off at homes and businesses. But more often than not, the calls turn out to be false alarms and police are out of position and spending resources investigating something that isn’t a legitimate threat. In 2016, police … More Info

Industry News

• How Big Is Custom Installation Market?
  2.5.18 – CEPro- CE Pro estimates residential custom installation market ranges from $5.7B to $12.1B, depending on how narrow you want to define integrator dealer base. More Info
• Vivint to roll out neighborhood-focused app
  2.8.18 – SSN – Las Vegas – At CES 2018 Vivint unveiled Streety, a free app that can help protect a neighborhood through connectivity to shared cameras, which will be launching March 1 in the U.S. and Canada, Clint Gordon-Carroll, vice president and general manager of cameras at Vivint Smart Home, told Security Systems News. More Info
• Anixter Distribution Center Expansion to Result in Speedier Shipments
  2.8.18 – SSI – With up to 40% more storage capacity and new automation technology, the Alsip, Ill., facility will significantly speed up shipments to customers, Anixter says. More Info
• Police Dispatch Quality Award Now Accepting Entries
  2.8.18 – SSI – Entries for the PDQ Award program, which honors excellence in false alarm management, are due by April 27. More Info

Legislative News

Bill Text	Description	History
MDHB00810 Text	Public Safety – Battery Operated Smoke Alarms | Sponsored by: Ebersole Status: 2/7/2018: Introduced, Hearing 2/20 at 1pm Environment and Transportation	History
MDHB01117 Text	Alarm Systems – Registration and Renewal – Penalties | Sponsored by: Branch Status: 11/2/2017: Pre-filed	History
MDHB1407 Text	Maryland Electricians Act – Revisions Altering the composition, powers, and duties of the State Board of Master Electricians; changing the name of the State Board of Master Electricians to the State Board of Electricians; requiring the Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation to establish the education requirements and qualifications for a journeyperson electrician license; requiring the Board to adopt a State electrical code; requiring a county to enforce the State electrical code or a certain local electrical code; etc.	History
MDHB1446 Text	Public Schools – School Emergency Response Systems – Study (Safer Schools Act) Requiring the Maryland Center for School Safety to conduct a study to determine best practices and procedures for the use and installation of emergency response systems in elementary and secondary school systems to prevent, prepare for, respond to, and recover from a manmade or natural disaster or an emergency occurring on school property; requiring the Center to consult with certain parties; requiring the Center to report its findings and recommendations to the General Assembly by December 1, 2018; etc.	History
MDSB00662 Text	Business Regulation – Wireless Security Systems – Local Government Licenses and Permits | Sponsored by: Middleton Status: 11/2/2017: Pre-filed	History
MDSB00728 Text	Public Safety – Battery Operated Smoke Alarms | Sponsored by: King Status: 11/2/2017: Pre-filed	History
MDSB00927 Text	Alarm Systems – Registration and Renewal – Penalties | Sponsored by: Benson Status: 11/2/2017: Pre-filed	History
TNHB02079 Text	Professions and Occupations – As introduced, reduces from 90 days to 60 days the time within which the governor must fill a vacancy on the state board for licensing alarm systems contractors before the board is authorized to fill the vacancy. – Amends TCA Title 62. Status: 01/31/2018: Intro., P1C.	History
TNSB02657 Text	Professions and Occupations – As introduced, reduces from 90 days to 60 days the time within which the governor must fill a vacancy on the state board for licensing alarm systems contractors before the board is authorized to fill the vacancy. – Amends TCA Title 62. Status: 02/01/2018: Introduced, Passed on First Consideration	History

State & National News

• Fire deaths dropping in Indiana credited to smoke alarms
  2.6.18 – WSBT-TV – The Department of Homeland Security says last year’s saw an eight percent drop in fire related deaths. Smoke alarms are often the first warning for people to be able to escape a fire with their lives. With the number of fire related deaths dropping in Indiana, credit is going to the efforts of local firefighters and the Red Cross. More Info
• UL Releases New Requirements to Smoke Alarm Standards, Opens ...
  2.8.18 – Markets Insider – Northbrook, IL, – UL, a global leader in safety science, today announced new requirements for UL 217 – Standard for Smoke Alarms, 8th edition and UL 268 – Standard for Smoke Detector Systems, 7th edition that include criteria to reduce nuisance alarms and address smoke characteristics … More Info
• Security industry pushes back against ‘Right-to-Repair’ legislation
  2.9.18 – SIW – Bills being pushed across the nation raise numerous concerns for security equipment manufacturers… More Info
• 916 Area Code Dialing Changes Going Into Effect On Saturday
  2.9.18 – CBS Sacramento – The new ten-digit calls also requires reprogramming of services tied to phone numbers, like life safety systems, medical monitoring systems, security systems, and fire and burglar alarms. “If their panel isn’t updated or replaced, they’re going to find out they no longer have protection,” said Tim Sproul, president and CEO of … More Info
• Starting Sunday, businesses in Maryland must provide paid sick leave
  2.10.18 – Washington Post – Despite last-minute attempt at delay, law will require paid time off at businesses with at least 15 employees. More Info

Business Tips

• Why Security Dealers Should Always Offer a Demo
  2.5.18 – SSI – Consultant Peter Giacalone has witnessed dealers who’ve utilized demonstrations as part of their in-home sales presentation generate an increase in their closing ratios. More Info
• 10 Key Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Security Dealer Program
  2.9.18 – Security Sales & Integration – 10 Key Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Security Dealer Program. February 09, 2018 Erin Harrington Jump to Comments. Dealer programs have been around for years, after emerging fast and furious in the 1990s in response to the boom in residential alarm sales. Myriad more programs have been introduced from the … More Info
• Are Processes Penalizing Your Customers? Here Are 5 Tips to Improve Them
  2.6.18 – SSI – Teams can only improve processes if they understand specific customer expectations. Here are five tips to help. More Info

Fire & EMS News

• CA: Fire alarm set off at SRC
  2.11.18 – The Runner Online – Bakersfield Fire Department was called after a fire alarm inside the Student Recreation Center was set off. The alarm went off just after 5 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 10. Smoke was seen coming from the boiler room on the second floor of the SRC. All students and staff were asked to evacuate the building immediately. After the … More Info
• CT: Fire log
  2.6.18 – Shelton Herald – #1 responded to a fire alarm sounding at the Holy Trinity Academy. There was no fire. Two engines responded. More Info
• IL: Police 2-4-18
  2.5.18 – MyWebTimes.com – Fire calls. Streator firefighters responded at 7:29 a.m. Sunday to an alarm. It was a faulty detector. More Info
• MA: Area Police Logs
  2.6.18 – The Salem News – The Fire Department responded at 4:20 a.m., to a call about a local alarm indicating hallway smoke and need to evacuate. The individual called back moments later to say she had checked the hallways and saw no smoke or fire. She said the alarm had since silenced. Responding firefighters … More Info
• MA: Caught On Cam: Dog Starts Fire
  2.8.18 – WXIA-TV – A few minutes later, something ignites on the stove and smoke fills the room, triggering the fire alarm. Two golden retrievers are then seen lounging on the couch while the stove becomes ablaze behind them. Luckily, the alarm system alerted emergency responders who arrived at the house in time to contain the flames. More Info
• MA: Mattapoisett Police Log, Jan. 28-Feb. 3
  2.10.18 – Wicked Local Marion – 10:01 a.m.: A fire alarm was reported. 10:11 a.m.: A fire incident was reported. 11:28 p.m.: A burglar alarm was reported. Tuesday, Jan. 30…. More Info
• ME: Firefighters make quick work of blaze at marijuana growing facilities
  2.9.18 – Bangor Daily News – He said about 10 minutes before that, a burglar alarm sounded at the location and police were dispatched. When police arrived, Lizotte said they found black smoke emanating from the building and summoned the Fire Department – which was already on their way because in the meantime, a heat detector had activated. More Info
• MN: St. Michael Fire report 2/5
  2.10.18 – ECM Publishers – The St. Michael Fire Department responded to a fire call on the report of a fire alarm. Sunday, Feb. 4. The department responded to a fire call on the report of a snowmobile accident. The department responded to a medical call in the 200 … More Info
• MN: Winona Fire Department calls for January 31 to February 6, 2018
  2.10.18 – Winona Daily News – 2:55 a.m. — Responded to an active alarm and found a mixing machine smoking, believed to be caused by a belt or bearing issue. 10:32 a.m. – Responded to a smoke detector that was beeping every 30 seconds or so. The battery was changed. More Info
• NH: Fire Mutual Aid log, Feb. 7, 2018
  2.7.18 – The Keene Sentinel – 9:31 a.m., Dublin Fire Department to fire alarm. 12:53 p.m., Swanzey Fire Department to fire alarm. 2:08 p.m., Jaffrey Fire Department to fire alarm. 3:25 p.m. Rindge Fire Department to fire alarm… More Info
• NM: New HVAC System Trips Alarm At Zia Credit Union
  2.11.18 – Los Alamos Daily Post – Los Alamos Firefighters respond to a fire alarm that sounded early Thursday evening at Zia Credit Union. Deputy Fire Chief Steve Dawald told the Los Alamos Daily Post that it turned out to be a false alarm triggered by a newly installed HVAC system. Photo by R.J. … More Info
• OH: Security Notebook
  2.10.18 – The Oberlin Review – 8:44 a.m. Officers and members of the Oberlin Fire Department responded to a fire alarm on the first-floor receiving dock area at Stevenson Dining Hall. An electrician also responded. A fluctuation in temperature caused the alarm, which was silenced and reset. 9:23 a.m. An officer responded to a report of graffiti in the men’s … More Info
• PA: Firefighters respond to Birsdboro business, Wyomissing restaurant
  2.7.18 – Reading Eagle – Firefighters responded to alarms at two commercial buildings this morning. According to initial reports, flames and smoke were visible from a garage door of Birdsboro Car Wash about 9:30 a.m. The first crew at the scene confirmed a working structure fire. About 10 minutes later, … More Info
• PA: Officials deem Stroudsburg fire “suspicious”
  2.6.18 – WFMZ Allentown – Stroudsburg, Pa. – Stroudsburg fire officials say the Saturday night fire that displaced eight people and severely damaged a jewelry store has been deemed suspicious and is being investigated by the state fire marshal. According to officials, the fire was first reported around 10:05 p.m. via an automatic fire alarm in a … More Info
• PA: Police Blotter 1/30/18-2/05/18
  2.7.18 – The Sentry – 1/30/18 -Fire Alarm-Guardian reported a fire alarm activated in Hamilton Hall. Officers responded and found the cause to be from a curling iron. Maintenance was able to reset the alarm system (closed). More Info
• TX: Arson Arrest Made by Dallas Fire-Rescue
  2.8.18 – WBAP News/Talk – Crews responded to an automatic fire alarm shortly after 3AM, and quickly were able to assess that someone had set several small fires on various floors of the building. Over 100 residents were evacuated to the nearby ‘W’ Hotel for a brief time. They were able to return after the bomb squad was called to examine the … More Info
• TX: Fire alarm sounds, causes confusion at Nueces County Courthouse
  2.6.18 – KRIS Corpus Christi News – A fire alarm went off this morning at the Nueces County Courthouse which caused a bit of confusion, as no smoke or fire could be seen. Our crew was there when the alarm started going off. They were told to stay in the courtroom while first responders investigated why the alarm was sounding. Officials gave the all-clear … More Info
• TX: House fire causes estimated $50k in damage
  2.6.18 – KFDA – Amarillo, TX – Amarillo Fire Department responded to a house fire on Monday that caused over $50,000 in damages. Around 7:07 p.m., officials responded to a fire alarm. Crews reported smoke and fire coming from the two-car garage on the property.  … More Info
• WA: Police: Woman dies after emergency crews tried to sedate her
  2.8.18 – EMS1.com – Olympia, Wash. – Police in Olympia say a 35-year-old woman died after emergency crews tried to sedate her early Wednesday. Olympia firefighters responded to a fire alarm at an apartment complex shortly after 1 a.m. The woman pulled the fire alarm “while in crisis … More Info

Crime News

• CA: Serial Commercial Burglary Suspect Captured In Bay Area
  2.10.18 – Patch.com – He reportedly stole high-end tools and fled the store before the alarm company notified the police department. Salvetti allegedly burglarized the business again on Jan. 20. During the course of the investigation, San Rafael police Det. Cpl. Alex Holm learned about similar burglaries at electrical and plumbing supply stores … More Info
• FL: How a delivery driver unlocked a Bradenton man’s door without …
  2.5.18 – WTSP 10 News – “I wasn’t home but I got a call from ADT saying that my alarm was going off,” McDowell said, adding that the deliveryman left his front door unlocked. Downright aggravated, he contacted Amazon. “They explained that’s not how it’s supposed to work,” he told 10News. “Specifically since I don’t have the Amazon Key product.”. More Info
• FL: Man arrested after giving ID during bank robbery
  2.6.18 – WCTV – Lake City, Fla. – The Lake City Police Department has arrested a man who they say robbed a bank after providing his identification to bank personnel. LCPD says they received a hold-up alarm from Renasant Bank and, as officers were being dispatched to the call, received a 911 call from a bank employee. More Info
• IL: Footprints in snow lead to suspect in eight burglaries, Waukegan …
  2.8.18 – Chicago Tribune – A burglary suspect was tracked through fresh snowfall early Wednesday from Waukegan Food Mart to the backyard of a nearby house, where officers arrested a man now linked to a total of eight burglaries, Waukegan police report. Cmdr. Joe Florip said an alarm at the grocery store went off around 12:15 … More Info
• MA: Georgetown police reports: Jan. 26 to Feb. 1
  2.7.18 – Wicked Local Georgetown – The following are excerpts from the Georgetown police log for Friday, Jan. 26, to Thursday, Feb. 1. The log is public record and available for review. All persons are presumed innocent unless found guilty in a court of law. Friday, Jan. 26. 9:24 a.m.: A burglar alarm was reported…. More Info
• MA: Gronkowski’s home robbed, ‘multiple safes and possible guns’ reportedly stolen
  2.6.18 – Boston Globe – Foxborough police sent officers to New England Patriots’ star Rob Gronkowski’s home Monday night to investigate a break-in that may have led to the theft of “multiple safes and possible guns taken,” according to a recording of a police dispatcher. More Info
• ME: Damariscotta Police Report
  2.5.18 – The Lincoln County News – Feb. 4: Sgt. Halpin investigated an alarm. More Info
• MO: Man arrested after driving truck into business near Westport
  2.8.18 – KCTV Kansas City – “I got a call at 3 o’clock from ADT and they said, ‘Your alarm is going off,” said Dwight McQuade, who owns the business. After the crash, the driver tried to back out, but couldn’t. He was climbing out of his truck when the police arrived. Officers took the driver into custody for drunk driving and took him to an area hospital with … More Info
• NE: Public record — Feb. 8
  2.8.18 – Columbus Telegram – 5:56 p.m. – Alarm activated. More Info
• NJ: Belleville: Police blotter, Jan. 5, 2018
  2.5.18 – NorthJersey.com – On Jan. 30, officers responded to a call of a front door alarm activated at the Walgreens at about 2:13 a.m., according to police. The officers saw the glass doors broken off its hinges and heard the alarm sounding, police said. While no property was stolen, surveillance footage shows a white man with … More Info
• NJ: Belleville: Police blotter, Jan. 5, 2018
  2.6.18 – NorthJersey.com – Police blotter information may not represent the full scope of police department activity. Police are looking into an overnight break-in at the Walgreens from last week. On Jan. 30, officers responded to a call of a front door alarm activated at the Walgreens at about 2:13 … More Info
• NJ: Man accused of burglary spree has been there before
  2.10.18 – Cherry Hill Courier Post – The suspect always wore gloves and covered his face, for instance, Police said he also cut alarm systems, redirected cameras and turned off lights before targeting offices and safes. … More Info
• NY: Shelter Island Police Department blotter
  2.8.18 – Shelter Island Reporter – Police responded to two burglary alarms on January 31. One in West Neck was a false alarm, the result of an on-going problem with the alarm company. Police found an open front door at a Center residence but no sign of any criminal activity. Wind may have blown the door open. A third burglary alarm on February 1, also … More Info
• NY: Video shows Hamilton Heights arson suspect carrying gas can …
  2.10.18 – WABC-TV – He put first responders at risk.” Many escaped with just the clothes they were wearing when the six-alarm blaze broke out. The wind-whipped flames extended through the roof and down to the fifth floor, and 200 firefighters battled the ferocious fire. Three firefighters were injured. More Info
• OH: Family suspects doctor’s plea deal led to 2017 slaying
  2.6.18 – ThisWeek Community News – The alarm system was triggered when deputies entered through the front door. Detectives with the sheriff’s office interviewed Lake’s wife and son on the day of the shooting, Tucker said, but haven’t talked with them since. Tucker said that detectives would like to interview them again, but both are represented by attorneys … More Info
• OK: Chic-Fil-A Asks Guests to Leave Due to Alarm
  2.5.18 – Bartlesville Radio – Chic-Fil-A Asks Guests to Leave Due to Alarm. Charlie Taraboletti. Some Bartlesville Chic-fil-a customers were apparently asked to leave the store just before 9 o’clock Monday morning. Bartlesville Police Department Public Information Officer, Captain Jay Hastings says the incident was prompted … More Info
• OK: Convenience store on North Sheridan Road robbed
  2.5.18 – KRMG – Tulsa, Okla. – Tulsa police are investigating a holdup alarm at the S & K Food Mart. The store was robbed by a white male wearing a mask around 11 p.m. Sunday. He was wearing “a black coat with a hood on it as well as gloves,” TPD Sgt. Brett Bilyeu said. The man produced a shotgun and demanded money from the cash … More Info
• OK: Suspect flees when Family Dollar store burglar alarm trips
  2.8.18 – KRMG – Tulsa, Okla. – A Family Dollar store burglar may have been scared away by an alarm Thursday. When deputies arrived around 3:30 a.m., they found the glass door had been broken. But when a store manager arrived and looked over the inventory, he could find nothing missing. The store security … More Info
• ON: Beaconsfield experiencing a spike in break-ins
  2.6.18 – Montreal Gazette – “What’s happening is called a ‘smash-and-grab’,” Ratté said. A smash-and-grab is a burglary during which the perpetrator breaks into a home with an alarm system. After the alarm triggers, time is of the essence so the burglar grabs whatever can be pocketed within a couple of minutes – most often jewelry and cash – and … More Info
• PA: Erie robbery suspect charged in Millcreek heist
  2.10.18 – Bucks County Courier Times – Erie police took Giddens into custody from the business after they were called there to investigate an alarm activation. He was arraigned on charges including robbery, terroristic threats, theft and possessing an instrument of crime and was placed in the Erie County Prison on $200,000 bond. Giddens was … More Info
• PA: Montoursville Police list recent incidents
  2.8.18 – NorthcentralPa.com – 1/28 – An Officer responded to the report of a medical alarm. Upon arrival, he found it to be a false alarm. More Info
• PA: Surveillance photos show 3 who stole guns from Trop Gun Shop …
  2.6.18 – LancasterOnline – They reported that officers arrived within 55 seconds of being dispatched to the alarm and found no one at the scene. Police said all three suspects wore gloves and wore hooded coats. They estimated one’s height at 5-foot-6 to 5-foot-9 inches, and the other two at 5-foot-8 to 5-foot-11 inches. They ask anyone with … More Info
• TN: Police/Fire reports for 02/05/18
  2.6.18 – Columbia Daily Herald – 2:28 a.m., Alarm system sounded due to malfunction. ◇ 11:47 a.m., Smoke detector activation, no fire – unintentional. More Info
• TN: Video: Kingsport burglar swipes $150K in Kmart jewelry
  2.7.18 – Kingsport Times News – Kingsport police officers responding to an alarm performed a search to find no suspect in the building. Store employees arrived to survey the damage, telling investigators that dozens of pieces were gone from a damaged jewelry cabinet. Police say all the missing items contained diamonds and carried a total value of more … More Info
• TX: Suspect in Boston sledgehammer rampage now faces Dallas …
  2.8.18 – Dallas News – Early the next morning, authorities say, Gallagher, Williams and three other men stole a van in the city of Woburn, north of Boston, and then stole a safe and damaged an ATM at a gas station in nearby Everett. A second burglary attempt at a gas station in Cambridge triggered an alarm, and the group fled. They then stole a … More Info
• TX: Teague Police Report – Jan. 29-Feb. 4
  2.10.18 – Freestonecountytimesonline – 9:02 AM Chief Philpott and Officer Campbell attended a special event at 1st United Methodist Church. 10:43 AM Chief Philpott and Officer Campbell were dispatched to a residential alarm… More Info
• VA: Police: Newport News Citgo robbed Wednesday night
  2.8.18 – Daily Press – It happened shortly before 8 p.m. at the station, spokesman Master Police Officer Brandon Maynard said in a news release. Newport News Communications received an alarm call at the station, and it was upgraded to a robbery from the business, Maynard said. There, police … More Info
• VA: Two men charged in connection with Glen Allen burglaries
  2.8.18 – WRIC – Henrico County, Va. – Two men have been charged in connection with two burglaries that occurred in the Glen Allen area of Henrico County on Jan. 31. Henrico Police responded to a business around 2 a.m. for an alarm. Officers discovered the business had been broken into … More Info
• WA: Counterfeit cash; trailer tipping; pig problems | San Juan County …
  2.10.18 – Islands’ Sounder – A deputy on Orcas responded to a report of an audible alarm. The home was found to be secure. • Lopez Island deputies were sent to investigate a reported vandalism and trespass on private property. Upon investigation, the damage appears to have been caused by recent storms. There was no evidence of trespassers on … 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

• President – Chris Russell
• Vice President & – Maryland Burglar & Fire Alarm Assn. Director- Craig Bober
• Secretary- Kathleen Schraufnagel
• Treasurer and Arkansas Security Alarm Assn. Director – Rick Howell
• Past President – Jordon Brown
• Kansas Electronic Security Alliance Director – Vacant
• Oklahoma Burglar & Fire Alarm Assn. Director- Steven Brekel
• Texas Burglar & Fire Alarm Assn. Director – Kelly Ryan
• Associate Director- Brian Villari
• Executive Director- Brad Shipp
• Maryland Burglar & Fire Alarm Assn. Alternate- Brian Shrake
• Oklahoma Burglar & Fire Alarm Assn. Alternate- Danna Fowble
• Texas Burglar & Fire Alarm Assn. Alternate- Rex Adams