Public Safety Updates

• IL: Elgin residents call police for the little things, and that’s OK
  2.23.18 – Chicago Tribune – Of the thousands of calls to Elgin police for triggered burglar alarms, only a few hundred are related to actual break-ins, according to data obtained by the Courier-News. An average of 2,489 burglar alarm calls are made to local police each year, and just 340 actual burglaries are reported, according to crime data released … More Info
• OK: City Council Considers New Steps To Reduce False Fire Alarms
  2.22.18 – News On 6 – The Tulsa City Council is considering a new tactic to stop the number of fire alarms going off for no reason. Fire Marshal Andy Teeter says Tulsa crews are sometimes responding to the same building 2 or 3 times a day for what turns out to be a false alarm. Now, it’s like a crying wolf situation for people in these buildings and … More Info

Industry News

• 5 Outdated Security Technologies and Their Current Replacements
  2.21.18 – SSI – From cameras to access control, take a look at outdated security technologies and their more advanced replacements in honor of SSI’s 40th anniversary. More Info
• Copper vs. Fiber: Don’t be a Scaredy Cat
  2.23.18 – CEPro – Fiber optic cabling beats copper (Cat x) when it comes to long distances, high bandwidth, reliability and future-proofing, but smart-home integrators are hung up on fiber myths and high prices. More Info

Legislative News

Bill Text	Description	History
CAAB02603 Text	Cunningham (A) | Proprietary security services. An act to amend Section 7574.10 of the Business and Professions Code, relating to professions and vocations. Status: 02/16/18: From printer. May be heard in committee March 18.	History
CASB01416 Text	McGuire (S) | Business licenses: fees: fire inspections. An act to add Chapter 8 (commencing with Section 16551) to Part 1 of Division 7 of the Business and Professions Code, relating to business license fees. Status: 02/16/18: Introduced. Read first time. To Com. on RLS. for assignment. To print.	History
ILSB03146 Text	225 ILCS 447/40-5 Amends the Private Detective, Private Alarm, Private Security, Fingerprint Vendor, and Locksmith Act of 2004. Removes provisions allowing any licensee, any interested party, or any person injured by a party acting without a valid license under the Act to petition for an order enjoining the violation or for an order enforcing compliance with the Act. Effective immediately. Status: 2/15/2018: Senate Referred to Assignments	History
NJSB01869 Text	Prohibits sale of certain alarm business signs and decals. No companion bill. Status: 2/15/2018: Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Commerce Committee	History
UTHB00191 Text	Carbon Monoxide Detector Repeal | Wheatley, M. Status: 2/12/2018 : House Comm – Held All Versions: Introduced	History
UTSB00197 Text	Private Security Amendments | Dayton, M. Status: 2/20/2018 : Senate/ received fiscal note from Fiscal Analyst All Versions: Introduced	History
WVHB04098 Text	Sobonya | . State Fire Commission, rule relating to electrician licensing Status: 01/15/18 : To House Government Organization	History
WVHB04138 Text	Byrd | WV Code 29-3-16a . Requiring certain public or private schools and daycare centers to install carbon monoxide detectors Status: 02/05/18 : To Judiciary	History
WVSB00180 Text	Maynard | WV Code 64-6. State Fire Commission rule relating to electrician licensing Status: 01/11/18 : To Judiciary	History

State & National News

• Partner Alliance for Safer Schools (PASS) Guidelines
  2-20-18- SIA – The PASS Guidelines for School Security will walk you step-by-step through identifying your school’s potential threats, as well as the security layers you should employ in order to mitigate risk and keep students and staff safe. The guidelines are customized based on local risk levels and available resources and budgets. More Info
• APS fortifying security at district schools
  2.20.18 – Albuquerque Journal – Albuquerque, N.M. – Albuquerque Public Schools is currently fortifying security at district schools with a variety of measures that include installing and updating digital cameras, restricting entry and access with card key technology, and installing intrusion alarms. All of this technology is being connected to the APS … More Info
• What this school did to be dubbed ‘safest school in America’
  2.23.18 – W*USA 9 – Here’s how the safety program works: *In the event of an active shooter, a teacher can press his or her emergency fob, which sets off a school-wide alarm and notifies local law enforcement. Students then barricade themselves in a corner out of view of a potential shooter looking through the window of a locked, bullet-proof … More Info
• Security begins in the schools themselves
  2.24.18 – Baltimore Sun – It may be irrelevant in this case, but did fire alarms spray purple dye on the person pulling the alarm? This is a deterrent in that regard. In addition to school resource officers, school staff and administrators, Baltimore County Public Schools employ psychologists and pupil personnel workers who often intervene or act to … More Info
• Apple repair center accidentally called 911 1600 times
  2.25.18 – WDJT – Elk Grove, Calif. (CBS News) – Emergency dispatchers in Elk Grove and Sacramento County are seeing an influx of false alarm 911 calls from an Apple repair and refurbishing center off Laguna Boulevard, CBS Sacramento reports. Dispatchers said the calls started in October 2017, and there’s usually no one on the … More Info

Business Tips

• Why Security Dealers Should Leverage Innovation of DIY Products
  2.20.18 – SSI – Security dealers have the opportunity to leverage innovation coming from product manufacturers, but this requires the industry to expand beyond the architecture and supplier base for security control panels. More Info
• 5 Resources to Step Up Your Customer Service Game
  2.20.18 – SSI – A pledge to provide great customer service is an investment that can drive growth for your business. These online resources can help marketers, large and small, deliver an amazing customer experience. More Info
• How to Make Sure You Don’t Undersell Your Security Company
  2.20.18 – SSI – An SSI Hall of Fame member explains how you may be selling your company short, as well as what to say when a prospective customer is contemplating a DIY security system. More Info
• SIA Issues Guide to Tax Cuts to Encourage Investment in Fire …
  2.22.18 – HSToday – The Security Industry Association has issued a guide to the latest tax cuts introduced to encourage businesses to invest in security, fire protection and alarm … not exceeding taxable income, but under the new rules security systems and fire protection and alarm systems are now treated as qualifying Section 179 property, … More Info
• Trademarks 101: What Is a Trademark and Why Your Business Can’t Live Without It
  2.22.18 – SSI: As a security sales professional with your own business, protecting homeowners and businesses may be your primary job, but so is protecting your brand value and image. Trademark expert Josh Gerben explains. More Info
• How to Approach the 2018 Sales Climate
  2.23.18 – CEPro – While the 2018 economic outlook is positive, there’s more for businesses to consider when looking at sales. More Info
• Super-Regional Provider Ackerman Security Systems Shares Secrets to Success
  2.23.18 – SSI – SSI speaks with Ackerman Security execs who lift the curtain on the business’ people, practices, processes and profit strategies. More Info

Fire & EMS News

• IL: Siren Report
  2.20.18 – Journal Gazette and Times-Courier – Firefighters responded to a fire alarm at 7:48 p.m. Monday to Eastern Illinois University’s Lawson Hall for a cooking fire. It was extinguished before their arrival. Charleston police. Vehicles driven by George Tucker and Briar True, both of Mattoon, were involved in an accident at 2:12 p.m. Feb. 9 … More Info
• NC: Feb. 24 Fire-Rescue Calls
  2.24.18 – Greenville Daily Reflector – 6:26 a.m. – alarm system sounded due to malfunction. Cleared 6:43 a.m. – 12:14 p.m. – dispatched and canceled en route. Cleared 12:16 p.m.. 3:50 p.m. -unintentional alarm system activation. Cleared 4:07 p.m.. – 4:52 p.m. — CO detector … More Info
• NE: Terminal Building fire still being investigated, Lincoln fire …
  2.20.18 – Lincoln Journal Star – No one was inside the building when fire crews arrived to check on a fire alarm at 5:45 a.m. Monday, Battalion Chief Leo Benes said. Crews could see flames coming out an office window and ultimately upgraded the response to a third alarm, he said. The fire was contained to the northwest corner of the eighth floor, which … More Info
• NH: Sprinkler contains fire at Peterborough nursing home
  2.25.18 – WMUR Manchester – The Peterborough Fire Department said a fire at a nursing home Saturday is a good example of the value of having a working sprinkler system in every building. Firefighters said they were called to Pheasant Wood Center just before 1 p.m. because the fire alarm was sounding. Advertisement. Officials said water was … More Info
• NY: Area Police Reports
  2.20.18 – Jamestown Post Journal – Lilly A. James, 32, of Jamestown, was charged with second-degree falsely reporting an incident on Monday. Police officers helped Jamestown firefighters with a fire alarm activation that reportedly has been an ongoing issue. Offiers spoke with James, who reportedly told officers she was the one who pulled … More Info

Crime News

• CA: 2 LAPD Officers Bitten By Man Who Triggered Cellphone Store Alarm
  2.20.18 – NBC Southern California – Two Los Angeles Police Department officers were bitten several times by a 30-year-old man who had triggered a cash register alarm at an AT&T store in Tarzana Monday night, police said. Officers from the West Valley Division responded to an alarm at the AT&T store … More Info
• CA: Redding restaurant hit by vandals, thieves three times in two weeks
  2.23.18 – Redding Record Searchlight – Valera said she doesn’t think anyone came into the restaurant during the most recent incident because the alarm didn’t go off. … Also, when her husband, Santiago, went inside the restaurant the recently installed alarm went off, she said. Redding … Any thieves breaking into the store would trigger a burglar alarm, he said. More Info
• CA: String of burglaries prompt alarm installations in Rodeo neighborhood
  2.25.18 – KRON4.com – Grant Groettum said the burglar was able to reach through a doggy door to unlock the side door into his garage. Some neighbors are getting security systems installed after the uptick in residential burglaries in the area. The Esquivias family said someone knocked on their door and recommended they get an alarm system. More Info
• CO: Business owner injured during armed robbery
  2.23.18 – Valley Courier – Del Norte – According to reports from Del Norte Police Chief Bobbi Fresquez, an armed robbery occurred at Golden Fleece Antiques at approximately 9 p.m. Monday, Feb. 19. Fresquez explained that Officer Mike Ruybal and Sgt. Frank Archuleta were responding to an alarm at the Rio … More Info
• IA: Deferred judgment granted in felony burglary case
  2.20.18 – Clinton Herald – According to the affidavit, at 1:18 a.m. Oct. 5, officers were called to Hop and Shop in reference to an activated burglary alarm. Responding officers found the glass entry door was destroyed. The estimated value of the damaged glass door was $1,000. Officers also found damage to a cash register. The top … More Info
• KY: Man accused of attempting to rob church in Drakesboro
  2.22.18 – WBKO – Drakesboro, Ky – Boston, KY man has been arrested after allegedly attempting to rob First Baptist Church in Drakesboro. Muhlenberg County Sheriff’s Office says a deputy reported to First Baptist to respond to an alarm. He found an open door and a broken window. While searching the church, he also found a … More Info
• MA: Acton police reports: Feb. 9-15
  2.20.18 – Wicked Local – 6:33 p.m.: Police responded to Stacy’s Ways for a report of a burglar alarm. More Info
• MA: Driver’s licenses in a town pool trash can and an unbidden clothes …
  2.20.18 – Wicked Local – 9:39 p.m. An alarm company called the police to let them know that an alarm was going off at the Harrington School. At the scene, police found the side door to the maintenance room unlocked. Two officers checked the building’s interior, found everything was in order, and secured the door before … More Info
• MA: Littleton police reports: Feb. 15-22
  2.23.18 – Wicked Local – 7:59 a.m.: A box alarm was reported. 12:52 p.m.: A burglar alarm was reported… More Info
• MA: Littleton police reports: Feb. 8-14
  2.21.18 – Wicked Local – 9:08 a.m.: A burglar alarm was reported at Triumph Leasing Corp. … More Info
• MA: Marion Police Log, Feb. 4-10
  2.19.18 – Wicked Local- All persons are presumed innocent unless found guilty in a court of law. Sunday, Feb. 4. 6:18 a.m.: A burglar alarm was reported. 7:27 a.m.: A fire alarm was reported at Tabor Academy … More Info
• MA: Rockland police log, Jan. 5-11
  2.23.18 – Wicked Local – 12:45 a.m.: A burglar alarm was reported. Police checked and secured the property. 7:44 a.m.: A burglar alarm was reported. … More Info
• MA: Swampscott police log, Feb. 13-19
  2.23.18 – Wicked Local Swampscott – 6:55 a.m.: An alarm was reported at Qdoba Mexican Eat. More Info
• MD: These Police Stole, Sold Drugs and Covered Up Killings; Now …
  2.20.18 -The Root – Jovonne was so frightened she pushed the silent alarm button. According to Bates, responding to the alarm a new set of officers showed up, but Jenkins and his partner said they would handle it. They search the house without a warrant, saying that Jovonne agreed to let them search. They later go back and obtain a warrant … More Info
• MD: VID | 3 burglars at Pikesville HS try to steal car
  2.23.18 – Fox Baltimore – Pikesville, Md. (WBFF) – Baltimore County police are asking for help finding three burglars who tried to steal a car at Pikesville High School last month. Surveillance video was recovered of the three suspects entering school property just after midnight on Jan. 23, reported county police Thursday. They are seen walking to … More Info
• ME: Damariscotta Police Report
  2.20.18 – The Lincoln County News – 13: Officer Bellows conducted speed enforcement in the school zone, investigated an alarm … More Info
• MI: St. Clair County Dispatch log for Saturday, Feb. 17
  2.20.18 -2.20.18 – KAJO – Marijuana Dispensary Worker Jailed on Warrant after Accidentally Tripping Alarm. An accidentally tripped security alarm at a Grants Pass marijuana dispensary led to the apprehension of an employee on an outstanding warrant last night. Public safety officers responded to the alarm at Forward Cannabis .. More Info
• MI: St. Clair County Dispatch log for Wednesday, Feb. 21
  2.22.18 – Port Huron Times Herald – 3:52 p.m., Alarm Intrusion. … More Info
• MI: Trooper involved in accident while responding to alarm
  2.23.18 – ABC 10 News NOW – Quinnesec – A Michigan State Police trooper was involved in a two-vehicle accident while responding to a residential burglary alarm in Quinnesec. The crash occurred Thursday at 6:12 p.m.. The police car had the emergency lights and sirens activated at the time of the … More Info
• MN: Litchfield Police Report 2/16/18-2/19/18
  2.20.18 – Crow River Media – 2:52 P.M. Litchfield Police responded to an alarm at a business. Upon officers’ arrival, everything was found to be okay. 3:03 P.M. Litchfield Police assisted with a property damage accident that occurred at a business. No injuries. Minor damage. 4:43 P.M. Litchfield Police charged a … More Info
• MO: Northpark Mall Burglary Suspects Charged
  2.20.18 – KOAM-TV – Captain Trevor Duncan tells KOAM-TV that officers arrived at the mall after an alarm at Vintage Stock was triggered. … Officers found a trailer outside the stolen was broken into and a loading dock door had been tampered with which triggered the alarm. … Police believe the alarm stopped suspects from stealing items. More Info
• MO: Police investigate burglary at Jefferson City jewelry store
  2.25.18 – ABC17News.com – Jefferson City, Mo. – A jewelry store was broken into and items were stolen from it Saturday night, according to a sergeant with the Jefferson City Police Department. Officers were called to the Blue Diamond around 8:15 p.m. by the store’s alarm company. The suspect or suspects smashed the … More Info
• MO: Ste. Genevieve County Sheriff’s Office Incident Report (Feb. 3-9)
  2.20.18 – Ste. Genevieve Herald – The following are incident reports from the Ste. Genevieve County Sheriff’s Office for February 3 through February 9: Arrested person, 8; alarm activation, 3; animal control, 8; burglary, 2; careless and imprudent, 8; check the well-being, 1; disturbance, 5; domestic violence, 3; harassment, 1; motorist assist, 5; motor vehicle … More Info
• MO: Ste. Genevieve Police Department Incident Report (Feb. 9-15)
  2.20.18 – Ste. Genevieve Herald – Alarm burglary, 2; assault/sexual assault, 1; assist DFS, 1; escort, 1; person check, 1; traffic stop, 16; careless-and-imprudent driver, 1; check the well-being, 2; disturbance, 3; domestic disturbance, 1; fugitive arrest, 1; harassment, 2; hold-up alarm, 1; information only, 1; investigation, 9; miscellaneous, 26; motor vehicle … More Info
• NH: Police seek man in computer theft, attempted library break-in
  2.20.18 – NewHampshire.com – Litchfield – Police are searching for a man they say stole a computer from a shed and also tried to get in the Aaron Cutler Memorial Library through a basement window on Tuesday afternoon. According to a press release, police got a panic alarm from the library at about 1 p.m. A librarian told officers who responded to … More Info
• NY: Riverhead police seek information in another commercial burglary
  2.23.18 – RiverheadLOCAL – Riverhead Town Police have announced a second burglary that occurred in the early morning hours today, this one at an auto parts store. Police said they responded to an alarm at My Guy Auto Supply at about 2:15 a.m. today to find the front west side glass door smashed in. More Info
• OR: Local News
  2.21.18 – KAJO – Marijuana Dispensary Worker Jailed on Warrant after Accidentally Tripping Alarm. An accidentally tripped security alarm at a Grants Pass marijuana dispensary led to the apprehension of an employee on an outstanding warrant last night. Public safety officers responded to the alarm at Forward Cannabis … More Info
• PA: Cops: Serial burglar admits nine break ins in Parkside, Brookhaven
  2.20.18 – The Delaware County Daily Times – 10 when Parkside Officer Christopher D’Antonio was dispatched for a report of an audible burglary alarm in the living room of a residence. As D’Antonio walked toward the residence he could hear the alarm. At the rear of the house, the officer saw broken glass on the ground by the … More Info
• SD: Clay County Sheriff’s Report
  2.23.18 – Vermillion Plain Talk – 2/17/18 5:48 a.m. – A deputy responded to an intrusion alarm at an Irene Business. It was determined that an employee had tripped the alarm. •2/17/18 12:03 p.m. – A deputy responded to a medical emergency at the jail where an inmate appeared to be having a seizure or responding to a drug overdose due to drugs … More Info
• TN: Police searching for 2 suspects that robbed TriStar Bank in Dickson
  2.25.18 – WSMV Nashville – Officers responded to the alarm at the bank within two minutes of the robbery, but the suspects had already fled the scene. Police are asking anyone with information to contact … More Info
• VA: 2 Loudoun Stores Hit in Early Morning Armed Robberies
  2.22.18 – Loudoun Now – The Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office is investigating two armed robberies at convenience stores early Thursday morning. The first was reported at 1:16 a.m. Feb. 22 at the 7-Eleven store. Deputies were called to the scene by an alarm. The clerk reported that a man entered the … More Info
• VA: Hampton police searching for suspect connected to Sears burglary
  2.25.18 – WAVY-TV – Hampton, Va. – Police are looking for a suspect connected to a commercial burglary that happened. On Feb. 23, dispatchers received a call around 4 a.m. after an alarm was activated at the Sears Department Store. Police say the unknown man drove a red, Ford pickup truck … More Info
• VA: Police: 3 accused of breaking into Hampton Metro PCS
  2.20.18 – Daily Press – Officers responded to an alarm activation at the business. There, they found that someone had broke the glass on the storefront and entered the businesses. Inside, they found that people had rummaged through the business, but they fled the store without taking anything because of the audible alarm, Bond said. More Info
• WI: Man arrested for Burnie’s Rock Shop burglary
  2.21.18 – WMTV – He was arrested Tuesday afternoon on burglary and theft charges. On January 29, the Madison Police Department were called to an alarm at Burnie’s Rock Shop. When officers arrived, they found a window shattered and a display case broken. It is estimated tens of thousands of dollars worth of merchandise was stolen. 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