301.519.9237 exdirector@nesaus.org

NationalMonitor

March 3, 2014

Association Events

  • 3.5.14 – OKBFAA Member Meeting
    Wednesday, March 5th.  Details on the meeting forthcoming.  To RSVP, click here.  

Door to Door Sales

  • Security Alarm Worker Licenses Required for Customer Protection
    2.25.14 – KNDO – KNDU Tri-Cities – If you invite a burglar alarm technician into your home or talk with an alarm dealer at your doorstep, then you should ask to see their professional license. More Info
  • BREAKING: Greenville Police Department warning of alarm system scam
    3.1.14 – Herald-Banner – On February 27, 2014, the Greenville Police Department was notified of suspicious activity by persons allegedly representing a national alarm company. More Info

Public Safety Updates

  • MA: Jury awards $1.2M to Shrewsbury officer shot during house call
    2.27.14 – Worcester Telegram – According to court documents, Mr. Ragsdale returned home about 2:20 a.m. July 14, 2006, after a night of drinking, and apparently set off the burglar alarm in his … More Info
  • NC: Southern Pines Cracking Down on False Alarms
    2.27.14 – Southern Pines Pilot – Since the beginning of the year, the number of security system false alarms at local homes and business that Southern Pines police have responded to is, well, … More Info
  • NC: Too many false alarms will cost in Southern Pines
    2.26.14 – Asheboro Courier Tribune – Southern Pines — More than six false fire or police alarms from the same business or residence in Southern Pines will cost the user $50 for … More Info
  • OH: Akron Police Department’s alarm policy change pushed back
    2.27.14 – West Side Leader & South Side News Leader – DOWNTOWN AKRON — The Akron Police Department (APD) has delayed the planned implementation of its verified response alarm policy from the originally scheduled March 1 to April 1. More Info
  • OH: Cleveland officials looking to solve costly, dangerous false alarms …
    2.26.14 – The Plain Dealer – Last year, false alarms in Cleveland collectively monopolized more than 8,000 hours of police time and cost taxpayers about $750,000, … More Info
  • OH: False alarms a problem for police in Middleburg Heights, other area departments
    3.1.14 – The Sun Press – Northeast Ohio police departments spend hundreds of hours — and untold resources — responding to false alarm calls each year. Despite the low odds of finding a real burglary in progress, police say they still need to remain alert. More Info
  • OH: False alarms a problem for police in Parma, other area departments
    2.27.14 – The Cleveland Plain Dealer – Police in Parma, Parma Heights, Seven Hills and Independence spend hundreds of hours — and untold resources — responding to false alarm calls. And despite the low odds of finding a real burglary, police say they still need to remain alert. More Info
  • OH: False alarms a problem for police in Strongsville, other area departments
    2.26.14 – The Sun Press – The majority of alarm calls Strongsville respond to annually are false alarms, a reality seen in communities throughout Northeast Ohio. More Info
  • OH: Vast majority of alarm calls in in Lakewood and other Westshore …
    2.26.14 – The Plain Dealer – Lakewood police responded to more than 1800 alarm calls in 2013, and almost all of them were false alarms, police said. More Info
  • OR: New telephone technology may affect monitored fire alarms
    2.25.14 – Lebanon Express – The Lebanon Fire District is cautioning businesses with required fire alarm systems to check with their fire alarm monitoring service if they are … More Info
  • SK: Council approves false alarm fee increase
    2.27.14 – Lifestyles Publications – The policy has several goals, including a reduction in the number of preventable and unwarranted false alarm responses by firefighters; and the implementation … More Info
  • TX: Dallas police launch new social media initiatives, including news website
    2.24.14 – The Dallas Morning News – The Dallas Police Department has long had plans in the works to revamp their online presence and settled on the new strategy with the help of a $43,000 communications consultant. Few other police departments have such a comprehensive social media strategy, said Shawn Williams, the community affairs manager. More Info

Industry News

  • Consumer Reports tests high-tech Nest smoke detector
    2.26.14 – FOX 59 Indianapolis – (Feb. 26, 2014) – You know the problem — you’ve burnt the toast and the smoke alarm won’t quit so you rip it from the wall or pull out the batteries. Consumer Reports tested a new combo smoke alarm and … More Info

Legislative News

Full Text

Brief Description and Current Status History

CAAB02220

Text

Daly | An act to amend Section 7583.40 of, and to repeal and add Section 7583.39 of, the Business and Professions Code, Relating to private security services.
Status: 02/21/2014 : From printer. May be heard in committee March 23.
History

CTHB05335

Text

AN ACT CONCERNING CRIMINAL HISTORY RECORDS CHECKS FOR RESIDENTIAL SECURITY SYSTEMS INSTALLERS, SERVICERS AND REPAIRERS.
Status: 2/25/2014 : Referred to Joint Committee on General Law
History

ILHB05659

Text

430 ILCS 135/11 new Amends the Carbon Monoxide Alarm Detector Act. Requires the State Fire Marshal to adopt rules requiring the installation of approved carbon monoxide alarms in the following buildings built after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 98th General Assembly: (i) public schools, as defined in Section 1-3 of the School Code, (ii) non-public schools recognized by the State Board of Education, and (iii) day care centers, as defined in Section 2.09 of the Child Care Act of 1969.
Status: 2/14/2014 : House Referred to Rules Committee
History

ILHB05683

Text

70 ILCS 705/11 from Ch. 127 1/2, par. 31 225 ILCS 447/10-10 Amends the Fire Protection District Act. Provides that the board may adopt ordinances regulating the supervision and monitoring of fire alarm systems maintained within the district. Allows the board to collect reasonable fees for fire alarm services that are provided to customers by the district itself or through a vendor approved by the board. Amends the Private Detective, Private Alarm, Private Security, Fingerprint Vendor, and Locksmith Act of 2004. Exempts from the requirements of the Act a unit of local government or its employee that directly engages in fire alarm supervision and monitoring pursuant to an ordinance adopted under the Fire Protection District Act. Effective immediately.
Status: 2/14/2014 : House Referred to Rules Committee
History

ILSB03302

Text

225 ILCS 217/40 225 ILCS 217/60 225 ILCS 227/50 225 ILCS 312/66 new 225 ILCS 320/11 from Ch. 111, par. 1110 225 ILCS 320/16 from Ch. 111, par. 1115 225 ILCS 422/35 225 ILCS 422/40 225 ILCS 422/45 225 ILCS 447/35-30 Amends the Fire Equipment Distributor and Employee Regulation Act of 2011, the Pyrotechnic Distributor and Operator Licensing Act, the Elevator Safety and Regulation Act, and the Illinois Plumbing License Law. Provides that an applicant for licensure under these Acts who is 21 years of age or older seeking a religious exemption to the photograph requirement under each Act’s licensing provisions must furnish with his or her application an approved copy of United States Department of the Treasury Internal Revenue Service Form 4029. Further provides that, regardless of age, an applicant seeking a religious exemption to the photograph requirement shall submit fingerprints with his or her application in lieu of a photograph. Also amends the Collateral Recovery Act and the Private Detective, Private Alarm, Private Security, Fingerprint Vendor, and Locksmith Act of 2004. Provides that an applicant for licensure under these acts who is 21 years of age or older seeking a religious exemption to the photograph requirement under each Act’s licensing provisions must furnish with his or her application an approved copy of United States Department of the Treasury Internal Revenue Service Form 4029.
Status: 2/14/2014 : Senate Referred to Assignments
History

MDSB01075

Text

Article – Public Safety ( 12-1101 , 12-1102 , 12-1103 , 12-1104 , 12-1105 , 12-1106 ) Requiring specified hotels to install a specified carbon monoxide alarm in a central location inside of each guest room within the hotel or, under specified circumstances, within a specified distance from carbon monoxide-producing fixtures and equipment within the hotel; and making the Act an emergency measure. | Sponsored by: Conway
Status: 2/24/2014 : First Reading Senate Rules
History

NYAB08858
Text

Dinowitz COSPNSR | Amd S378, Exec L Requires carbon monoxide detectors in all buildings which have appliances or systems which emit carbon monoxide; includes existing structures.
Status: 02/25/2014 : referred to governmental operations
History

NYAB08875
Text

Perry (MS) COSPNSR McDonough, Zebrowski, Jaffee, Aubry, Crespo | Amd S378, Exec L; amd S27-981.2, NYC Ad Cd Requires the New York state uniform fire prevention and building code to address standards for the installation of carbon monoxide detectors in restaurants and other places of public assembly; requires the installation of carbon monoxide detectors in certain places of assembly.
Status: 02/25/2014 : referred to governmental operations
History

NYAB08887
Text

Lupinacci COSPNSR | Amd S378, Exec L; amd S27-981.2, NYC Ad Cd Requires the New York state uniform fire prevention and building code to address standards for the installation of carbon monoxide detectors in restaurants and other commercial buildings; requires the installation of carbon monoxide detectors in restaurants and other commercial buildings.
Status: 02/27/2014 : referred to governmental operations
History

NYAB08894
Text

McDonough COSPNSR | Amd S378, Exec L Requires carbon monoxide detectors in commercial establishments.
Status: 02/27/2014 : referred to governmental operations
History

NYSB06657
Text

MARCELLINO COSPNSR MARTINS | Amd S378, Exec L; amd S27-981.2, NYC Ad Cd Requires the New York state uniform fire prevention and building code to address standards for the installation of carbon monoxide detectors in restaurants and other commercial buildings; requires the installation of carbon monoxide detectors in restaurants and other commercial buildings.
Status: 02/24/2014 : REFERRED TO HOUSING, CONSTRUCTION AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
History

NYSB06676
Text

SERRANO COSPNSR | Amd S378, Exec L; amd S27-981.2, NYC Ad Cd Requires the New York state uniform fire prevention and building code to address standards for the installation of carbon monoxide detectors in buildings that house one or more places of business; and requires the installation of carbon monoxide detectors in restaurants and other commercial buildings.
Status: 02/26/2014 : REFERRED TO HOUSING, CONSTRUCTION AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
History

 

State Trends

  • New front in Illinois fire monitoring battle
    4.26.14 – Security System News – Des Plaines, Ill.—Just as Illinois fire protection districts are shutting down their fire monitoring programs because of a federal court ruling saying such public entities aren’t authorized to be that business, proposed new state legislation would grant the districts that authority. More Info

National News

  • Counties evolve 911 in the Internet, smartphone age
    2.24.14 – NACO – Union County, N.C. has launched a new generation of 911 technology that allows mobile phone callers to send images and video to the county’s emergency communications center. More Info
  • Overall U.S. Residential Electrical Usage Declines, Led by Lighting
    2.24.14 – eWallstreeter – Spurred by nearly two percent annual decreases in lighting energy demand, U.S. homes have not used this little electricity since 2001. More Info
  • AT&T starts bid to abandon copper wire
    3.1.14 – Hartford Courant – AT&T proposed offering digital- only telephone service in towns in Alabama and Florida as it moves toward abandoning its aging copper-wire network and escaping the U.S. regulation that goes with it. More Info 

Business Tips

  • Language of Leadership: Constructive Versus Destructive Criticism
    2.25.14 – smallbiztrends.com- Many people have the title of a leader but don’t elicit results because they lack an understanding of constructive versus destructive criticism. More Info
  • 12 Things Extremely Successful People Do Before Breakfast
    2.26.14 – TIME ‎- 12 Things Extremely Successful People Do Before Breakfast … Those among us who have managed to find professional success and eke out a … More Info
  • Professionals Vow to Avoid Buzzwords
    2.23.14 – Baseline – Many professionals vow to never use buzzwords, but, somehow, they eventually find themselves dropping one of these cliches in a meeting or other workplace conversation. More Info

Fire News

  • AB: Smoke detectors save family of five after NE housefire
    2.27.14 – 660 News – Smoke detectors helped raise the alarm for a family of five after a blaze broke out in a northeast Rundle home on Wednesday evening. More Info
  • ME: Laundry dryer blamed for fire at Portland assisted living center
    3.2.14 – Bangor Daily News – Portland firefighters were called to the scene of a fire at the Portland Center for Assisted Living at 68 Devonshire St. after a fire alarm went off at 11:14 a.m. on … More Info
  • ND: Faulty smoke alarms cited as factor in fatal fire
    2.28.14 – Security Systems News – Fargo, N.D.—One of the region’s largest landlords is facing a wrongful death lawsuit by the family of a man who died in a fire in one of its rental apartments, according to INFORUM, a news website. More Info
  • TX: Smoke alarm saves sleeping woman
    2.27.14 – Tyler Morning Telegraph – A blaring smoke alarm and a barking dog woke Patricia Scott in time to escape her burning house this morning. Smith County Assistant Fire Marshal Connie … More Info
  • WA: Smoke alarm alerts sleeping residents of Rainier Beach house fire
    2.24.14 – KIRO 7 Seattle-Tacoma – A smoke alarm alerted sleeping residents of a fire Saturday morning. Firefighters responded to a 911 call placed at 12:03 a.m. reporting that flames were coming from a roof  of a one-story home. They were able to extinguish the fire after 40 minutes.  A man and a woman were woken up by their smoke alarm. Both were able to evacuate the house … More Info

Crime News

  • AL: Huntsville police blotter: Store burglar takes alarm system keypad
    2.26.14 – al.com – Huntsville, Alabama — Unless otherwise noted, Huntsville police reported the following incidents Tuesday. In items with incomplete … More Info
  • CA: Clearlake Police arrest suspect in series of burglaries
    2.27.14 – Lake County News – Clearlake, Calif. – Early Thursday Clearlake Police officers arrested a Clearlake man who they believe is responsible for burglarizing several city businesses this week, and for previous incidents in 2012 and 2013. Michael Matthew Jenson, 21, was arrested at around 4:30 a.m. Thursday, according to police. The investigation that led to Jenson’s Thursday arrest began this week, according to … More Info
  • CO: Hold-up alarm at 1stBank was accidentally tripped by employee …
    2.27.14 – Broomfield Enterprise – Broomfield police responded to 1stBank this morning on a hold-up alarm that turned out to have been accidentally … More Info
  • FL: Unsolved burglary before Panhandle election drew little attention
    3.1.14 – MiamiHerald.com – They disabled the alarm system by cutting wires outside. They pried a side door open with a crow bar. Footage from surveillance cameras show the thieves … More Info
  • IL: Rockford Man Arrested on Residential Burglary Charge
    2.27.14 – WIFR Rockford – A 21-year-old Rockford man is charged with residential burglary after police respond to an alarm. More Info
  • IN: S. Ind. police officer hurt in crash
    2.24.14 – WRTV Indianapolis – A southern Indiana police officer responding to a bank alarm has been injured after his patrol car collided with another vehicle. More Info
  • IN: S. Indiana police officer responding to bank alarm hurt when cruiser …
    2.24.14 – Greenfield Daily Reporter – Jeffersonville, Indiana — A southern Indiana police officer responding to a bank alarm has been injured after his patrol car collided with another vehicle. More Info
  • KY: Jeffersontown e-cigarette shop owner shocked after break-in
    2.24.14 – WHAS TV11 Louisville – Louisville, Ky. — A break-in early Monday morning left a Jeffersontown business owner out of hundreds of dollars. According to Derb-E-Cigarettes owner, Troy LeBlanc, his store alarm went off at 1:19am. LeBlanc’s security cameras caught the crook jumping over a wall. The suspect then shattered the store’s door with a hammer. LeBlanc said the suspect took petty cash totaling several hundred … More Info
  • MA: Jury awards $1.2M to Shrewsbury officer shot during house call
    3.1.14 – Worcester Telegram & Gazette – Worcester; A Worcester Superior Court jury returned a $1.26 million verdict against former car dealer Mark P. Ragsdale today in the 2006 shooting of a Shrewsbury police officer who was responding to a burglar alarm at Mr. Ragsdale’s home. More Info
  • MB: 3 police vehicles crash on route to panic alarm
    2.24.14 – Brandon Sun – Brandon police cars racing to a residential panic alarm were involved in a crash on Friday night. The incident involved three vehicles, police say, which happened around 9 p.m. on Friday. No injuries were reported, and as per policy, there… More Info
  • ME: Waterville Police make arrest in Bangor Savings Bank robbery
    3.1.14 – WCSH 6 Portland – Waterville, Maine – Waterville Police arrested David Alvarez, 28, of Thomaston, following a robbery at the Bangor Savings Bank on Main Street this morning. More Info
  • MI: Break-In Reported At Jefferson Schools Admin Building
    3.1.14 – Monroe Evening News – While deputies were in the area, trying to find the suspect, an alarm was sounded at the school district administration building. A broken window was discovered … More Info
  • MI: Man with axe arrested for break-in at Jefferson High School
    3.1.14 – ClickOnDetroit – A man has been arrested after breaking into the Jefferson High School Administration Building early Saturday morning. More Info
  • MI: Verizon Store Busted Into; Three People Arrested
    3.2.14 – FOX 17 Grand Rapids – Kalamazoo, Mich.- Three people from Illinois are in the Kalamazoo County Jail after being charged with breaking into a Verizon Wireless store in Kalamazoo. According to the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety, around 3 a.m. Saturday morning More Info
  • MN: Customer kicks knife-wielding robber in face at CVS
    3.1.14 – WPIX 11 New York – Minnesota (PIX11) – A brave customer stood up to a knife-wielding robber at a CVS, kicking him in the face, ultimately leading to his capture. Cops say on Monday, Simon Hanson, 28, had just tried to rob a gas station … More Info
  • MN: Dropped phone leads to arrest of armed robbery suspect
    2.27.14 – KARE – The clerk managed to hit the silent alarm button behind the counter, and when he told the robber that police were on the way he sprinted from the store. More Info
  • MO: No dough for Pizza Haus burglary suspect
    2.24.14 – KRCG Jefferson City – One man is in custody, accused of trying to break into a Wardsville pizza restaurant. More Info
  • MO: Republic citizens helped police track down pharmacy burglary suspect
    2.27.14 – KY3 – Police believe Shannon Albright, 29, wanted to steal drugs, not money, from Hines Street Pharmacy. An alarm and alert citizens helped police find and arrest … More Info
  • MT: Burglar breaks into marijuana shop, leaves empty handed
    2.24.14 – Montana Standard – Police are investigating a burglary at a Butte medical marijuana dispensary. The culprit broke in but didn’t take anything. Authorities say a burglary alarm went off … More Info
  • NJ: Newton man arrested on burglary charges
    2.27.14 – New Jersey Herald – Newton — A Newton man was arrested and charged for burglarizing Campbell’s Small Engine in Newton, police said. On Wednesday, Feb. 26, at 2:30 a.m., Newton police responded to a burglar alarm. More Info
  • NJ: Verona Police respond to elevator emergency alarm, reports of fraud …
    3.2.14 – New Jersey Hills – Officer Anthony O’Connor responded to a report of an elevator emergency alarm at 7:55 p.m., at a Pompton Avenue office building. No emergency contacts were … More Info
  • NY: Falls man is caught in a police chase and is charged in an attempted burglary
    2.24.14 – The Buffalo News – Niagara Falls – A smashed window prompted police to respond to an alarm at Lotus Farms at just after midnight Monday. When police arrived they spotted a man in black crouched down behind a row of bushes. More Info
  • OH: Aldi’s employee admits to making fraudulent returns: Fairview Park Police Blotter
    3.1.14 – The Cleveland Plain Dealer – Breaking and Entering, Lorain Road: On Feb. 17 employees at Bonnie’s Lounge reported the back entrance door broken out. Police responded and found the phone lines had been cut to disable the alarm system and the back glass door broken… More Info
  • OH: Burglary suspect arrested in Monroe
    3.1.14 – The Toledo Blade – Monroe – The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office arrested a man suspected in a burglary at the Jefferson High School administration building. More Info
  • OH: Suspects caught after Miami Twp. Verizon break-in
    2.24.14 – WHIO-TV 7 Dayton – Three people were taken into police custody after the Verizon Wireless store on Miamisburg Centerville Road was broken into late Sunday night. Police responded to the store, located across the street from the Dayton Mall, just before 11 p.m. after receiving a call from onlookers that people were breaking into the store, police said. When officers arrived at the store, they found the front window … More Info
  • OR: Hillsborough sheriff investigates theft from Jared store
    2.27.14 – Tbo.com – 19, suspects broke the front window of the Jared store took watches and fled when the security alarm activated, according to the sheriff’s … More Info
  • PA: Burglar alarms alert police to break-ins
    2.24.14 – Main Line Times – Lower Merion police were alerted by alarms of two burglaries in Gladwyne early Tuesday. The first occurred at 1:11 a.m . Officers responding to a burglar alarm found fresh footprints around the home. The rear door was kicked open but there was no known loss. More Info
  • PA: Two arrested after burglarizing JC Penney
    3.1.14 – Times Chronicle & Glenside News & The Globe – J.C. Penney employee Henry J. Martin, 42, and accomplice Michelle Bradford, 46, of Philadelphia, were charged with burglary, theft, criminal conspiracy and related offenses Feb. 25 after they broke into the J.C. Penney department store in the Willow Grove Park mall Feb. 25, according to Abington police. More Info
  • TN: Police identify Hixson, TN burglary suspect
    2.24.14 – Chattanooga Times Free Press – Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office has identified Kenneth J. Hill is the suspect in the burglary. More Info
  • TN: Police: Brentwood man admits to three Sunday pharmacy robberies
    2.24.14 – Ashland City Times – Police say Robert Garrett, 41, was jailed Sunday on charges of aggravated robbery, burglary, felony drug possession, felony theft and vandalism connected with the three robberies. Thousands of prescription pills taken in the robberies were recovered. More Info
  • TX: 2 arrested after pharmacy break-in
    2.24.14 – KPRC Local 2 Houston – Two men are in police custody after a pharmacy was broken into on the north side of Houston. More Info
  • TX: Arlington police officer shoots suspect
    3.2.14 – FOX 4 News Dallas – Fort Worth – The officer was responding to a burglar alarm call at the apartment office. The officer encountered the suspect and the suspect was shot by the officer, according to Arlington police. More Info
  • TX: Dallas police nab 3 men accused of spa robberies
    3.1.14 – KHOU – Dallas –– A silent alarm and solid police work led to the capture of three men accused in the robberies of two Northwest Dallas spas earlier this week, … More Info
  • TX: HPD: Burglars break through walls in foiled attempt to steal prescription drugs from north Houston pharmacy
    2.24.14 – ABC 13 Houston – HPD says the suspects were caught red-handed after smashing through a window and three walls to get prescription drugs More Info
  • TX: Longview police nab suspect attempting to break into animal hospital
    2.27.14 – KLTV 7 Tyler – Longview police have a suspect in custody after a burglar alarm was set off at an animal hospital. More Info
  • TX: Suspect in Lindale Walmart robbery indicted
    3.1.14 – KLTV 7 Tyler – A man suspected in an armed robbery in Lindale was indicted on two counts of aggravated robbery in a Smith County courtroom last Thursday. More Info
  • WA: Police catch suspect burglarizing Sunset Grocery
    2.24.14 – KREM.com Spokane – Spokane, Wash.–Officers caught a suspect burglarizing Sunset Grocery on Saturday. Chance Bunting, 18, was arrested for 2nd Degree Burglary, 2nd Degree Malicious Mischief, 3rd Degree Theft and Obstructing. Spokane Police Patrol officers responded to an alarm call at the store around 4:30 a.m. on Saturday. Officers saw a man inside the store with a mask over his face when they arrived. They said … More Info
  • WI: Alarm summons police to Cash Store in Two Rivers
    2.27.14 – Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter – A robbery alarm shortly after noon on Wednesday summoned Two Rivers police to the Cash Store. 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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