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Mobile Security Guard Patrol Use of Intranet for Communication
Urban Alarm’s Mobile Community Patrol provides an added security presence for retail, business, and residential customers in Northwest DC Neighborhoods. In addition to alarm response, concierge services, home watch when you are away, and general community security the patrols utilize a private Intranet for documenting activity at Patrol Members properties.
The system not only tracks patrol activity (each patrol vehicle is tracked by GPS) but is a repository for security related observations by the patrol officers. The system is also an effective mechanism for the patrol officers to communicate with each other as well as between the office and the field.
Patrol officers regularly document (via mobile photography) contractors on site or other potential items of concern. Patrol members can request reports on observed activity at their property.
Urban Alarm’s Mobile Security Guard Patrol is available to neighborhoods, individual residents, businesses, and commercial or multi-unit residential properties. Larger properties may look to mobile patrols to supplement traditional posted security guards. Mobile patrols may be deployed in conjunction with remote video monitoring to provide a cost effective strategy for comprehensive security.
Theft from Auto up 150% in Some DC Neighborhoods
Over the past 30 days there has been a spike in theft from vehicles by as much as 150% in some of DC’s second police district neighborhoods.According to Lt. Hill from MPD most of these theft from auto incidents have one thing in common -- something of potential value was left visible in the vehicle. We saw this in the three vehicle break-ins this month in our Moble Patrol area where a laptop bag and briefcase were visible in two of the break-ins.
MPD believes the state of the economy has “professionalized” this type of theft. What once were isolated and opportunistic smash and grabs appears to have become more organized and systematic. Perpetrators are believed to arrive and leave in vehicles and perform many thefts a day.
It seems self evident but often forgotten. Don’t leave valuables in your vehicles. Don’t leave items the look like they might be valuable in your vehicle. Empty shopping bags or iPhone ear buds can be enough to end up spending the morning pickup up glass.
Monitored Smoke Detectors in DC, MD, and VA
Smoke detectors are an important part of a monitored alarm system. Smoke detector system may be installed by your alarm company or by an electrician. Electricians install 120VAC smoke detectors. Alarm company typically install 12VDC monitored smoke detectors.
The 120VAC smoke detectors are lopped together an a single circuit so if one smoke detector is tripped all detectors will sound. It is not connected to a monitored system or external sirens. The power comes from your circuit breaker and the backup battery is inside each of the individual detectors.12VDC monitored smoke detectors installed by Urban Alarm are connected to the alarm control panel. They are powered by the alarm panel and a single large 12VDC battery that provides backup power to the alarm panel and all the devices connected to the alarm panel.
Up until recently the 120VAC detectors were required to meet most code requirements (for more information on fire and electrical code). 12VDC monitored smoke detectors were not an option for code and inspections. However effective with the International Residential Code (IRC) 2009 version, hard-wired 12VDC smoke detectors are now accepted to meet code and inspections. Unfortunately it can take time for states and country to catch up to the most recent code. Many, including DC and Maryland, and Virginia, are officially on older code standards which require the 120VAC detectors.
The good news is, in practice, DC, Maryland, and Virginia do allow 12VDC monitored smoke detectors to meet code and inspections. In some cases you may need a variance during the permit process but we have found jurisdictions willing to provide these so long as the installation meets the 2009 code requirement.
12VDC Monitored Smoke Detectors have many advantages over 120VAC detectors:
- Fire department is dispatched in response to monitored smoke alarms.
- Monitored sensors are also monitored for functional health and troubles. These signals are sent to the monitoring center and the home owner is notified.
- If a smoke has a false alarm (e.g., from cooking) the monitored smokes can be re-set from the keypad rather then having to reach up to the ceiling and silencing the alarm on the sensor itself.
- The monitored sensors share a single backup battery at the panel so batteries do not need to be changed in each individual smoke sensor device. This simplifies maintenance and reduces likelihood of system failure.
Hardwired smoke detectors have many design options. For aesthetic reasons homeowners or architects may prefer a recessed sensor such as the fully recessed smoke detector pictured here.
It is possible to install and monitor a relay on the 120VAC smoke detector loop. In this configuration any of the smoke detectors tripping will result in a fire alarm transmission to the monitoring center (and a fire department dispatch). But we will only know if a sensor goes off -- we will not know which one or why. Nor will the health of the system and device be monitored.
What about Wireless Smoke Detectors?
Up until the 2012 International Residential Code (IRC) all low voltage smoke detectors are required to be hard-wired. The 2012 IRC code allows wireless smoke detectors. But jurisdictions are not quick to adopt this brand new standard. Over the next year they will be reviewing code updates and the matter of wireless smoke detectors will clearly be up for discussion. Contact our office for the latest on this mater and we will update the blog as soon as we have more information.
Keep in mind the NFPA recommends replacing your smoke detectors every 5 years. Most manufacturers documentation recommend replacing detectors at least every 7 years. Smoke detectors should be tested regularly and inspected / cleaned by an alarm company annually.
DC Starts Charging Sales Tax on Security and Fire Alarm Monitoring
The District of Columbia has taken the lead from Maryland and will require sales tax be paid on alarm monitoring effective October 1st 2011. This change will effect security and fire alarm monitoring for commercial and residential properties located in DC.
The notice from DC goes on to specify that DC sales tax will now apply to “...the service of monitoring an electronically controlled burglar or fire alarm system for any residential or commercial property located in the District...”.
Our invoices for security alarm monitoring and commercial fire alarm monitoring (including auto-credit card charges) will reflect this change as of 1 October 2011.
Silence Security Alarm Beeping During a Storm
With Hurricane Irene making its way up the East Coast today it will leave in its wake, among other distraction, a trail of beeping security alarm panels. The most likely cause of security alarm issues during this time will be:
1. Loss of AC Power
2. Low Alarm Panel Battery
3. Phone Line Failure
While these issues will generally restore themselves as the services are repaired they will cause the alarm panels to beep until acknowledged. We will get phone calls through the weekend from customers asking how to silence these beeps.
Here is a quick reference for the system Urban Alarm installs and other popular alarm panels.
DMP XT30 and XT50 Alarm Panel
What to do when a trouble tone is sounding
You can silence the trouble tone by pressing any key. This only silences the
keypad and does not correct the condition that originally caused the problem.
GE / UTC Concord Alarm Panel
Silencing Trouble Beeps
To silence trouble beeps:
1. Perform a system status check by pressing * on a touchpad,
2. Change the arming leve(i.e., Disarm the Panel).
Honeywell Vista Alarm Panels
To silence the beeping, for power outage or low battery, press any key.
DSC Alarm Panels
When a trouble condition is detected the Trouble or system indicator will turn on, and the keypad will beep every 10 seconds. Press the [#] key to silence the beeps. Press the [*] then {2} keys to view the trouble condition (#1 most likely a low battery, #2 is loss of AC power, #3 is telephone line failure)
June 2011 FBI Security Briefing on Specific Terrorism Threats
On Thursday June 23rd the FBI held a security briefing at the Renaissance Washington which focused on threats to the hospitality industry. While these briefings are not unusual, and post 9/11 bureaucrats often communicate excess threat information to cover their butts, this one held particular weight as an Assistant Director of the FBI and the head of the DC Counter-terrorism Squad were sent to warn of a particular threat.
The message delivered, at the briefing, expressed “serious” concern about active shooter threats at restaurants and hotels in the DC metro area. Attendees were encouraged to plan for these threats with tangible actions. Given the density of DC and the proliferation of hospitality venues these warning should be headed by all venues and properties in the DC Metro area.
Specific concerns were mentioned about intelligence relating to potential attacks on July 4th or September 11th in Washington, New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles. The suspected types of attacks may include shooters and/or vehicles driven into crowds where government employees may gather such as restaurants and events.
One of the best resources for breaking information is the Alert DC website from the DC Government. You may subscribe to rapid text alerts. The Department of Homeland Security has prepared some venue specific resources which may be referenced for specific actions:
Restaurants (and hospitality venues in general)
FBI’s “Potential Indicators of Terrorist Activities”
For Urban Alarm commercial and multi-unit residential customer pay particular attention that all access control, security, and video surveillance systems being actively used. Make every effort to control/limit access credentials and enforce property procedures around awareness and pedestrian/vehicle talegating. Restaurants, hotels, and other public venues should brief staff to be particularly aware and to call 911 and/or use duress buttons if they observe anything suspicious.
Don’t hesitate to contact your Urban Alarm account contact to discuss any questions or concerns.
The message delivered, at the briefing, expressed “serious” concern about active shooter threats at restaurants and hotels in the DC metro area. Attendees were encouraged to plan for these threats with tangible actions. Given the density of DC and the proliferation of hospitality venues these warning should be headed by all venues and properties in the DC Metro area.
Specific concerns were mentioned about intelligence relating to potential attacks on July 4th or September 11th in Washington, New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles. The suspected types of attacks may include shooters and/or vehicles driven into crowds where government employees may gather such as restaurants and events.
One of the best resources for breaking information is the Alert DC website from the DC Government. You may subscribe to rapid text alerts. The Department of Homeland Security has prepared some venue specific resources which may be referenced for specific actions:
Restaurants (and hospitality venues in general)
FBI’s “Potential Indicators of Terrorist Activities”
For Urban Alarm commercial and multi-unit residential customer pay particular attention that all access control, security, and video surveillance systems being actively used. Make every effort to control/limit access credentials and enforce property procedures around awareness and pedestrian/vehicle talegating. Restaurants, hotels, and other public venues should brief staff to be particularly aware and to call 911 and/or use duress buttons if they observe anything suspicious.
Don’t hesitate to contact your Urban Alarm account contact to discuss any questions or concerns.
Commercial Fire Alarm Monitoring
Commercial Fire Alarm monitoring is a critical life safety service Urban Alarm provides for many Washington DC properties. Traditionally this service is provided via two independent phone lines. However, as telecom providers move away from switched circuits to IP based phone lines new monitoring methods become neccessary.
Urban Alarm’s SNAP Radio service is one of the only best alternatives to phone lines for commercial fire alarm monitoring. Because of the “mesh” architecture of the network, which allows multiple pathways for alarm signals to be communicated to the central station, the SNAP Radio network is NFPA approved as a sole method of commercial fire alarm monitoring (i.e., no additional backup is needed).
Not only does this provide an excellent alternative for fire alarm monitoring but it is extremely cost effective typically saving over $500 per year archiving a return on investment in just over a year.
Homicide in Bethesda Row
The tragic homicide in Bethesda Row this week was not easy to anticipate. We often look back with what-if’s and different actions that might have resulted in a different outcome.
Electronic security systems can have a material impact on an outcome if used consistently. While security systems are only effective if procedures are followed they can also force procedure compliance if properly setup.
The outcome of attacks, like the one at Lululemon Athletica in Bethesda Row this week, may be impacted with these systems and/or actions:
- Anytime staff enters a facility they should: enter, lock the door behind them, disarm the alarm system. It is fundamental that the door be locked BEFORE the alarm system is disarmed giving the staff member the opportunity to use an ambush code if necessary.
- Alarm systems may be “supervised” to verify if and when a system has been armed. A typical configuration is to notify the managers, guard patrol, and others if a system is not armed at 11PM. Furthermore, notification rules can be added so that if the system is disarmed after a certain hour managers are notified.
- An alarm system feature, primarily used by banks, called “verified open” or “early morning ambush” can be very effective in this type of scenario. In a verified open the entering staff member must disarm the system when they enter the establishment. They then must disarm the system again within a pre-determined number of minutes (e.g., 5). This gives them the opportunity to walk the store and verify there are no ambushes or threats. If they fail to re-disarm the system after the defined period a duress signal is sent. This functionality is only available on specialized commercial alarm systems and not available from most alarm companies.
- While cameras do not significantly deter or prevent a crime they can serve as important forensic information and can support other processes. Managers getting a call at 11:05 to indicate a system was not armed can remotely view the video. Having remote access to video can make it easier and more effective to respond to notifications from a proactively monitored system.
These are only some of the strategies for mitigating risks and outcomes. And some do add to the installation or monitoring costs of security systems. Urban Alarm is available for educational sessions for your business or community group.
Google’s New Sign-In Security is Important to Your Physical Security
Google recently launched their advanced sign-in security, which makes use of “Two Factor Authentication”. In the case of Google, this is a strategy to prevent unauthorized access to your gmail account. However, securing your email account has far-reaching implications beyond just your email.
Someone getting into your primary email exposes you to identity theft, financial theft, as well physical burglary. Your account may also become the source of spam email or used to target your email contacts.
Google’s new authentication works on the same principle used for physical door access, in which two methods of identification is orders of magnitude better than one. For Google, that means using your login name and password plus a “token” which is constantly changing (one which you may obtain from your cell phone or other device) to add an extra level of security to your email account. In a physical access control system, the parallel would be the use of both a proximity card or fob and a numeric pin code to gain entry.
In each scenario, you must both have something and know something for access. This double-layered system prevents your password (or pin) from being hijacked and your accounts being hacked. It is the same principle as your ATM card (which you must have, but you must also know your pin).
Two factor gmail login adds a small but reasonable level of inconvenience. Think of what a thief would know (e.g., travel itinerary, addresses, relations, personal codes, maybe your security alarm system password) if they got into your email account, which in many cases is all too easy.
For information on how to set up Google Advanced Sign-In, visit Google’s official blog.
Security Video and Liability
When I first saw the YouTube video of the woman in a Pennsylvania Mall falling into a shopping mall water fountain while texting, it reminded me of some other posts about liability and security video.
There are many cases where the value of security video footage lies in its ability to defend against potential liability. On first blush this is one of those cases -- a (potential) law suit claiming a property owner created a dangerous condition (e.g., low wall, wet floors, debris on walk). However, the security video shows a different story. In this case the pedestrian was clearly distracted by a cell phone, offering the property managers a solid response to a law suit.
In this case here is the twist: the video security footage was captured on an employee’s cell phone and distributed over the Internet with a laugh track. Not surprisingly, it went viral. So now that pedestrian is looking at a legal case not for the conditions that contributed to her fall (she admitted she was texting), but for the emotional impact of the release of the security video.
While not a typical situation, it illustrates how security material can be misused by employees, becoming a potential liability for employers. Security-related information can be sensitive and if copied and transferred, can go viral before management is even aware of an issue.
Whether it has to do with access control logs or video, make sure you limit access to sensitive material and have employees with access understand policies specifically put in place addressing these types of situations, and have them acknowledge the policies in writing.
There are many cases where the value of security video footage lies in its ability to defend against potential liability. On first blush this is one of those cases -- a (potential) law suit claiming a property owner created a dangerous condition (e.g., low wall, wet floors, debris on walk). However, the security video shows a different story. In this case the pedestrian was clearly distracted by a cell phone, offering the property managers a solid response to a law suit.
In this case here is the twist: the video security footage was captured on an employee’s cell phone and distributed over the Internet with a laugh track. Not surprisingly, it went viral. So now that pedestrian is looking at a legal case not for the conditions that contributed to her fall (she admitted she was texting), but for the emotional impact of the release of the security video.
While not a typical situation, it illustrates how security material can be misused by employees, becoming a potential liability for employers. Security-related information can be sensitive and if copied and transferred, can go viral before management is even aware of an issue.
Whether it has to do with access control logs or video, make sure you limit access to sensitive material and have employees with access understand policies specifically put in place addressing these types of situations, and have them acknowledge the policies in writing.
Archive
- Minimizing the Damage if your Computer is Lost or Stolen
- Massachusetts Ave Burglary / Homicide
- iPhone and iPad Application for IP Video Security
- Urban Alarm Office Moves to Park Center
- The Premier 2010 Class of Security Guards
- Social Media in Blizzard 2010
- The New Wave of Kick-in Burglaries: How to Protect Yourself
- Developing a Residential Security Strategy
- Radio Monitoring with SNAP Technology
- Manage Your Security Alarm System and Video on Your PDA
- Security Camera Color Wraps
- Don't Answer Your Door for Strangers -- Maybe The Worst Thing to Do
- Recent Robberies in NW DC
- Urban Alarm Accolades: Excellence in Design
- Washington Parks and People's Riverside Center
- The Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad (BCCRS)
- Gun vs. Alarm for Home Security
- Securing your Freedom of Speech (or, at least, your yard signs)
- Remote Video Monitoring for Smaller Properties
- 5 Ways to Get the Most from Your Alarm System
- How Not to Install an Alarm System
- Security Video on your iPhone or PDA
- Washington Post Reports a Significant Increase in DC Burglaries
- Reading Crime Statistics on the Internet
- Importance of Testing your Alarm System
- Going Green with your Alarm System
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