Survey Shows Video Alarm Technology Helps Law Enforcement

Law enforcement officials love the ability of video or CCTV as a crime-fighting tool, according to a survey published by Security Sales and Integration and Police Magazines.

Police departments and Sheriff’s offices like the technology’s ability to assist in identifying suspects and the way they contribute to more apprehensions.

Officials also believe more arrests could be made responding to video intrusion alarms that verify a crime in progress rather than traditional, non-verified systems. Four out of five law enforcement officials surveyed say video verification of intrusion alarms would convince them to endorse placing a higher priority on response.

The survey shows law enforcement believes video alarm technology to be a significant asset in fighting criminal activity.

The survey, 2011 Law Enforcement and Alarm Relationship Study, is published periodically by the two magazines mentioned above.

See the 2006 study results here.

See the 2003 study results here.

If you need help with video alarm technologies, include video verified alarm response, CCTV and security camera surveillance systems, contact Hue & Cry Security.

Things You Should Always Tell Your Alarm Monitoring Center

Life is all about change. In our homes and in our businesses, it seems like things are always changing.

At Hue & Cry Security, we see the impacts of change every day.

Unfortunately, some changes in your lives can impact your overall security. That’s why we offer you this list of common lifestyle changes of importance to your safety.

During any of these changes, it’s important that you notify your alarm company and/or alarm monitoring center. They’ll then be able to take the correct actions on our behalf to ensure your home or business safety.

We’ve made our list to include changes at home and changes at the office.

Changes at the office requiring notification to your alarm company include:

• Adding or deleting a system user – Any time a user is added to or deleted from your system, notify your Central Monitoring Station. That’s one of the best steps to provide protection against denied or unauthorized system access.

• Change in responding employee contact information – Change of email address and change in phone number require immediate notification to the monitoring center.

• Remodeling or structural changes – These may alter the protection patterns of your security systems…any changes in the physical layout of your business mean you should have your security company re-examine your protection so there are no gaps created by the changes of your facilities.

• Business hours – This is especially important in false-alarm reduction, hostage response situations and for late-to-open, late-to-close notifications.

• Trouble signals on your alarm control panel – Too many businesses simply bypass troubled zones, thinking they’ll “get to” the problem in the future. Then an employee or someone else with inside information breaks into the place in the areas bypassed from the system! Contact your alarm company immediately should any trouble condition indicators appear on your control panel and/or keypads.

• Failure to renew alarm permit applications – It’s important to keep your permit current within the jurisdiction having authority. Failure to do so can result in big fines and, in some cases, no authority response to your emergency situation!

Changes at home requiring alarm company notification include:

• Everything on our list above – That’s right, with today’s busy lifestyle many of the issues listed in our business category apply to your home as well. Make sure to read the list.

• Vacations – Vacation time is a time your home can be most vulnerable to thieves. Let your alarm company know when you are on vacation. They’ll make special notations about your trip that will assist in the event of emergency response while you are away.

• Pets – The addition of a pet can be a great addition to any family. A pet could also impact your protection and cause false alarms. When you add an animal friend of any type, have your alarm company come out to your home and re-examine your protection. With false alarm fines running in the hundreds of dollars in most communities, this is a safe step to avoid fines while staying protected.

• Home additions – Those home remodeling and expansion are always great. Make sure to include your alarm company in your planning. Once again, that’s the best way to stay protected and avoid false alarms, especially while remodeling.

Follow these tips and you’ll be sure to improve the level of your security company performance and your overall safety.

How New Communication Technologies Impact Your Security System Service

For many years, the standard telephone line was the only way for security systems to communicate with the central security monitoring station.

If you had a fire or a burglary, the alarm would alert the central monitoring station through the telephone lines.  Someone at the monitoring station then contacted the police or fire department.

Today, security companies still use telephone lines as a primary communication source.  However, new communication technologies are beginning to emerge.

Because of new technologies such as cellular and internet communication, companies like AT&T are beginning to slowly phase out landline services.  Even the government has announced plans for the country to eventually switch to an all-broadband network.

Obviously, this is going to impact home and business security systems.

So the big question is:  What does this all mean for your home and business security systems?

It means a lot.  But in short, it means you’re going to get better service and protection with these new cellular and broadband technologies.

Home and business security companies are already starting to include new technologies that help security systems better communicate with the central monitoring station.  These new technologies will allow you to keep your home and business more secure.

To help you understand the changes on the horizon, we will provide an overview of the new methods as well as the tried-and-true ways security systems communicate with the central monitoring station.

Phone Lines

As noted earlier, telephone lines have been the standard way for security alarms to communicate with the central monitoring station.

With standard telephone lines, there is one major problem.

If the telephone service is disconnected because of weather or because someone cut the phone line, the security system cannot communicate with the central monitoring station.

Similar problems also occur with telephone service via broadband internet.  Power outages can disrupt internet service, causing communication failure between the security alarm and the central monitoring station.

Some new technologies can help protect against this and enhance your security protection.  The two most popular are cellular and radio.

Cellular

Cellular technologies can work as a backup system for regular and cable phone lines.

Cellular technologies in security systems work a lot like standard cell phones.  Should a security system lose connection because of a cut telephone line or a power outage, a backup cellular signal can be sent to the central monitoring station.

With cellular signals, information can be sent one of two ways: directly or indirectly.

In the indirect form, your security system transmits a cellular signal to a third party – often a cellular phone provider – which then sends the signal to the central monitoring station.

In the direct form, known as GSM Primary, a cellular signal is directly sent from the security system to the central monitoring station.

Both of these technologies help to protect against downed phone lines.  However, each has its limits.  Cellular frequencies can sometimes take time to transmit, which can delay communication between the security alarm and the central monitoring station.

Radio Frequency

Radio frequency is becoming another popular option for security alarm communication with the central monitoring station.

Like the cellular communication, radio frequency is used as a backup when standard telephone service is down.  Unlike cellular communication, radio frequency is very fast.

No communication is needed with cellular networks.  This means messages between the security alarm and the central monitoring station are sent without delay.

What This All Means For You

Technology is improving home and business security.  Gone are the days of disrupted security service because of downed telephone lines.

As security system technology continues to change, Hue & Cry Security Systems will continue to stay ahead of the competition.   We will continue to provide you with top of the line security solutions that you can trust.

We already have incorporated these new technologies into our industry leading security systems.  This means faster response times for fires, burglaries and other security issues.

For more information about any of our security solutions, please visit the Hue & Cry Security Systems website.  You also reach us by visiting the Hue & Cry contact page.

How To Protect Your Laptop From Thieves

Laptop computers have become a popular computer option for both home and business use.

Laptops are portable, easy to use and of course easy to steal. According to the FBI, laptop thefts total more than $3.5 million a year.

A stolen laptop can cost you even more money than you think. That’s because most laptops contain priceless personal and business information. This can lead to identity theft and business fraud.

To help protect your laptop from thieves, you should take the following steps:

Avoid Traveling With A Laptop Bag

A laptop bag signals to thieves, “I have a laptop.” We recommend purchasing a backpack or a case with a built-in laptop compartment. This helps to prevent thieves from knowing that you are carrying a laptop.

Purchase A Laptop Lock

Most laptops have a built-in feature that allows for a laptop lock to be easily installed. A laptop lock protects your laptop computer from being taken from a desk or table. Laptop locks are especially great for offices and college dorm rooms.

Have Your Laptop With You

If you’re traveling with your laptop, have it with you at all times. Do not leave it in the backseat of your car where it can be stolen. Also, do not leave it sitting unaccompanied on a table in a coffee shop or library.

Protect Your Data

Be sure to password protect important files and information on your laptop. That way should your laptop be stolen, important information will be difficult to access. Both Windows and Mac computers give you options to help encrypt files and folders on your computer.

Keep Track Of Serial Numbers

Make sure you know the serial number and model of your laptop. In the event that your laptop is stolen, a serial number can help police find your laptop. For all of your valuable electronics, it is important to keep a serial number list.

Tips To Promote Security Outside Your Business

Most business owners spend a lot of time and money protecting the inside of their business. It makes sense. There’s merchandise and other items that need protection.

However, many business owners forget to protect the exterior of their stores and offices. Unprotected exteriors are easy targets for theft and vandalism. Windows can be broken … walls can be spray painted … expensive items can be stolen.

Following the business security tips below can help protect your business’ exterior from vandalism and theft.

Bring Valuables Inside

One of the best ways to protect outdoor valuables is to bring them inside after business hours. If there is outdoor furniture or merchandise that needs to be protected, bring them inside of your business after hours. Make it part of your regular closing routine to bring valuables inside.

Lock Up Valuables

If furniture and other items are too big to bring into your business after hours, make sure they are properly secured with locks. With outdoor furniture, place chains and clocks around the items, making it hard to steal them.

Install Security Cameras

Installing security cameras is great way to protect against outdoor theft and vandalism. Security camera surveillance systems installed outside your business help to identify would-be thieves and vandals. Security cameras also help to deter would-be criminals from damaging your business. If you decide to install security cameras be sure to have signs telling people your exterior is protected by security cameras.

Install A Fence

For some businesses, it may make sense to install a fence. Having a fence can help protect property that is stored outside. This is especially important for retail stores such as hardware stores. It is also important for construction companies that have expensive equipment and machinery outside.

Hire Security Guards

Hiring security guards are another option that you may want to consider. However, this can be a very expensive option. Most likely, hiring security guards to protect the exterior of your business will not be feasible under your business security budget.

Summary

Following the tips above will help protect the outside of your business. For other business security solutions, be sure to check out the Hue & Cry Security Systems website.

How To Protect Your Business From Disgruntled Employees

One of the biggest security threats businesses face is not from faceless criminals, but rather from employees who are unhappy with their work environment.

Disgruntled employees can cost your business thousands of dollars due to vandalism, theft and other criminal activities. According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, employee dishonesty annually costs U.S. businesses more than $50 billion.

To help you protect your business from disgruntled employees, we have created a list of security tips. Here are the tips below.

Do Background Checks

Whenever hiring new employees, be sure to do background checks on job candidates. Ask for a list of references, and be sure to check the references. For more interview tips, read our blog post on how to stop employee theft.

Create A Positive Work Environment

One way to cut down on disgruntled employees is to create a work environment where employees can share their problems with managers. You want to create an environment where employees feel they are being treated fairly. Recognize the accomplishments of employees as well as special days such as their birthday.

Create An Employee Handbook

Creating an employee handbook is essential for all businesses. This will give employees important information such as time off policies and pay policies. An employee handbook helps to avert any confusion that could lead to confrontations and unhappy employees.

Install A Security System

Security systems are meant to protect your business. Having a security system with an access control system or security surveillance cameras can help prevent criminal activities from disgruntled employees.

Create Policies

Most importantly, be sure to create policies that protect your business as well as employees. Be sure you have harassment policies, attendance policies, dress code policies and performance evaluation policies. These types of policies help to protect your business from any legal action from disgruntled employees.

Summary

Following these tips will help protect your business from disgruntled employees. Be sure to regularly talk with your employees to help solve any problems before they get out of control. This will save you money and save you from headaches in the long run.

How To Train Employees On Using The Security System

So you finally got a new security system installed at your business. It’s got everything you need. It has camera surveillance systems, access control systems and more.

As a business owner, you and your managers have been trained on how to use the system. However, the rest of your employees have not been trained. You’re probably asking yourself: What’s the best way to train my employees?  What should I do?

Following the tips below will help you successfully train your employees on using a business security system.

Have Regular Training Sessions

After the system is installed, you will want to have a brief training session where you can show all the employees how to use the system. Take the time to go over the system several times. Also be sure to let your employees ask questions.

Be sure to have periodic security system training sessions for new employees and if you get any system upgrades for your security system.

Create Rules

Creating rules is very important. You will want to create several rules including:

• Who should operate the system
• When the system should be armed
• Who should get the key code

Create rules and policies on the security system will ensure your employees know how to operate the system.

Provide Literature To Employees

Be sure each of your employees also gets copies of the literature to review how to use the system. Make sure the literature is easy to read and follow. You also want to make sure the literature is easily available so employees can reference it when needed.

Have A Point Person

Designate one or two people to be the point people for the security system. These will be the go-to people when someone needs a question answered about the security system. Make sure these people are fully trained on the system.

If you have a larger company, you may want to designate someone from every department as a point person.

Summary

Following these tips will ensure your employees know how to use your business security system. Also be sure to contact your business security provider, for any suggestions or help on training your employees.

Easy Ways To Cut Business Security Costs

Like most businesses, you’re probably looking for ways to save money in 2011.

There are the obvious areas to cut such as office supplies, travel expense and IT. TechRepublic had an excellent article on how businesses can cut costs relatively pain free. The list included ditching the fax machine, going paperless and embracing telecommuting.

However, you also may be looking at ways to cut business security costs. This is a fine line to walk. You want to save money. But you also don’t want to compromise the security of your business.

Here are some easy ways for you to cut businesses security costs without compromising your level of security.

Know Your Needs

A lot of times, businesses don’t know what they really want when it comes to security. Take the time to sit down and really plan out what level of security your business needs. Think about areas of your business you want to protect.

Consider your security options. Do you need an access control system? Do you need security camera surveillance systems?  Knowing what options your business needs will help you save money in the long run.

Shop Around

Be sure to shop around. Like anything you purchase, you want to consider all of the options on the table. Find a security system company that has a long track record of helping businesses. An upstart company could cost you money down the road. Be sure to get customer testimonials for any security system company you consider.

Finding a reliable security company will save you money in the long run because you won’t encounter any hassles.

Find A Reliable System

This may seem common sense, but many businesses do not take the time to look at a security company’s track record. Try to find out if false alarms are frequent. Talk with customer references about any problems with their system.

With false alarms fines rising, you’ll want to find a security company that has a track record of very few false alarm problems.

Have System Regularly Tested

In order to cut security costs, you’ll want to see how often the company comes out to test your system. You’ll want to find a company that tests your system and provides you with technical support when needed. This can help to prevent false alarms and ensure your system is properly running.

Summary

Following these tips will help you cut security costs in the long run. Remember, security comes before savings. Compromising your security could cost you more money down the road. Take your time and do your research when looking for ways to cut business security costs.

2011 Trends In Business Security And Employee Safety

It’s almost 2011. To help you prepare your business for the New Year, we’ve come up with a list of some of the top trends in business security and employee safety.

Our list will help get your business ready for 2011. Some of the trends we’re seeing include employee theft, false alarm ordinances, cyber threats and business security solutions. You can read more below.

Crime Will Continue To Drop, But Need For Security Will Remain The Same: According to the FBI, property crime has decreased 5.5 percent in the past five years. This is in part due to more police and more security systems. However, businesses will need to maintain and or upgrade their systems so they do not become easy targets. Security camera surveillance systems will continue to be a popular option.

Employee Theft Will Continue To Be A Problem: U.S. Department of Commerce says employee theft annually costs businesses $50 billion. Employee theft will be an issue businesses will need to closely watch in 2011. Businesses will need to implement employee theft policies to help combat this problem.

Local Security Companies Will Be A Better Option In 2011: We all know the economy has been tough on businesses. In 2011, large national security companies will continue to make cuts across the board because of the economy. This will leave smaller, local security companies as a better option for businesses because local security companies know the needs of local businesses better than large corporations. If you go with a large security company, you’ll be lucky if you see the same person in charge for six months.

The Demand For Mobile Security Options Will Grow: Businesses will be looking for more innovative ways to help control their business security system. Business will want security automation systems that integrate with a web-enabled device such as a smartphone.

False Alarm Ordinances Will Continue To Grow: Cities will continue to adopt false alarm ordinances that fine businesses for repeated false alarms. As businesses owners you will need to be sure your business security system is regularly tested.

The Need For Computer Security Will Increase: Cyber threats will only continue to grow. As more and more businesses move digital information to remote servers, this information will need to be better protected.

These are just a few of the business security and employee safety trends we see for 2011. What are some of the trends you see for 2011?

How To Avoid False Alarms

There is nothing worse than having to respond to a false alarm at your businesses because a security alarm was triggered.

False alarms are annoying and more importantly cost businesses time and money. Some cities are giving out fines to businesses that have numerous false alarms.  Fines can range anywhere from a few hundred dollars into the thousands.

To help prevent false alarms with your business security system, we recommend following the tips below.

1. Have Your System Professionally Checked – It is important to have your business security system provider test your system from time to time. This helps to identify and fix any problems before they happen. We recommend having your system check at least once a year.

2. Test Your System – You also should regularly test your system yourself at least once a month. Be sure to notify your security system provider before doing any tests. Be sure to check that all functions of your security system are properly working.

2. Make Sure Employees Have Alarm Code – Be sure to give the alarm code to employees, who arrive to work early so they can disarm the security system. If you are hesitant on giving your employees the code, create company policies that regulate office hours.

3. Familiarize Yourself With The Alarm – Sometimes a business owner may be unsure how to effectively operate the security system. If this is the case, contact your business security system provider to help teach you how to use the system. Also, look at the literature that comes with the system.

4.  Make Sure The Backup Battery Is Working – Sometimes the backup battery in your security system may be old. Be sure the backup battery is working. Often times, your security system provider will check it during the regular inspection process. This is something you should check during your monthly inspection.

5. Keep Sensors Clean – If you have motion sensors, be sure they are clean and do not have any dust. Also do not have any hanging object near the sensor that may set them off. Also look for any loose wiring. Contact your security system provider if repairs are needed.

Following these tips will help prevent false alarms and keep your business safe. Remember to have your system regularly tested. And if you are unsure about anything, contact your security system provider.