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Reducing false alarm costs

Security Viewer is making video verification a reality without breaking the bank.

As video verification becomes more important to both response companies and their customers, Security Viewer, in conjunction with RSI has made the process easier with its adoption and distribution of Videofied alarm passive detectors.

Wynand Beneke, head of Security Viewer, says the Videofied passive allows for pre-callout verification of alarms as it incorporates a camera into the passive device itself. When the passive raises the alarm, control rooms and users can simply confirm via the video feed what the emergency is, or if it is a false alarm.

“This saves on over 90% of armed response call outs, because most are false alarms as a result of pets or other mistakes. Not only does it leave security personnel available to handle real, possibly life-threatening situations, it also allows them to determine the situation they face beforehand,” explains Beneke. “You will now not, for example, send a single security officer into a situation where there are multiple armed criminals waiting for him.”

He adds that the police services in some US towns use the same product to verify alarms before dispatching units in response. Security Viewer itself has been able to use the system to monitor over 7 000 alarms over the past few months. Of these, only four required an armed response. The remaining alarms were caused by pets, domestic helpers, wind or careless customers.

The system

Videofied’s outdoor motion viewer has a range of up to 600 metres, depending on the terrain; while its indoor system can reach up to 200 metres, again depending on the situation and the building.

A benefit for installers is that the system is totally wireless. Firstly, it uses cellular technology to alert the respective parties to an alarm and sends video footage over the same connection. Due to the use of cellular bandwidth, the video image is not high-definition, but is more than sufficient to determine if an intruder is on your premises.

Beneke explains that the idea is not to identify the intruders, but to catch them in the act and alert security services to their presence.

Secondly, the systems run on three lithium batteries that generally last for about two years, depending on the amount of activity. Beneke says that the battery lifespan, at an average of two video alarms per month over a four-year timeframe is achievable. This also means the systems work during blackouts and even if the corporate network is down.

Built on an open platform, customers are able to integrate Videofied’s motion video devices into their existing alarm systems. This keeps the cost of the solution down and avoids a ‘rip and replace’ scenario many installers of proprietary products recommend.

“For the armed response companies out there, this means a drastic reduction in call outs and all the cost and wear and tear savings that go with less travelling,” states Beneke. “With Videofied the control room can ensure armed personnel are dispatched only when they are needed, and they can ensure their response is suited to the situation.”

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