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Deterrence or arrests?

Among the continuing flood of technology now delivering wireless sensors, cell communications, radio backups and integrated video, we need to ask ourselves, “What is an intrusion alarm for, and where is the value to the consumer?”

While the basic detect/notify function remains unchanged, the goal of intrusion alarms has evolved over time with changes in technology. Initially, intrusion alarms were designed to catch criminals. Early systems used detection consisting of breaking a simple circuit, usually with a switch at a door or window. These silent systems had no siren to scare off the intruders because the goal was a red-handed arrest.

The consumer electronics revolution began with the invention of the transistor, which gave rise to a new generation of affordable detectors. These new sensors detected motion and even the sound of glass breaking. But at the same time, communications evolved and automated switches replaced humans as telephones became standard equipment in homes and offices.

While the basic function of detection/notification did not change, the goal of intrusion alarms began to evolve from arrests to deterrence. False alarms and imperfect detectors led to high false alarm rates, which became a growing issue for response. The industry tried to improve detection technology and the accuracy of an alert by calling property owners before notifying response of an alarm. The goal of intrusion alarms went from delivering arrests to deterrence. Sirens were added to system designs, and salespeople began selling deterrence as the key feature.

The threat of an arrest is the source of deterrence. With the proliferation of systems, law enforcement’s and response companies’ perception of intrusion alarms began a shift from partner to adversary as they dedicated more resources to responding to alarm dispatches.

The value of deterrence stagnated as consumers, law enforcement and response companies came to grips with the reality that law enforcement and response companies’ resources simply cannot provide an immediate response to every alarm.

Response times grew to a point that they were threatening the value of deterrence. Consumers no longer get the benefit of an intruder alarm system. If, however, the alarm is verified with video or an actual eyewitness, a response officer is assigned to respond with the goal of arresting the intruder.

New alarm systems still follow the pattern of detect/notify, but go a step beyond and deliver a short video clip confirming what was detected. This video confirmation moves the responses to a higher priority, creating new value for the security industry and delivering greater life safety to the consumer. Prioritising alarm response is a natural evolution toward more arrests and greater deterrence – and you cannot have one without the other.

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