Another state has established an Alarm Management Committee due to the persistence and expertise of SIAC’s Glen Mowry, along with a strong commitment from the Pennsylvania Chiefs of Police Association (PCPA) and members of the electronic security industry. We set Glen loose on this issue many years ago, and his consistent efforts bear fruit on a regular basis. PCPA is partnering with SIAC and the security industry through the committee to reduce alarm dispatches which will enable law enforcement to better utilize communications and patrol resources.
SIAC’s efforts in this arena began back in early 2004. Since then, we have helped create 13 active state Alarm Management Committees.
Like other states, the committee in Pennsylvania will be charged with the responsibility of researching alarm management issues and making recommendations to PCPA’s Executive Board and general membership for adoption of effective strategies for local agencies.
Two key projects are in the works in Pennsylvania: An Enhanced Call Confirmation (ECC) procedure and developing a Model Alarm Ordinance. Both are major keys to managing alarm systems effectively. The Model Alarm Ordinance is expected to assist local agencies to more quickly and expertly revise their existing ordinance or write a new one.
We’re confident with Glen’s help, along with the commitment of Pennsylvania law enforcement officials and members of the state’s security industry that we’ll make the right moves. That’s good for public protection and helping direct law enforcement issues to the most critical issues.