Regardless of what you do, the industry you work in, or what the competition is, at some point you see sterling examples of success. It could be the company with the best sales record year after year. It may be the leader who demonstrates the importance of his industry to customers. There is that little something that “stands out.”
As we work across the country to continue improving alarm management practices, the city of Olympia, WA, is our shining light. Since they implemented SIAC –endorsed best practices, they’ve shown stratospheric reductions in the number of calls for police dispatch to alarms. Once these numbers went down, they’ve stayed there consistently. This is a testament to the police department of Olympia and the alarm companies in the area who worked so hard to put in place a highly effective model, then live the by the rules.
It’s hard to argue with sustained progressive results. An 89% reduction in false dispatches since the program was implemented in 2005, and a 95% collection rate is a tremendous testament to all involved!!!! We believe it is THE most successful application and enforcement of our Best Practices in this nation. It’s a commendable record of sustained results.
What makes Olympia stand out? How can other communities follow their lead? There are several factors we believe are critical. Though every city pursuing an alarm ordinance should decide what works best locally, here’s what we see standing out in Olympia: 1) Fining on the first false dispatch; 2) terminating response after too many calls for dispatch that turn out to be unnecessary; 3) committed engagement by the police department, including enforcement; 4) third party administration that is effectively disseminating information and properly applying the program’s requirements, and 5) alarm companies working to do things the right way, and working “with” the police department towards solutions.
If you look at this list, it’s a short one. Success can be easily defined. If we all take a lesson from Olympia, it’s that committed people can make a difference for the benefit of many. What this means is the citizens of Olympia benefit from greater public safety, and improved distribution of police resources. It’s a model we all can be proud of.