Panic Button

A panic button is a remote control device or a button on a security control panel that sends an alarm signal without requiring the use of a security access code.

Panic Pendant

A panic or medical pendant is a portable electronic device that sends a wireless signal to the security control panel. They can be worn around the neck with a neck strap, clipped to a belt, or placed in wall-mounted holders.

Radio Backup

This state of the art technology allows us to install a radio alarm backup system without telephone lines. These cellular backup support systems may also be added to your present alarm protection system as a back-up which send alarm signals by radio to the central surveillance monitoring station.

Sensor

A sensor is a device that detects a change from one state to another.

Smoke Detector

A smoke detector is an electronic device which senses the presence of smoke and sends a smoke alarm signal to the security control panel. A smoke detector conveys early detection of a fire by an audible alarm warning.

Waterflow Alarm

The waterflow alarm is a type of emergency safety alarm which is activated by the flow of water though a fire sprinkler system. This flow alarms the central surveillance monitoring station and alerts the authorities concerned.

Source: http://forum.doityourself.com/electronic-alarms-home-security-devices/203784-alarm-forum-faq-please-read-before-posting.html

Each false alarm requires approximately 20 minutes of police time, usually for two officers. This costs the public as much as $1.5 billion per year in police time. In the vast majority of jurisdictions, the cost of responding to false alarms is not recouped through fines. Jurisdictions that try to recoup costs generally omit the lost-opportunity costs, potentially a significant part of the equation.

Typical costs include:

• personnel costs of police call-takers and dispatchers;
• personnel, equipment and training costs of responding officers, along with those of any backup personnel;
• personnel costs associated with analyzing false alarms;
• software, hardware, office space, and equipment costs for false alarm management;
• administrative and staff costs of notifications, permitting, billing, and education programs;
• costs of developing, printing and distributing publications to educate the public and alarm companies about false alarms;
• lost-opportunity costs, since police are unavailable to work on actual crime problems; and
• costs associated with call displacement, because other 911 calls take longer to respond to.

Povided By "False Burglar Alarms" A Problem-Oriented Guides for Police Series Guide No. 5 by Rana Sampsonc found at http//www.cops.usdoj.gov

Research suggests that false burglar alarms result from three main causes:

• faulty or inappropriately selected equipment,
• poor installation, and
• user error (forgetful or unknowledgeable homeowners or roaming pets).

Research tells us that false burglar alarms are not evenly distributed. Some alarm systems experience no false alarms, and others, many. One study suggests that 20 percent of alarm systems trigger 80 percent of false alarms. As a result, officers responding to false alarms are often spending time away from locations where crime and disorder are occurring. For the purposes of this guide, it is assumed that the alarm industry has the responsibility to improve the quality of its equipment, more accurately install devices and increase user knowledge of its product, all of which reduce false calls. This guide focuses on police policy remedies to devise a more appropriate response and stimulate the alarm industry to further improve the overall reliability of its products.

Provided By "False Burglar Alarms" A Problem-Oriented Guides for Police Series Guide No. 5 by Rana Sampsonc found at http//www.cops.usdoj.gov