Security alarm systems make an enormous difference in the successful deterrence of crime. Most commercial and industrial premises, as well as more domestic premises, now utilise a security alarm system. Having a quality alarm system that works properly is crucial for the utmost security of your home and business. But how do you stop false alarms?
False alarms are frustrating annoyances that are a fact of life even with the highest quality alarm system. Statistically, up to 90% of alarm activations are false alarms – and this costs consumers, installers, and Alarm Receiving Centres (ARCs) significantly in both time and money. False alarms, if they happen frequently, also annoy local residents.
False alarms also impinge on the resources of local police. It is of the highest importance that police services are deployed only to legitimate and confirmed alarm activations.
The solution is this problem lies in visual verification systems.
What is Visual Verification?
Visual verification refers to the use of camera images which are captured at the site of the alarm activation and transmitted in real time via the security system. The images are sent to the Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC) where it is determined whether the alarm activation is genuine or not.
Visual verification systems are not the same as CCTV systems. They offer no distinct detail, but simply evidence of the presence of human activity or movement at the source of the alarm. Video images captured by visual verification systems are not, nor are they intended to be, court-evidence quality.
How Does Visual Verification Work?
The principle of visual verification to stop false alarms is quite simple.
A passive infrared motion sensor with a built-in camera captures images when an alarm has been triggered. The series of images are transmitted to the ARC so that the source and cause of the trigger can be identified or verified. Onsite human activity can then be confirmed by the ARC; images are recorded and stored for future reference if necessary. If the alarm trigger is a genuine threat, the footage may be forwarded to responding authorities.
In the event that the trigger cause remains unclear, the ARC operator can monitor the situation in real time.
Why Visual Verification is Preferred
Visual verification systems are generally preferred over Continuous Live Feed Monitoring with CCTV as they cost a lot less in both money and human resources to operate. More cameras can be monitored at once with visual verification. If a genuine offence or threat exists and the alarm is determined to be legitimate, police can be deployed to the location promptly.
Visual verification is more reliable than audio, personal, and sequential systems, and it is faster.
Many alarm activation events occur due to being triggered by animals, open windows, doors left ajar, and human error. Visual identification of whether the cause of an alarm is human in nature saves time and money, as well as freeing up important resources. Reaction to authentic alarms is faster when the alarm has been visually verified.
Visual verification:
- Most effective way to confirm an alarm with live confirmation
- Alarm response is faster
- Frees up police resources
- Increased rate of suspect apprehension
- Reduces penalties and other inconveniences of false alarms
- Lower insurance premiums
- Lower crime rate
- Greater peace of mind
Why Choose Naskam?
Naskam is very proud to be a well-established security services business on the Sunshine Coast. We specialise in high-tech security systems for both large and small businesses. We also offer security services across law enforcement.
Having been established in this industry for over three decades, Naskam has an experienced and dedicated team of staff providing alarm and video monitoring services, installation and maintenance of access control, security and CCTV systems, and also specialising in IP video solutions.
To mitigate risks to your commercial, industrial, or even domestic premises, contact us at Naskam today. You can call us directly on 1300 627 526, or alternatively fill in the contact form on our contact page to seek a quote or more information. We look forward to hearing from you.
