|
In This Issue
NBFAA News
NBFAA’s Fall Conference & CSA Symposium Full of Events
Attendees at this fall’s NBFAA Fall Conference and Chartered State Association (CSA) Symposium will have an opportunity to interact with other members of the industry and take part in events to better their knowledge of the issues surrounding their industry and association.
On Oct. 22 members have an opportunity to participate in a best practices discussion with their colleagues from across the association and the nation.
Representatives from Washington, California, Pennsylvania and Connecticut have agreed to share their best practices in four areas of interest. From war stories to pragmatic advice, NBFAA members will hear how four states manage member retention initiatives, an apprenticeship program, the Youth Scholarship Program and meetings and events.
From Washington state, members will hear how the chapter managed to secure a 100 percent retention rate. They’ll give attendees the scoop on what other chapters can do to follow suite.
California will present information about their apprenticeship program and give other chapters pointers on how to successfully start and manage a program. This is especially meaningful since NBFAA has plans to offer a federally recognized apprenticeship program to all of its chapters this year.
The representative from Pennsylvania will explain how they have leveraged the Youth Scholarship Program to create and maintain relationships with police and fire departments across the state – while advancing esprit de corps among members and raising money through fun events.
And speaking of events, Connecticut members will be on hand to describe how they plan and run meetings that are fun, informative and well attended.
An NBFAA member reception, sponsored by Honeywell and ADI, wraps up the first day of the conference. Meet fellow members and enjoy good food and lively conversation.
Start your second day at Breakfast With Congressman Vito Fosella (R-NY), sponsor of the NBFAA-endorsed Congressional legislation, H.R. 4460, “The College Life Safety and Fire Protection Act.”
Hear how NBFAA worked with Congressman Vito to achieve a major legislative victory in securing passage of H.R. 4460 as an amendment to a larger Higher Education bill on the floor of the House of Representatives. NBFAA’s legislative team worked with Rep. Fossella’s office to secure the support of Chairman Howard McKeon (R-CA), of the House Education and the Workforce Committee, and to include a scaled down version of the legislation “The College Life Safety and Fire Protection Act,” H.R. 4460 into the larger bill H.R. 609, “The Higher Education Act” amendments. The amendment was one of the few (22 to be exact) of the 117 amendments to H.R. 609 that requested full House action. The Education and the Workforce Committee leadership permitted the grant program to be included in a $40 million program of grants administered by the U.S. Department of Education.
Meet the Congressman in person and thank him for his support of this important legislation which, when adopted, will help save lives.
Cure those mid-day cravings by attending the awards luncheon at Ruth’s Chris, sponsored by Altronix, where NBFAA chartered chapters and state leaders will be recognized for their outstanding accomplishments.
NBFAA committee meetings close out the second day and continue into the third. Finish up the NBFAA conference at the Tri-Association Awards dinner at Cipriani’s 23rd St. where Charles Darsch of System Sensor will be awarded the 2006 Triton Award. To register online go to www.siaonline.org.
NBFAA’s Fall Conference and CSA Symposium begins Oct. 22 at the Sheraton Suites on the Hudson in Weehawken, N.J and concludes Oct. 25 at the Jacob Javits Convention Center across the Hudson River in New York City. The event coincides with the ISC East Expo, Oct. 24 and 25, at the Jacob Javits Center. Stop by NBFAA’s booth (No. 2379) and the New York Burglar & Fire Alarm Association (NYBFAA) booth (No. 2380) during the expo.
Register for the NBFAA Fall Conference & CSA Symposium online at www.alarm.org. Staying at the Sheraton Suites is a less expensive alternative to the high-priced hotels in Manhattan. A ferry, located right outside the hotel, offers easy access to the ISC East Expo. Members can also enjoy discounted airfare on American Airlines. For more information on booking flights and hotel rooms, visit NBFAA’s 2006 Fall Conference and CSA Symposium Web site. To obtain the special NBFAA rate at the Sheration and confirm a room, you need to register by Oct. 1.
AIREF Survey Shows Broad Opposition to Verified Response
 |
The Alarm Industry Research & Educational Foundation (AIREF) has announced the results of a first-of-its kind survey designed to assess citizens’ reactions to a “verified response” city ordinance. The study, released in Salt Lake City on Friday, shows 65 percent of registered voters in one of the first communities to adopt verified response disapprove of it and would vote for politicians who would change it. (See Recent Press Releases for complete article.) |
Deadline Approaching for Public Review of NBFAA Standard
Public comments on the NBFAA Standard for Remote Supervising Stations (SRSS-01) must be received by Sept. 25, 2006.
The purpose of SRSS-01 is to define the proper means of signal transmission from the protected premises; the receipt, recording and re-transmission of signals; and the notifications of emergency responders.
A copy of the proposed code is available on NBFAA’s Web site at www.alarm.org. Comments may be sent to Dale Eller, NBFAA director of Education and Standards at nts@alarm.org.
NBFAA Treasurer Discovers Tax Break, Shares with Members
 Michael A. Miller NBFAA Treasurer |
As a member and treasurer of NBFAA, I receive many benefits from NBFAA. I receive them directly from the association or indirectly through other members who share their operational, sales and marketing ideas and just plain old common sense for reducing expenses or increasing revenue. I am now sharing some tax information that became available to our company. Through the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 I was able to save approximately $3,300 in taxes.
Mitch Reitman, Certified Public Accountant (CPA) for the NBFAA, reviewed the Act and confirmed that it contains many provisions that affect alarm companies and systems integrators. The provisions include:
- An increase in the deduction for expensing certain equipment used by your business.
- An increase in the number of shareholders of a Subchapter S. Corporation.
- The ability of the IRS to use private debt collection agencies.
- A tax rate decrease for the value of certain new construction.*
*The tax rate decrease is 3 percent in 2006 and will grow to 9 percent in future years. It relates to improvements in manufactured property and new construction. Some activities that alarm companies, systems integrators, and security guard companies partake in are included.
Your tax advisor can provide you with more in-depth advice about the changes resulting from the Act including the extension of benefits under IRS Code Section 199. Your advisor can also discuss the requirements for the rate decrease with you. Please do not call NBFAA staff. They are not tax advisors. This information is enough for your CPA to know where to look and give you direction on this issue.
Michael A. Miller
NBFAA Treasurer
Vice President, Moon Security Services, Inc.
Please Welcome Our New Associate Member Companies
The NBFAA has added six more associate members to its roster giving members better access to companies that can provide them with the essential tools of a successful business.
The six new members are AlarmKey, Line Center International, MPELL Solutions L.L.C., Naidoo Veerapen\ Forest Hills Financial Group, Sentry Security Systems Inc., and SentryNet.
 |
AlarmKey is a fully integrated business management and accounting software that has been developed since 1974 specifically for the security industry. AlarmKey integrates business management and accounting into a single software solution, which features estimating, job costing, recurring billing, inventory control, scheduling, quote processing, all accounting functionalities and work order processing. All of these features and additional ones are integrated logically to meet the needs of the security industry. |
 |
Line Central International was founded as a wholesale distributor of life safety products, primarily for the security industry. In addition to supplying the products you need to get the job done, they strive to go the extra mile. Line Central offers products in the areas of intrusion, closed circuit television, home audio, access control, and networking. Located in the heart of the country, Line Central efficiently ships orders to dealers all over the U.S. |
 |
MPELL Solution is a provider of outsourced gift-certificate-with-purchase programs serving producers, intermediaries, and retailers in the communications, entertainment, financial, health, auto, and home industries. Their risk-free certificate approach delivers the best value to the consumer and the best return per promotional dollar invested vis-à-vis every other approach. |
 |
Naidoo Veerapen has been helping his clients build their assets and then preserve and conserve those assets through proper planning and protection. Employee and executive benefit plans, both tax qualified and non-qualified, as well as buy\sell and business continuation planning are just some of the areas in which he consults for business and professional clients. For individuals and their families there is retirement planning, college funding strategies and estate analysis, as well as life, disability and long-term care insurance. |
 |
Sentry Security Systems Inc. has grown rapidly to become a highly respected manufacturer of digital video recorders and distributor of quality closed circuit television cameras and accessories. They offer superior product lines, competitive prices and pre-and post-sales service second to non – making them the video security solution partner of choice for more than 1200 dealers North America-wide. Sentry’s account representatives provide a consultative approach to customer needs and their technical staff provides quality support on our complete product line. Sentry’s goal is to show cusotmers how understanding digital video security can help them build and sustain a competitive advantage. |
 |
SentryNet is a nationwide, wholesale, automated central station with hot redundant facilities in Greenville, Miss., and Pensacola, Fla. Stations are Underwriters’ Laboratories and Factory Mutual listed and staffed by Security Industry Association certified operators. They provide monitoring for commercial, residential, industrial, and personal emergency response systems. All formats accepted; technical service provided. They also offer video, Internet protocol and Internet monitoring. |
For a complete list of NBFAA associate members visit www.alarm.org.
Alarm History 101: Early Military Alarms
Editor’s Note: The Alarm Industry has an illustrious and interesting history going back more than 100 years. Many do not know the history of the industry that they have chosen as a profession. Because of this we have decided to include a brief look in Member Update at some of the events that have shaped the alarm industry into what it has become today. Alarm History 101 provides information on the path the industry has taken and of the ideas that have impacted it. If you have questions about our industry’s history you would like answered send an e-mail to communications@alarm.org.
 |
Alarms played an important role in some notable military encounters. On the evening of March 5, 1770, about 10 British soldiers, weary of the taunting from patriots, ran from their barracks to the streets of Boston. They started several fights with young men, which were witnessed by some youths. The youths decided to ring the fire bell which brought a quick response from citizens in those days. This alarm was no exception. Five Boston citizens were shot dead and seven were injured in what later was known as the “Boston Massacre.” |
During the Revolutionary War, the patriots used several methods to alert their armies of British attacks. The best known was the use of lights in church towers to signal the enemy’s approach, including at least one occasion when the watchmen were instructed to display one light if the attack was by land and two if by sea.
On the night of April 18, 1775, Paul Revere saw one light in the church tower and determined that the British were marching by land toward Lexington and Concord, Massachusetts. The early warning enabled him to awaken enough Minutemen to defend the cities against 700 British soldiers.
Another signaling method used a pine sapling soaked in pitch or some other flammable substance, according to the Pictorial Field Book of the Revolution (U.S. National Archives). The saplings measured about 35 feet high and were planted in an 18 foot high container made of logs. Sentries ignited the saplings to signal the approach of enemy armies or merely to assemble the local militia and professional troops for emergencies.
Source: A History of Alarm Security Copyrighted by NBFAA 1979, 1980, and 1991.
Need an Edge? Become Certified
Competition in the alarm industry is fierce. It has been that way since the beginning of the industry. To stay in front of your competition, you need something the customer can feel good about when choosing your company.
Certification shows you care about your trade and, more importantly, care about doing it well. When it comes down to picking between two equally competitive companies, the one most certified is the one most often picked.
The National Training School (NTS) offers NBFAA members three certification opportunities for alarm technicians.
To become a Certified Alarm Technician (Level I) you must successfully complete the three-day Certified Alarm Technician course and pass the two-hour multiple choice examination.
To become a Certified Fire Alarm Technician you must successfully complete the two-day Fire Alarm Installation Methods (FAIM) course and pass the two-hour multiple choice examination, and successfully complete the one day Life Safety Code course and pass the one-hour multiple choice examination.
To become a Certified Alarm Technician (Level II) you must hold the Level I certification, have successfully completed the FAIM course and passed the examination, and have successfully completed the two-day Advanced Burglar Alarm Technician course and passed the two-hour multiple choice examination.
For a complete list of training opportunities, course descriptions and dates available in your area visit NBFAA’s Web site at www.alarm.org.
Training Opportunities Heating Up as Winter Approaches
 |
As winter approaches and temperatures drop, spend a little time indoors with the National Training School (NTS) and get that additional training you’ve been wanting, or get that extra step on the competition with certification. Complete course descriptions and schedules for 2006 are available at www.alarm.org in the Professional Development section. Interested individuals in states where NTS is not currently offered should contact NTS. |
|
Advanced Burglar Alarm Technician
Sept. 28 – 29 – Charleston, S.C.
Oct. 4 – 6 – Elmsford, N.Y.
Oct. 11 – 12 – Doraville, Ga.
Oct. 18 – 20 – Buffalo, N.Y.
Oct. 21 – 22 – Greenville, Miss.
Certified Alarm Technician (Level 1)
Sept. 26 – 28 – Pittsburgh, Pa.
Sept. 27 – 29 – Charleston, S.C.
Oct – 2 – 4 – Appleton, Wisc.
Oct. 4 – 6 – Aurora, Ill.
Oct. 9 – 11 – Fairfax, Va.
Oct. 10 – 12 – Philadelphia, Pa.
Oct. 20 – 22 – LaPlace, La.
Oct. 26 – 28 – Greensboro, N.C.
Oct. 27 – 29 – Montevallo, Ala.
Oct. 27 – 29 – Memphis, Tenn.
Continuing Education
Oct. 16 – 20 – Central Station Operator – New Orleans, La.
Oct. 20 – 24 – Central Station Operator – Toronto, Ontario
Electronic Access Control
Oct. 7 – 8 – Lafayette, La.
Fire Alarm Installation Methods
Oct. 11 – 13 – Syracuse/Utica, N.Y.
Oct. 12 – 13 – Fairfax, Va.
Oct. 14 – 15 – Lafayette, La.
Oct. 17 – 18 – Tulsa, Okla.
Life Safety Code Course & Workshop
Oct. 19 – Tulsa, Okla.
Networking 101
Oct. 3 – 4 – Riverside, Calif.
Oct. 17 – 18 – San Leandro, Calif.
Understanding Alarm Systems
Sept. 23 – LaPlace, La.
Oct. 13 – Elk Grove Village, Ill.
Oct. 13 – Milwaukee, Wisc.
NBFAA & Chapter Calendar Highlights
Reserve Your Room for the NBFAA Fall Conference Today
The deadline to reserve a room at the Sheraton is Oct. 1. Register early to ensure you get a room.
The conference begins on Sunday, Oct. 22 at the Sheraton Suites in Weehawken, N.J. and ends on Wednesday, Oct. 25 at the Jacob Javits Center in New York City, N.Y.
Conference highlights include the semi-annual Chartered State Association (CSA) Symposium followed by a member reception on Sunday. On Monday members will be able to Breakfast With Congressman Vito Fossella (R-NY) and attend the annual Leadership Awards Luncheon at Ruth’s Chris. Of course, there will be committee meetings and a Board of Directors meeting as well. NBFAA and New York Burglar & Fire Alarm Association (NYBFAA) will both have booths at ISC East so be sure to stop by Booths 2379 and 2380. And don’t forget to check out the Tri-Association Awards Dinner where NBFAA will help honor Charles Darsch os System Sensor as the 2006 Triton Award Recipient. Make your reservations early online at www.siaonline.org. The deadline for reservations is Oct. 6.
For a complete schedule, discount codes and to register online visit NBFAA’s Web site at www.alarm.org.
In addition to the NBFAA Fall Conference, NBFAA’s Calendar Highlights also includes special events and annual conventions hosted by CSAs around the country. Check out the events near you in each issue of Member Update and on the NBFAA Web site at www.alarm.org. To have your event added send an e-mail to communications@alarm.org. Be sure to include a description of the event along with the dates.
In addition to Member Update’s NBFAA & Chapter Calendar Highlights, you can stay informed through the online calendar located in the Information Center at www.alarm.org.
WISE Networking Event
Women in Security Electronics Networking Event
Sept. 25, 2006
San Diego Convention Center
Women in Security Electronics have planned a special networking at this year’s ASIS convention. The event is open to all security professionals. Prospective members and sponsoring companies can learn more about the benefits of membership, upcoming events, and sponsorship levels by visiting the Web site at www.womeninsecurityelectronics.com.
Indiana Burglar & Fire Alarm Association
2006 IBFAA Golf Outing
Sept. 27, 2006
Links Golf Club
If you have any questions please contact Kristen Valenti (317) 334-1906 and visit www.linksindy.com for course information and directions.
South Carolina Alarm Association
SCAA 2006 Trade Show
Sept. 27 - 29, 2006
Charleston Riverview Hotel
Charleston, S.C.
Attendees will enjoy a golf tournament, training classes, roundtable discussions and trade show. For more information, contact Gabrielle
at (803) 252-0580.
Tennessee Burglar and Fire Alarm Association
2006 TBFAA Annual Convention & Trade Show
Oct. 11-13, 2006
Park Vista Hotel
Gatlinburg, Tenn.
The annual event will feature a sporting clay tournament, golf tournament, trade show, eight continuing education hours, annual meeting, luncheon, and casino party. For information on exhibiting or dealer registration, please contact Penny Brooks, TBFAA executive director, at TBFAAexdir@aol.com or at (615) 791-9590.
Washington Burglar and Fire Alarm Association
12th Annual Security Show
Mirabeau Park Hotel
Oct. 13, 2006
Spokane, WA
This is the most cost effective opportunity for you to promote your products to a large population of Pacific Northwest dealers.
- Golf and President’s Reception—October 12
- Show: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.—October 13
- Hotel Room: (509) 924-9000
2006 NBFAA Fall Conference
2006 Fall Conference and Chartered State Association Symposium
Sheraton Suites on the Hudson
Oct. 22 – 23, 2006
Weehawken, N.J.
NBFAA’s Fall Conference, which will be held Oct. 22 and 23 at the Sheraton Suites on the Hudson in Weehawken, N.J., will include the Chartered State Association Symposium, annual Leadership Awards Luncheon, Board of Directors meeting, committee meetings and a member reception. Make plans now to attend this annual event. Conference updates and registration information are available at www.alarm.org.
Note: The time of the Breakfast With Congressman Fosella
has been changed to 8:30 a.m. EST.
2006 Tri-Association Awards Dinner
Razamataz and All That Jazz: The 2006 Tri-Association Awards Dinner
Cipriani’s 23rd Street, New York City
Oct. 24, 2006
7:00 – 10:00 p.m. EST
The joint will be jumping as NBFAA, the Security Industry Association and the Central Station Alarm Association get together to honor Charles Darsch, the 2006 Triton Award Recipient. Make your reservations early online at www.siaonline.org. The deadline for reservations is Oct. 6.
International Association of Security and Investigative Regulators (IASIR)
IASIR 2006 Conference
Nov. 7 – 9, 2006
Halifax, Nova Scotia
This conference will provide a significant opportunity to discuss security issues with regulators from all across Canada and the U.S., as well as with other industry experts. IASIR plans to identify and explore new opportunities for developing relationships, programs and services that will help in the regulation of the security industry.
The conference rate is $195 per night for single or double occupancy. This rate will be extended to IASIR Conference attendees three days prior to the conference dates as well as three days after (based on room availability). Call Central Reservations at (800) 943-6760 or make reservations online from the link on IASIR’s Web site at www.iasir.org/calendar.htm. Be sure to mention the room block reserved for IASIR when making your reservations. Reservations must be made by Oct. 16, 2006 to get the special rate. The price after Oct. 16 is $245.
Louisiana Life Safety & Security Association
10th Annual Convention & Trade Show
Nov. 14-16, 2006
The Pontchartrain Center
Kenner, La.
The 10th Annual Convention and Trade Show will include training opportunities for members to earn continuing education units, as well as networking during the trade show. The chapter will also host a golf tournament to benefit the state’s Youth Scholarship Program. What better way to meet various industry peers and gain global knowledge?
CAA Winter Conference
2006 CAA Winter Convention & Western States Security Conference
Dec. 7 – 9, 2006
Crowne Plaza, San Francisco
Chapter News
NYBFAA Hires New Lobbyist
Security Systems News (free subscription required)
The New York Burglar & Fire Alarm Association accomplished one of president Tim Creenan's stated goals this spring with the hiring of Jim McCulley, of McCulley and Associates, as legislative lobbyist.
:: Full Story
Member News
Tri-Ed Branch Holds Customer Appreciation Event
Customers of Tri-Ed’s Buffalo, N.Y. branch were treated to a special evening courtesy of their distribution partner.
Tri-Ed opened up the Pierce Arrow Museum to its customers from 6 to 9 p.m. on Aug. 2.The museum, founded in 1957, pays homage to all things Pierce-Arrow, including motor cars and trucks, bicycles, motorcycles, Travelodge trailers, and associated literature, artwork, and history.
More than 15 major industry manufacturers also took part in the celebration. Tri-Ed president and CEO Steve Roth greeted the guests, and formally thanked them for their loyalty and patronage.
New York Burglar & Fire Alarm Association president Tim Creenan joined Tri-Ed and its customers to show the association’s support. “The New York Burglar & Fire Alarm Association is glad to have another source for our members to look to for the products and services they provide,” he said. “Tri-Ed’s commitment to New York is evidenced by its Buffalo branch location, corporate offices opened on Long Island and sponsorship of our newsletter the Security Signal. We thank them for the support they give to our members.”
National Guardian Acquires Professional Security Monitoring in New York
Security Sales & Integration
National Guardian Security Services Inc. has acquired Professional Security Monitoring (PSM) of New York. This will add 13,000 accounts and other benefits to National Guardian’s portfolio.
:: Full Story
HSM Electronic Protection Acquires IDS Alarm Operations in N.J., N.Y. Markets
Security Sales & Integration
HSM Electronic Protection announces the acquisition of the security alarm side of Intruder Detection Systems (IDS) of Fairview, N.J. The agreement includes both commercial and residential accounts in northern New Jersey and New York City. Terms of sale are not available at this time.
:: Full Story
Member Benefit Spotlight
Paychex Offers NBFAA Members Affordable HR, Payroll Solutions
|
This member benefit is a leading national provider of payroll, human resources, and benefits for small-to medium-sized businesses Let Paychex relieve you of those tasks. Plus, NBFAA members receive an exclusive 15 percent discounted rate. |
Member Product News
Honeywell Introduces Multi-Path Communications Products for Mobile Technology
Honeywell recently introduced a line of Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) technology products that use dual and triple communication paths to ensure highly reliable alarm transmission and delivery.
This communication platform enables dealers to expand services and increase the value of their accounts. Honeywell’s radios, which use General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) and the Internet as primary communication paths, are designed to meet the ever-changing needs of the future, expand the dealer’s customer base, and maintain and increase recurring monthly revenue.
Existing Honeywell analog cellular alarm radios can be easily replaced with the newest GSM GPRS technology. The dual-path technology utilizes GPRS as the primary communication path with Short Message Service (SMS) as the backup communication path. GPRS is a reliable wireless communication method widely used in the cell phone market. It has a higher priority in the cellular network to minimize transmission delays and increases the amount of data that can be reliably delivered. Honeywell also offers a triple-path technology radio that adds Internet communication to the GRPS and SMS signals.
Altronix Introduces New Panic Device
Altronix is releasing their new StrikeIt Panic Device Power/Controller Series. The recently introduced StikeIt is designed specifically to handle the high power demand required to activate panic device egress hardware.
StrikeIt will operate up to two panic hardware devices simultaneously. It is designed to handle the high current surge that panic hardware locking devices demand. A programmable timed lock release feature ranging from one to 30 seconds, supervised lock outputs and two programmable fire alarm disconnect options are all included.
Simply Automated Products Available from The Systems Depot
The Systems Depot has added Simply Automated products to its distribution line. Products include universal power-line bus (UPB) based controllers, switches modules and phase couplers.
“These products eliminate the need for additional wiring in the walls. It makes automation products available to a new market because of the reduced cost for the installer,” said The Systems Depot president Randy Hall.
The benefits of choosing Simply Automated products are not limited to the installation process. “With the Simply Automated UPB control devices, the homeowner gets the luxury of enjoying the reliability that they need, the economy that they want and they get a lot more flexibility thrown in as a bonus,” said Fred Kiko, president of Simply Automated, Inc.
NAPCO Introduces New Central Station Receiver Addressing VoIP Trend
NAPCO Security Systems, Inc., announced the availability of its new NetLink Underwriter’s Laboratories (UL) Listed Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Central Station Receiver.
This is the latest product in NAPCO’s growing family of Netlink alarm reporting products, and addresses the increasing need for UL central stations to adopt new receiver technologies to combat the widespread adoption of Voice-over Internet Protocol (VoIP) in place of traditional “telco” services.
Napco’s NetLink NL-RCV-RMPCUL is a rack-mounted receiver enabling secure Internet alarm reporting. While in full compliance with UL Central Station applications, requiring primary and mirrored backup receivers, two NetLink UL Receivers can be installed at the same cost as a single traditional receiver.
Industry News You Can Use
Home Security Systems Still a Cost Worth Considering
SecurityInfoWatch.com
No one likes things that go bump in the night. But how much are you willing to pay for peace of mind? An intruder sneaking into your home while you sleep is a terrifying thought, yet it rarely happens. More common are burglars snatching valuables from open garages or empty homes.
:: Full Story
FBI Releases 2005 Crime Statistics
According to FBI statistics released Sept. 18, burglary showed an increase
of
.5 percent in 2005 when compared to 2004 accounting for $3.7 billion in losses.
The FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program presented these data in the 2005 edition of Crime in the United States, a statistical compilation of offense and arrest data reported by law enforcement agencies nationwide. In 2005, more than 17,000 city, county, state, tribal, and federal law enforcement agencies, representing 94 percent of the Nation’s population, voluntarily participated in the program.
The UCR Program collects information on crimes reported by law enforcement agencies regarding the violent crimes of murder and nonnegligent manslaughter, forcible rape, robbery, and aggravated assault as well as the property crimes of burglary, larceny-theft, motor vehicle theft, and arson. The Program also gathers arrest data for 29 offenses.
Statistics provided in Crime in the United States, 2005, include:
- Nationwide in 2005, there were an estimated 1,390,695 violent crimes reported.
- The estimated volume of robbery increased 3.9 percent, murder and non-negligent manslaughter increased 3.4 percent, and aggravated assault increased 1.8 percent from 2004 figures.
- Nationwide in 2005, an estimated 10,166,159 property crimes were reported.
- Burglary was the only property crime to show an increase (0.5 percent) in the estimated volume when compared with 2004 data.
- Collectively, victims of property crimes (excluding arson) lost an estimated $16.5 billion: $7.6 billion in motor vehicle thefts, $5.2 billion as a result of larceny-thefts, and $3.7 billion in burglaries.
Appleton, Wisc., to Require Permit for Alarm Dealers
SecurityInfoWatch.com
Appleton, Wisc., is looking to curb false alarms by turning toward a more harsh fine system. The city, which is considering an ordinance at this point, needs only to get the final stamp by the city council to enact a new ordinance that would create false alarm fines that start at $75 and which would rise to $600.
:: Full Story
IQ Certification Program to Publicize Newly Certified Companies to Press
Companies that have recently earned IQ Certification will be able to take advantage of a press release created and distributed by the IQ Certification Board in order to garner publicity in their local areas.
By distributing the press release to local media outlets on behalf of its new members, the IQ certification Board hopes to not only raise the member’s profile, but to also increase awareness of the IQ Certification program itself.
The press release is just one of the many benefits of IQ Certification. It describes the IQ Certification Program and explains the process companies must undergo if they would like to become IQ Certified. It also presents consumers with reasons why they should seek out IQ Certified installers.
IQ Certification is the only dealer-based quality control program for electronic and life safety systems. In order to be IQ Certified, companies pledge to adhere to a stringent code of ethics and to provide top-quality maintenance and service. They also must train their employees in industry-recognized programs, meet all licensing requirements and carry proper insurance coverage. Most importantly, companies must demonstrate that they are meeting these requirements annually in order to be re-certified.
NBFAA and Members in the News
NBFAA in the News
George Gunning to Lead NBFAA into 2008
Security Systems News
Unveiling a national apprenticeship program for security systems installers at this October's ISC East show is among the many items on newly installed National Burglar & Fire Alarm Association president George Gunning's to-do list.
:: Full Story
Platinum Protection
Forbes – USA
Trip the security system on your average American house, and you'll likely set an alarm whining, cause lights to flip on and possibly trigger a notification to the security company or local police station.
:: Full Story
Associations Give You the UPPER Hand
Security Sales & Integration
A lot of the success of and positive things about the electronic security industry can be traced back to the efforts and actions of its trade associations. Cynics may argue this point, but detractors are often the ones who don’t participate in associations anyway. They are like bleacher bums who, insulated by the anonymity of the crowd, heckle no matter how the home team plays. They don’t seem to grasp the tremendous trials and tribulations with which associations must contend.
:: Full Story
At 5-Year Mark, 9/11 Continues to Resonate Worldwide.
Security Sales & Integration
Much like other days that will live on in infamy, most people remember where they were and what they were doing on Sept. 11, 2001. It’s hard to believe five years have passed since I sat transfixed in front of my TV — heartsick, frightened and enraged — watching the World Trade Center tragedy unfold. Like most Americans, it forever changed my view of national security.
:: Full Story
Recent Press Releases
AIREF Survey Shows Broad Opposition to Verified Response
The Alarm Industry Research & Educational Foundation (AIREF) has announced the results of a first-of-its kind survey designed to assess citizens’ reactions to a “verified response” city ordinance. The study, released in Salt Lake City on Friday, shows 65 percent of registered voters in one of the first communities to adopt verified response disapprove of it and would vote for politicians who would change it.
:: Full story
This Release Was Featured In:
Deadline Approaching for Public Review of NBFAA Standard
Public comments on the NBFAA Standard for Remote Supervising Stations (SRSS-01) must be received by Sept. 25, 2006.
:: Full story
This Release Was Featured In:
For Member Update
Sponsorship information, contact
NBFAA Senior Director of Business Development Tonja
Jenkins.
If you do not wish to receive future e-mails, please reply to this e-mail with "REMOVE" in the subject line.
If you have questions, comments or concerns about Member Update, please contact the Communications Department.
All content © National Burglar & Fire Alarm Association (NBFAA)
2300 Valley View Lane, Suite 230 •Irving, TX 75062
Toll Free (888) 447-1689 • Local (214) 260-5970 • Fax (214) 260-5979