If the objective is to design a Compliant regulation that allows reducing the number of False Alarms (FA), action must be taken on people.by: Modesto Miguez*
First of all, it must be understood that problems and false alarms (FA) are not caused by systems but by people, so that responsibility for malfunction cannot be attributed to an apparatus but to those who inappropriately; designs, installs or uses it.
On the other hand it is proven that a low-cost system with few features and even low quality but installed with knowledge and using it responsibly, knowing the care and limitations of the system, will provide excellent results with a very low rate of AF.
On the contrary, an expensive system of the latest technology imported from the first brand (approved) and with multiple features that is designed, programmed, installed or used inappropriately will be a source of problems, FA and will not provide the expected security.
It is the responsible technician who must choose the most suitable system and technology for an electronic security system, and may be restricted in your project if you can only choose your design from a limited list.
At present, the enormous number of models and brands and the boom in technological development make the electronic security industry in today's world have a very difficult dynamic to accompany. It is practically impossible for a regulatory body to maintain the updated list of approved equipment with the speed that the market requires.
The dynamics in the production of large-scale systems have allowed a significant reduction in costs allowing access to "have security" to families that otherwise could not.
The "homologation of equipment" inevitably produces increases in costs that will be unfailingly transferred to users making a system inaccessible to many people who demand security.
We must accept that security is an inescapable obligation of the State and if it is not achieved, people have the right to seek it in the private sphere. The state should not then block access to security for low-income families with its actions, but on the contrary, favor them.
Conclusion: the obligation to homologate systems does not solve the problem of AF and reduces the security of the population.
To solve the problem of AF excesses, the causes and levels of responsibility of the parties involved must first be known.
First instance
The user: It is the main responsible for security who decides to hire and also the first FA generator, namely:
- Unannounced testing.
- Simulation to "measure how long it takes" the response of the Police.
- Poorly closed windows that produce false shots in infrared detectors.
- Loose pets.
- Drafts from broken glass or poorly closed openings.
- Give the keys to people who do not know the use of the systems.
- Multiple other causes that would be too long to list.
In general, the main cause of AF is the carelessness and disinterest on the part of the user in the responsible use of the alarm system. It is he who must "suffer" the first sanction, but these must be done as simple calls for attention in the first repetitions so that the causes can be identified and corrected progressively, also the system of sanctions must contemplate that excessive repetitions are severely penalized.
It should be clarified that it is impossible to avoid the occurrence of AF, but if the repetitions can be reduced if things are done well. That is why emphasis should be placed on increasing sanctions very severely the greater the repetitions.
It is proven worldwide that the methodology of increasing sanctions proportional to the number of REPETITIONS of FA is the only thing that allows reasonable access to the availability of police mobiles. It is proven that "the most sensitive organ of the human is the pocket".
Second instance
The technician responsible for installation and maintenance: Must have the necessary knowledge and be registered for the following reasons:
1. Know the best practices for the installation (IRAM 4175): The immediate application will be for the new alarms, for the old installations it will be given gradually and you must adapt them as the first FAs are produced.
2. You must correctly advise and train the user regarding the correct use of the system and the precautions that must be taken into account in order not to produce FA.
3. It must carry out the installations in such a way as to allow the EC to perform false alarm filtering procedures.
4. It is the one who must inform the regulatory body and the EC of the causes of all the FAs that mobilized the Police unnecessarily.
5. You will receive warnings or even lose your tuition if you have an excessive amount of AF.
Third instance
The remote control center (central station): It must be registered in a register of authorized companies. Minimum technical requirements:
1. Comply with IRAM 4174
2. Perform any procedure or protocol that serves to avoid giving false notice to the authority.
3. Inform what is the phone number by which you will call 911 to give the verified alarm notice.
4. Have a technical manager.
5. They may not withhold the warning of a confirmed alarm longer than necessary to perform any authorized protocol for alarm recognition.
Fourth instance
The State:
- No call from automatic dialers will be accepted.
- Each call request for police mobile for alarm assistance will only be taken into account if it comes from a company enabled and identified by the telephone number from which you call.
- If the call comes from an unregistered number, the information will be requested at the time of the caller and from where he calls, then an investigation procedure will be initiated to determine who is the one calling 911 and if it is an unregistered company, this will be severely sanctioned.
- A correct compliance with the previous point must be ensured without exceptions, otherwise the companies will not be enabled and will continue to resort to the police to assist FA.
- The response of mobile phones with armed personnel or for alarm verification should not be authorized. Such private mobiles may only attend the place where the alarm originated in order to provide technical support, make a technical repair or instruct the user, but under no circumstances to replace the force of the state or repress "on their own" an alleged criminal,
- It will keep a record of each FA with the date of production, identifying the person with the user's name, ID, address, registration of the responsible technician and a unique and unrepeatable order number, for example, municipal departure number.
- If the responsible technician is unsubscribed, the users in his charge automatically stop receiving assistance until another technician is responsible for the operation of those users.
- All technicians must have an enabling registration, for this they must at least take an exam in which they demonstrate knowledge of the IRAM 4175 standard.
- From remote control centers (EC)
- Compliance with IRAM 4174
- Certificate of non-recidivism of the person in charge.
- Complete secondary technician electrician, electronic or related technician of the technical manager.
This manager must know the related IRAM standards and false alarm filtering protocols.
