Author Profile

Jeff Zwirn, SSI Contributor

Jeffrey D. Zwirn, CPP, CFPS, CFE, FACFEI, CHS-IV, SET, CCI, FASI&T, MBAT, writes Security Sales & Integration’s “Security Science” column. He is also president of IDS Research and Development, an alarm and security consultation, expert witness and training authority providing nationwide services on all issues related to alarm and security matters. He can be reached at (201) 287-0900.

More About Jeff Zwirn

Jeff Zwirn's Latest Opinion Posts

Read: The Dangers of Swinger Shutdown

The Dangers of Swinger Shutdown

Alarm contractors’ responsibilities should be consistent with statutory requirements, UL, NFPA 72 and industry standards and best practices.

Read: Critical Things to Recognize in Panic Alarm Systems in a World of Active Shooters

Critical Things to Recognize in Panic Alarm Systems in a World of Active Shooters

A panic alarm system in and of itself is not sufficient to fully protect all people on any premises during an active shooter event.

Read: Alarm Expert: Beware This Dangerous Fire Alarm Product

Alarm Expert: Beware This Dangerous Fire Alarm Product

The Virtual Alarm monitoring re-transmitter is being marketed as UL-compliant, but doesn’t even come close, according to Jeff Zwirn.

Jeff Zwirn's Latest Posts

Read: The Dangers of Swinger Shutdown

The Dangers of Swinger Shutdown

Alarm contractors’ responsibilities should be consistent with statutory requirements, UL, NFPA 72 and industry standards and best practices.

Read: Critical Things to Recognize in Panic Alarm Systems in a World of Active Shooters

Critical Things to Recognize in Panic Alarm Systems in a World of Active Shooters

A panic alarm system in and of itself is not sufficient to fully protect all people on any premises during an active shooter event.

Read: It’s Time to Stop ‘Shifty’ Contract Practices

It’s Time to Stop ‘Shifty’ Contract Practices

With free or low-cost installations, a code-compliant system will dramatically increase objections to purchasing due to the increased costs incurred.

Read: Dangers of In-Home Monitoring: Why Central Station Operators Working From Home Is Risky Business

Dangers of In-Home Monitoring: Why Central Station Operators Working From Home Is Risky Business

Distracted operators? Increased alarm contractor liability exposure? Forensic alarm expert Jeff Zwirn pokes holes in UL-827’s pandemic-induced standard exception.

Read: Life-Safety Lessons Learned From the Miami Condo Collapse

Life-Safety Lessons Learned From the Miami Condo Collapse

From the rumble of last year’s Surfside (Fla.) tower tragedy that killed 98 people are pivotal best practices for which alarm installation and monitoring providers must remain acutely aware.

Read: DIY Danger: How Konnected Has Concocted False Claims About Its Alarm Panel Solution

DIY Danger: How Konnected Has Concocted False Claims About Its Alarm Panel Solution

Konnected says its alarm panel can turn any wired alarm system into a smart alarm. However, an independent forensic analysis shows it disregards security and life-safety standards and represents extreme danger to consumers.

Read: Alarm Expert: Beware This Dangerous Fire Alarm Product

Alarm Expert: Beware This Dangerous Fire Alarm Product

The Virtual Alarm monitoring re-transmitter is being marketed as UL-compliant, but doesn’t even come close, according to Jeff Zwirn.

Read: How Security System Defects Led to a $3M Jewelry Heist

How Security System Defects Led to a $3M Jewelry Heist

A forensic expert examines the $3 million burglary of a jewelry store, caused by egregious conduct and violations of industry standards by both the alarm contractor and central station.

Read: Quiz: How Well Do You Know Government Agencies?

Quiz: How Well Do You Know Government Agencies?

Whether designing and installing a security system, acting as a security consultant or security director, these questions provide information that can help active security practitioners within our industry.

Read: SimpliSafe DIY Security System Investigation Yields Disturbing Results

SimpliSafe DIY Security System Investigation Yields Disturbing Results

DIY home security systems provider SimpliSafe has quickly amassed a large customer base. However, an independent forensic analysis shoots holes in the company’s model, claims and technology.

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