The biggest thrill I get out of my job is being able to contribute something I believe is for the betterment of the electronic security industry. Every time I speak with someone or receive correspondence in which Security Sales & Integration or something associated with the magazine has helped a reader be more successful, it renews my drive to further the cause. In that vein, I would like to share how an exciting new SSI initiative recently came to fruition.

A year ago, at ISC West Las Vegas, with Larry Dischert of ADT Security Services and Security Industry Alarm Coalition (SIAC) Executive Director Stan Martin, I shared an idea over dinner I had knocked around for years. It was to raise awareness about minimizing false alarms by establishing an award for the best alarm dispatch program.

My dining partners were very intrigued by the concept and the three of us talked about all the different ways such a program could benefit the industry. Not only would it raise awareness, but also reward alarm dealers that are diligent in the war on false alarms and provide extra incentive for others to be more conscientious. It would demonstrate to law enforcement and the public how committed the industry is to solving this controversial issue.

The program would represent a fresh, new approach. For alarm companies, participating would also offer them a tremendous, free marketing opportunity. All entrants would be named in a major trade publication, with the runner-ups and winners receiving extensive exposure. Winners would also be presented with the award at a high-profile industry event.

Having realized the potential value of such a program, the three of us began brainstorming about how to set criteria, introduce, conduct, judge and present the proposed award. The criteria were especially challenging; how do you qualify and quantify entries for false alarm dispatches — something that has thus far been an inexact science? We knew we had our work cut out for us, but parted confident the idea would not die.

However, in the subsequent months — despite SSI Publisher Mike Zawinski and Honeywell Security’s David Gottlieb endorsing the program — only sporadic discussions took place. It appeared like the project might fall by the wayside.

Fortunately, Dischert and Martin would not allow that to happen, working tirelessly to develop the basics of the program. In November, several other individuals — including Tony Fague, formerly of ADT, Brink’s Home Security’s David Simon and California Alarm Association (CAA) Executive Director Jerry Lenander — rounded out an ad hoc committee with Martin, Dischert and myself that began seriously hammering out the fine details.

It was then decided that the False Alarm Reduction Association (FARA) should be involved — especially since its mission so closely mirrors SIAC’s and the award is intended to foster cooperation between the alarm industry and law enforcement. It also made a lot of sense because the plan was to have a law enforcement representative from the jurisdiction in which the winning alarm company operates present the award.

Thus, FARA President Norma Beaubien and Executive Director Brad Shipp joined the movement and added their suggestions to the program. Unbeknownst to SIAC or myself, FARA had been formulating a similar award program for some time. So all parties were essentially of the same mind.

Thanks to the collaborative efforts of SSI, SIAC, FARA and Honeywell Security, I am delighted to report that the program is a reality! Dubbed the Police Dispatch Quality (PDQ) award, the program was officially launched at the SAMMY Awards gala that kicked off ISC West in Las Vegas. The first recipient of the award will be honored during the 2006 SAMMYs event.

Alarm dealers, I challenge you to rise to the occasion and help show the world how effective and professional our industry can be in partnering with law enforcement to fight crime. Besides, the fringe benefits ain’t bad either! Enter the PDQ program today!

 

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