August 5, 2013
Texas State Fire Marshal’s Office – Update
Important: Licensing Test Update
The State Fire Marshal’s Office will begin using a new contractor (PSI) for licensing tests effective September 2, 2013. PSI will begin taking registrations for the tests August 15, 2013. You may pay and schedule online at www.psiexams.com, or by calling 800-733-9267.
Testing will begin September 2, 2013. Please do not contact PSI prior to August 15, 2013.
For more info visit their website
Association Events
- 8.7.13 – OKBFAA – OK Burglar and Fire Alarm
Monthly Meeting – 112 N.E. 50th Street Oklahoma City, OK – Oklahoma NECA offices (National Electrical Contractors Assn.) Speaker will be Dan Salts, Owasso Fire Marshall and President, Fire Marshall’s Association of Oklahoma RSVP - 9.19.13- OKBFAA Business Seminar and Golf Scramble
September 19, 2013 – Edmond, OK – 8:30 – 11:00 Seminar followed by Golf Scramble. More Info
Door to Door Sales
- SD: Door-To-Door Alarm System Sales
7.30.13 – Keloland TV – Sioux Falls saw a big jump in the number of peddlers’ licenses being issued to door-to-door sales for alarm systems this month. It was about this time last year … More Info
Public Safety Updates
- NM: Enforcement of fines for false alarm calls goes into effect Thursday
7.30.13 – Las Cruces Sun-News – Las Cruces – An ordinance regulating alarm systems for homes and commercial businesses went into effect in January, and the enforcement of fines starts …More Info - MD: Maryland County Mandates Security Cameras at Convenience Stores
7.31.13 – The Prince George’s County Council has approved a bill that requires convenience stores and gasoline stations to have drop boxes and security cameras. More Info - IL: State fire marshal drops push for sprinklers in older high-rises
8.2.13 – Chicago Tribune – Critics have dismissed sprinklers as being too costly and unnecessary for buildings that have safety features like fire alarms, sophisticated elevators that return to … More Info - NM: Questions surge into Las Cruces alarm companies about new alarm …
8.3.13 – Las Cruces Sun-News – Her forecast was based on experience. Employees at alarm companies all over the city received Thursday numerous customer inquiries about registering their … More Info - IL: Village Proposes Free Spitting, More Expensive Parking Tickets
8.3.13 – Patch.com – “The false alarm fee is intended to incentivize property owners to test, maintain, and fix their alarm systems so that emergency responders are not spending their … More Info - GA: Atlanta modifying security alarm ordinance
7.30.13 – MyFox Atlanta – The city of Atlanta is making some changes to its security alarm ordinance. They’re lowering the fines, but requiring everyone to register their system with a … More Info - OH: Conneaut law takes aim at too many false alarms
7.30.13 – The Star Beacon – Conneaut – Alarms that send Conneaut police and firefighters on wild goose chases could have financial consequences if a new law before City Council is … More Info - GA: Sandy Springs, Dunwoody begin alarm registrations
8.1.13 – Reporter Newspapers – The new registration is part of a system being implemented by both cities to reduce the number of false alarm calls. The registration deadline is Oct. 1, according … More Info - OH: Five new cities join Kenton dispatch center
8.1.13 – Cincinnati.com – Business owners and residents with alarms who live in Crestview Hills, Edgewood, Fort Mitchell, Lakeside Park and Villa Hills should contact their alarm … More Info - MA: Have You Registered Your House Alarm with Barnstable PD?
8.1.13 – Patch.com – Basic information like address, alarm company and emergency contacts are needed. Police also ask for townspeople to provide specific instructions on locating … More Info - CA: Whittier City Council seeks to limit false burglar alarms
8.2.13 – Los Angeles Wave Newspapers – Whittier – The City Council Aug. 13 is expected to give final approval to tougher laws on false burglar alarms and improper use of city benches or public … More Info - TX: Beginning Oct. 1, monitored alarm permits required for residences …
8.2.13 – The Crowley Star – Beginning Oct. 1, residents of Crowley who have monitored alarm systems will be required to purchase a yearly permit and possibly face fines for false alarms … More Info
Industry News
- Video surveillance goes mobile
7.24.13 – Security Info Watch – Advancements in technology have created a paradigm shift within the industry… More Info - ADT to acquire Devcon Security
7.31.13 – Boca Raton, FL – ADT announced this morning that it plans to acquire Devcon Security from Golden Gate Capital. The deal brings 117,000 accounts and $3.6 million of RMR. Find out the purchase price and read details of Security Systems News’ interview with ADT’s Don Boerema. More Info - Clark Howard: It’s best to find a burglar alarm without a contract
8.2.13 – Atlanta Journal Constitution – Are you paying big bucks for a burglar alarm? New self-install kits are available that don’t require a landline and only cost $15 each month for monitoring. More Info - Rising Stars Reveal Growth Secrets
In the first-ever Rising Stars list, 25 integrators reveal how they are growing revenues. Hint: There is no set-in-stone formula. More Info - ‘Smart Home’ Security Devices Vulnerable to Hackers
8.4.13 – fox8.com – It’s possible to remotely turn lights on and off, control thermostats, and activate alarm systems. There’s even an oven than can be controlled with an app. More Info
Legislative Report
- OHSB00162 Text Hughes | Carbon monoxide detectors-require public/ private schools to install-update codes
Status: 07/24/2013 : Introduced History - TXHB00061 Text Relating to the submission of fingerprints with an application to the Texas Private Security Board.
Status: 07/24/2013 : H Filed History
State Trends
- AR: Arkansas attorney general nixes plan to arm school staffers |
8.1.13 – Associated Press – LITTLE ROCK – Arkansas school districts cannot use a little-known state law to employ teachers and staffers as guards who can carry guns on campus, the state’s attorney general said on Thursday in an opinion that likely ends a district’s plan to arm more than 20 employees when school starts this year. More Info - NC: Debate Over Carbon Monoxide Legislation After Deaths
7/30.13 – SIA Update – The family of the Rock Hill, NC boy killed in a Boone Best Western contends that a proposed bill to require carbon monoxide alarms in some hotel rooms doesn’t go far enough. More Info
National News
- FCC’s Call for Help With IP-Based Phone System Gets Answered
7.25.13 – Eweek- As phone companies begin toward transitioning the nation’s 100-year copper telephone networks to IP-based systems, the federal government has begun considering how to govern around these changes. To that end, Public Knowledge offers the FCC a 5-point checklist… More Info - Small businesses say background check system complicated, expensive |
7.24.13 – The Wall Street Journal -Since January, Daniel VanLoh has turned away nine new dishwashers and one line cook from his four Atlanta, Ga., restaurants within days of hiring them. The reason: Not one was authorized to work in the U.S., according to background checks he ran on the job applicants using a federal verification system, known as E-Verify. More Info - States Attorneys Opposing Criminal Background Checks on New Hires
7.31.13 – SIA Update – Attorney generals across the country are fighting back against new Obama administration guidelines on businesses using criminal background checks for job applicants and two federal lawsuits that followed, calling both “a quintessential example of gross federal overreach.” Read More - U.S. economy grows at 1.7 percent rate in second quarter
7.31.13 – Washington Post – The U.S. economy grew at a 1.7 percent rate in the second quarter, ahead of analysts’ predictions. The Commerce Department says growth improved from a sluggish 1.1 percent rate in the January-March quarter, which was revised from an initial 1.8 percent rate. More Info - U.S. economy added 162,000 jobs in July; unemployment rate at 7.4 percent
8.2.13 – Washington Post – The U.S. economy added 162,000 jobs in July, according to a Labor Department report released Friday morning. The nation’s unemployment rate dropped to 7.4 percent. Analysts expected the report to show that the country had added 185,000 jobs last month, and that the unemployment rate edged down to 7.5 percent. More Info
Business Tips
- Training Programs Improve Employee Retention
7.26.13 – Managers say staff development is a high priority, but many companies don’t provide ongoing training programs. Find out how training brings value. More Info - Expert Advice About Leadership and Success
7.30.13 – Baseline – These words of wisdom about leadership include concise, simply stated reflections that drive directly to the heart of what fuels professional success. More Info - An Underappreciated Security Threat: USB Flash Drives
7.18.13 – CIO Insight – Many companies have policies about unsecured USB flash drives, but without enforcement, company networks can be penetrated and valuable business information can be stolen. More Info - Advertising in a Recovering Economy: Does it Pay Off?
7.31.13 – CEPro – As the economy comes back, integrators should not be waiting for the phone to ring. Now is the time to explore TV, radio, Craigslist, direct mail and even Yellow Pages advertising to drum up new clients. More Info - 4 Keys to Coaching Underperforming Employees | Inc.com
7.29.13 – Inc – Dealing with an employee who’s struggling to keep up? These 4 simple steps will help you make your team stronger. More Info - 10 Tips for Weathering Hurricanes, Other Disasters
8.1.13 –Inc – Many IT pros in Hurricane Sandy’s path created virtual offices in the cloud to keep employees productive while waiting for primary systems to come back online or be restored. Here are some disaster-preparedness tips for enterprises. More Info - Companies Not Protecting Data on Mobile Devices
8.1.13 – CIO Insight – Many organizations are failing to protect regulated data on mobile devices even though they are legally required to keep the information secure. More Info - Can You Pass the Elevator Test?
7.31.13 – CIO Insight – The elevator test is a quick, thumbs up or thumbs down method for professionally evaluating a person, such as a job candidate or a colleague in your organization. More Info - Leadership Advice: Focus on the Mission
7.30.13 – Baseline – A management expert says the mission–not processes–should dictate duties, and notes that today’s most important deadline is the one that achieves tomorrow’s goal. More Info
Fire News
- CA: Smoke Alarm Saves Woman and Yorkshire Terrier
8.2.13 – KTXL – A smoke alarm saved a woman and her Yorkshire Terrier early Friday morning in Loomis. The fire happened on Glenn Brooks Estates near Auburn Folsom … More Info - ME: Fire breaks out at Portsmouth police station shooting range
7.31.13 – Seacoastonline.com – Portsmouth – A two-alarm fire broke out in the backstop of the police … Fire Chief Steve Achilles said a fire alarm went off at the Junkins Avenue police … More Info - NC: Fire Alarm Investigated Thursday Morning At Hendersonville High …
8.2.13 – WHKP – Hendersonville city firemen investigated a fire alarm Thursday morning about 7:30 on the second floor of Hendersonville High School. The original fire call said … More Info
Crime News
- AK: Anchorage Police Issue Clarification about Man Arrested in AT&T …
8.3.13 – KTUU.com – APD spokesperson Jennifer Castro says police were notified of the break-in by an alarm from the store … More Info - AR: Springdale police seek burglar caught on tape
7.30.13 -Northwest Arkansas News – The burglary alarm at La Michoacana went off just after 2 a.m. on July 22, according to a news release. Police think the man may be responsible for other … More Info - BC: Man found guilty in 2009 home invasion
7.30.13 – Richmond Review – The husband tried to run to the alarm panel, but was tackled, punched and then pepper sprayed. “They put handcuffs on him and he was taken downstairs. More Info - CA: Gunman robs busy Fremont bank branch
7.31.13 – San Jose Mercury News – Officers were dispatched at 9:10 a.m. after receiving multiple “hold up” alarm activations from the bank, said police spokeswoman … More Info - CA: SJPD arrest robbery suspect after manhunt
8.1.13 – abc7news.com – Morales said an alarm was tripped during the robbery, and when officers arrived they saw a man fleeing and jumping fences. Police swarmed the neighborhood, … More Info - CT: 2 Charged With DUI Outside of Trumbull McDonald’s
7.29.13 – Patch.com – Police responded to an alarm at the McDonald’s and found that Taylor had run over a sign. He was tested at 0.138 and 0.133, police said. An open bottle of … More Info - CT: Burglars foiled by Southport home alarm
8.4.13 – Fairfield Citizen – Police believe an audible burglar alarm at a home may have scared a would-be intruder Wednesday afternoon of last week. An officer … More Info - FL: Florida Couple Breaks Into School for Sex, Then Bashed Vending …
8.1.13 – Miami New Times – According to WFTV, the pair set off a triggered alarm during their impromptu … Wouldn’t they realize schools are alarmed and responding to those alarms are … More Info - FL: Sheriff’s Office investigating ATM theft
7.31.13 – The Northwest Florida Daily News – A deputy responding to the bank’s alarm at about 1 a.m. Tuesday discovered that the ATM on the building’s west side had been burglarized, according to the … More Info - FL: Thieves pull off $3 million heist in Boynton Beach
7.29.13 – Local 10 – Boynton Beach Police said officers responded to an alarm call about 11 a.m. Sunday and found an open sliding glass door in the back of a home. The house … More Info - GA: FMB branch burglarized
7.31.13 – Statesboro Herald – Turner also did not say whether the bank had an active alarm. Several officers responded to the bank around 7:15 a.m., where an employee had entered the … More Info - GA: Man Arrested for Allegedly Stealing Cell Phones from Family Dollar
8.3.13 – Patch.com – Around 2:35am on August 2, officers responded to an alarm at Family Dollar. When they arrived, they found the front glass door had been … More Info - GA: Thieves smash through McDonough CVS for cash
7.31.13 – WXIA-TV – They know once an alarm is activated they have a certain amount of time. There were there for a very short time, maybe a minute or so,” said Sgt. Joey Smith of … More Info - ID: Police: String of burglaries in Emmett most likely connected
7.31.13 – KTVB – The Emmett police chief has reached out to the Chamber of Commerce in Emmett to help get the word out to businesses to make sure their alarm systems are … More Info - IN: Police: Would-be burglar locked himself inside M’ville store
8.1.13 – nwitimes.com – At 12:23 a.m. Thursday, an active alarm was reported at the Speedway gas station. Merrillville police Detective Cmdr. Jeff Rice said a … More Info - KS: Police Searching For Topeka Loan Store Robbery Suspects
7.30.13 -WIBW – Officials were called around 4:30 p.m. to the store after an alarm company called it in. Topeka Police say two men entered the store demanding money. More Info - KY: Driver killed when car crashes into New Albany business
7.29.13 – The Courier-Journal – The building has an alarm system that notified the Huddlestons at home, she said. Her husband went straight to the shop, she said. The driver was still in the car … More Info - LA: Caught on camera: Burglar smashes through business door, makes …
8.1.13 – St. Charles Herald Guide – Brandon Guillory, who is a co-owner of the store, said he did not think he needed an alarm system because the store is located on such a well traveled roadway. More Info - MA: Burglar Alarms, Ambulances and an Animal Complaint at the Mall
7.29.13 – Patch.com – 12:16 a.m.: A burglar alarm went off at JC Penney. Monday, July 22. 5:23 a.m.: A burglar alarm went off at Sears… More Info - MA: Cops: Man steals car, drives it into Framingham store to steal smokes
7.30.13 – MetroWest Daily News – That night, around 11:30 p.m., police went to the store for an alarm, and discovered the front of the building was heavily damaged. “It looked like someone had … More Info - MA: Newton crime watch: breaking and entering, July 22 to July 26
8.3.13 – Newton TAB – An unknown suspect fled the scene as a result of an officer who responded to the address for a burglar alarm…. More Info - MA: Pair hides at Macy’s in Saugus, steals items after hours
7.31.13 – Saugus Advertiser – In the narrative the officers concluded the pair apparently hid in the store until closing, as there were no signs of forced entry and no entrance alarm activated. More Info - ME: Police nab suspected burglar
8.1.13 – Times Record – … Jason McCarthy arrested William Sanford, 27 at 11:16 p.m. after Sanford allegedly tripped the store’s burglar alarm. More Info - ME: Suspect with long history charged with breaking into Portland social …
7.29.13 – Press Herald – When they arrived, they found that someone had forced their way into the building, caused more than $2,000 damage to a security alarm panel and then fled. More Info - MI: Break-ins investigated
7.31.13 – Grand Haven Tribune – Police responded shortly after 3:30 a.m. when an alarm system was activated — likely by … Joe Helder, manager of the coffee shop, said the alarm is very loud. More Info - NC: Another Pitt County hole-in-the-wall break-in
8.2.13 – WNCT – He also said the store doesn’t have a surveillance system and the thieves cut the alarm. There have been more than a dozen break-ins in Pitt, Martin and … More Info - NC: Men caught breaking into motorcycle shop in Asheboro
7.29.13 – myfox8.com – Police say they responded around 11 p.m. Saturday to an alarm at City Cycle to find a fence around the business had been pulled out of … More Info - NC: Sheriff’s Office arrests 16-year-old in Madison breaking and entering …
8.2.13 – The Stokes News – After an alarm call from Foothills Grocery in Madison at 3:10 a.m. on July 31, Oscar Garcia, Jr., age 16, was arrested and charged with … More Info - NC: Suspect Accused of Smashing Glass, Stealing Cash Register
7.31.13 – 5newsonline.com – Police responded to a burglary alarm just after 2 a.m. on July 22 at La Michoacana. The suspect had already left, according to police. More Info - NC: Suspect sought in attempted break-in
7.31.13 – StarNewsOnline.com – Officers were called. after the alarm sounded about 4 a.m. When they arrived, they found a window broken and pry marks on the safe in… More Info - NC: Three sought in jewelry store robbery
8.1.13 – Burlington Times News – Through an investigation, police determined that three robbers entered the business from the roof and disabled the alarm system. Once inside, the three stole an … More Info - ND: Thieves make off with items at Fargo pawn shop
7.29.13 – In-Forum – Officers were on the scene less than a minute after the Police Department was notified of an alarm, but the suspects had fled by the time they arrived, Lt. Joel … More Info - NH: Suspects nabbed in Fun-O-Rama arcade burglary
7.31.13 – Seacoastonline.com – A burglary alarm went off at the Fun-O-Rama at about 11:30 p.m. Monday, he said. Police found a rear door window at the business smashed. Witnesses told … More Info - NJ: Attempt to steal ATM fails in Vineland
8.1.13 – Vineland Daily Journal – Police responded to an alarm about 3 a.m. Wednesday at the bank … An alarm within the ATM activated and alerted police. More Info - NJ: Burglar caught in the act at Cherry Hill appliance store, police say
8.1.13 – The Bridgeton News – NJ.com – Police responded at 10:03 p.m. to a burglar alarm in the building. The front door was open when they arrived, and the engine was running in a vehicle parked on … More Info - NJ: Burglar Caught in the Act at Supply Company, Police Say
8.1.13 – Patch.com – … was caught in the business office of Ferguson Commercial, police said, after officers responding to an alarm around 10 … More Info - NJ: North Plainfield man heads to Dunkin’ Donuts after stealing his …
7.30.13 – Hunterdon County Democrat – NJ.com – Borough police responded to the home for a report of a residential burglar alarm and found the front door of the residence ajar, the affidavit states. Two residents … More Info - NJ: North Plainfield Police: Burglar pushed front door open, grabbed …
8.2.13 – Hunterdon County Democrat – NJ.com – At about 4:35 a.m. last Friday, Probert and her husband went downstairs to see what set their house alarm off, police said. Probert told police she always left her … More Info - NJ: Saddle Brook home target in smash and grab
8.1.13 – NorthJersey.com – Police Officer Giuseppe Califano and Lt. Christopher Mamone were dispatched and responded to the alarm. Upon their arrival, the officers noticed that the side … More Info - NV: Elko Police arrest suspected burglar inside tires
8.2.13 – Elko Daily Free Press – “Then they saw the alarm box (had been) torn off the wall,” Genseal said. Additional … One officer climbed on a stack of tires and soon noticed the alarm box. More Info - NY: Albertson Cell Phone Store Robbed Saturday Night
7.29.13 – Patch.com – According to detectives at 9:55 p.m. on July 27, officers responded to a commercial burglary alarm at Cellular Next to find that the rear … More Info - OH: Two detained in Englewood break-in
8.2.13 – WHIO Radio – At approximately 2:20 a.m., crews responded to a security alarm call, where they found a broken window at that convenience store. More Info - OK: Storm trips burglar alarm, responding police officer kills family dog
8.1.13 – Examiner.com – A storm in Oklahoma City, Okla., tripped a burglar alarm, and the police officer who arrived to the home to investigate wound up shooting the family’s dog, … More Info - ON: Home News Bolton jewelry store owner cleans up after break...
7.30.13 – Caledon Enterprise – The would be robber knocked one showcase over and tried to punch it in, but was not able to get his hands on any product before the alarm went off and he fled. More Info - ON: Unlocked van stolen from Lakefield home
7.29.13 – Kawartha Media Group – The man door has an alarm was triggered and scared the suspects away. There was nothing stolen from the residence. Anyone with information is asked to call … More Info - PA: Police Report: Sandy Township
7.29.13 – Gant Daily – A false alarm occurred Saturday at a Treasure Lake residence. An employee of Kwik Fill reported Saturday that they were being harassed by a known man. More Info - PA: Smokers’ Outlet burglar caught in the act
7.30.13 – FOX43.com – Share Update. 7-29-13. Police responding to a commercial burglar alarm arrived in time to catch the suspect still inside the store, trying to hide behind a display. More Info - SC: Deputies respond to two separate incidents at store
8.1.13 – The Times and Democrat – When another alarm went off, he came running out again to join his mates, who were already in the process of fleeing the property. “Nothing was taken, but the … More Info - TX: Arrest Leads to Potential Pharmacy Break-In Suspect
8.3.13 – KGNS – Alexander Ivan Villarreal was arrested after police responded to an alarm that went off in the area, He was found with … More Info - TX: Burglars cause chaos during clinic break-in
7.31.13 – 12NewsNow.Com – The burglars tried to break into the pharmacy, which is in the same facility, but the alarm notified police, and they fled the scene. Dr. Williams says it took his staff … More Info - TX: Trip To Walmart Ends In Cuffs For Irving ISD School Board Trustee
8.3.13 – CBS 11 – COM) – Irving ISD school board trustee Norma C. Gonzales was arrested for shoplifting at a Walmart Saturday morning. Officers learned that the anti-theft alarm … More Info - VA: Business alarm sounds, man charged
7.30.13 – WAVY-TV – Portsmouth, Va. (WAVY) – A Portsmouth man was charged late Sunday evening after an alarm sounded at a local business. Jan Clark with Portsmouth … More Info - VA: Taxi Driver Robbed Near Hunters Woods Village Center
8.3.13 – Patch.com – BURGLARY, Officers were called for an alarm and found a glass door shattered. Cash and cigarettes were … More Info - WA: Man with pipe smashes several cars, business storefronts
7.31.13 – KIRO Seattle – Kappel says the man also targeted the Ben Bridge Jeweler, but their glass is so thick, the attack just set off an alarm. The alarm and … More Info - WI: Police Turn to Community on Papa John’s Armed Robbery
8.1.13 – Patch.com – The cashier also told police he looked for a silent alarm button during the heist … After the two men ran from the store, he did find an alarm button and pushed it. More Info - WI: Tuesday’s police log: Restaurant worker gets stuck in freezer
7.30.13 -Wisconsin Rapids Tribune – At 5:23 p.m. Monday, a Wisconsin Rapids restaurant had a hold-up alarm in the freezer. An employee had gotten stuck in the freezer and hit the alarm for help. More Info
The National Monitor is a service of the National Electronic Security Alliance (NESA). Member states are free to reproduce the information contained herein in print or electronic media as they see fit. Contact NESA for more information at 301.519.9237 or bradshipp@4yoursolution.com
NESA is a federation of state associations established to serve and promote the electronic systems industry at the direction of, and through its affiliated state associations. Five state associations are part of NESA – Texas Burglar & Fire Alarm Association (TBFAA), Maryland Burglar & Fire Alarm Association (MDBFAA), Kansas Electronic Security Association (KESA), Arkansas Security Alarm Association (ASAA) and Oklahoma Burglar & Fire Alarm Association (OKBFAA). For more info visit www.nesaus.org.
NESA Board of Directors
- President – Jordon Brown
- Vice President & Texas Burglar & Fire Alarm Assn. Director- Chris Russell
- Secretary and Kansas Electronic Security Alliance Director Dan Locke
- Treasurer and Maryland Burglar & Fire Alarm Assn. Director- Howard Simons
- Past President –Rex Adams
- Oklahoma Burglar & Fire Alarm Assn. Director- Paul Conrady
- Arkansas Security Alarm Assn. Director – Rick Howell
- Associate Director- Dean Coburn
- Executive Director- Brad Shipp
- Maryland Burglar & Fire Alarm Assn. Alternate- Brian Shrake
- Oklahoma Burglar & Fire Alarm Assn. Alternate- Rick Spring
- Texas Burglar & Fire Alarm Assn. Alternate- Chip Bird