Public Safety Updates

MA: Pittsfield Council Gets Into Weeds of False Alarm Ordinance
9.26.18 – iBerkshires.com – The Police Department had come to the council with a fairly straightforward request: require those with burglar alarms to register with the city annually.
MA: Pittsfield councilors find ‘gray area’ in false alarm enforcement
9.29.18 – Berkshire Eagle – He said high-functioning alarm systems can yield false alarms, too — detecting things like rodents’ movements and fluctuations in air flow — and he’s not sure …
NL: After years of delays, NL axes plan to charge fees for security system …
9.27.18 – CBC.ca – The Newfoundland and Labrador government has backtracked on a plan to impose fees on security system owners for false or cancelled alarms — a plan that …
TX: College Station Council Approves New Fire False Alarm Fees
9.24.18 – WTAW – The College Station fire department has the green light from the city council to charge fees to the owners of business properties and multi family structures who …

Industry News

Man who hid cameras and took photos of his naked daughters gets 8 months in jail
9.24.18 – Star Telegram – Batzin, who operated a local business that installs cameras and security systems, was sentenced to eight months on each charge, to be served concurrently. Prosecutors said Batzin also has a hold on him from officials with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Alexa Guard: How Amazon Plans to Add Sound Recognition to Your …
9.24.18 – Security Sales & Integration – Two of those initial providers are ADT (via its Pulse security and home automation system) and Amazon’s own Ring Alarm. When a user tells Alexa they’re …
DITEK Announces Release Of Advanced Deflector Series Surge …
9.24.18 – SecurityInformed – DITEK, global provider of surge protection solutions, announces the launch of the new Deflector Series Surge Protective Devices. With its audible alarm, flashing …
ADT & Amazon Team Up
9.21.18 – SDM – ADT Inc., Boca Raton, Fla., announced a new strategic initiative with Amazon. Starting later this year, ADT will support integration of Amazon’s new Alexa Guard feature with the ADT Pulse security system, allowing customers to enhance security capabilities by detecting specific sounds via the customer’s Amazon Echo device when away from home.
UTC Climate, Controls & Security Agrees to Acquire S2 Security
9.21.18 – SDM – UTC Climate, Controls & Security announced that it agreed to acquire S2 Security, a developer of unified security and video management solutions. UTC Climate, Controls & Security is a provider of fire safety, security, building automation, heating, ventilating, air conditioning (HVAC) and refrigeration systems, and is a unit of United Technologies Corp.
Owen Security Solutions makes three purchases
9.26.18 – SSN – Calhoun, GA – Owen Security Solutions, a security company based here, recently announced three purchases in Georgia: Ellis construction, Williams Alarm and accounts from Robinson Door & Security.
Security 101 opens 40th franchise office
9.26.18 – SSN – Austin, TX – Security 101, a nationwide security integrator, announced it has opened its 40th office here. Kevin Schnyder, an IT and physical security professional, is the owner and president of the new franchise.
Burnes Citadel Security buys Fort Knox Security and Central Burglar …
9.28.18 – STLtoday.com – Burnes Citadel Security is expanding its reach in the St. Louis region by acquiring Fort Knox Security of De Soto and Central Burglar Alarm of Glen Carbon.
Tiny Fire Alarm Detector Esp8266 MQTT IFTTT Hom Automation
9.30.18 – FireEngineering.com – I wanted to detect whether my home smoke detector system is in alarm. I have eight smoke detector in my home and they are interconnected. If one smoke …

State & National News

Fire Loss in the United States During 2017
9.24.18 – NFPA – U.S. fire departments reported more than 1.3 million fires in 2017, resulting in an estimated 3,400 civilian deaths and nearly 15,000 civilian injuries.
States in the southern U.S. face high fire death rates
9.24.18 – NFPA – Fire death rates vary considerably from state to state. Demographics, education, smoking, rural living, and income are factors associated with higher fire death rates. Learn more by reading our new U.S. Fire Death Rates By State report, and by using our new interactive tool to compare states.
School fire alarm protocols change after shootings
9.24.18 – WOODTV.com – Hartford, Mich. – It used to be that if a fire alarm sounded in a West Michigan school, students evacuated immediately. That’s no longer the case in …
Revised state law could force homeowners to upgrade their smoke …
9.24.18 – Illinois News Network – An update to Illinois’ smoke detector law could force homeowners to make an upgrade. The revised state law requires an alarm with a 10-year sealed battery be …
Schools consider new fire alarms after Stoneman Douglas shooting
9.25.18 – Sun Sentinel – Broward Schools say they are taking steps to avoid some of the trauma and confusion caused by false fire alarms at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High…
Legislation would stop diversion of 911 fees
9.16.18 – CN – Since 2009, about $1 billion in 911 funding intended to bolster counties’ emergency response has been diverted by states into non-911 programs, according to Federal Communications Commission (FCC) reports. Some say the amount might even be higher because some states have opted not to report that information to the FCC.
Latest Study: DIY Cameras to Represent Majority of IP Cameras Though Consumers Still Want Professional Advice
9.24.18 – SDM – Parks Associates released its Smart Product Market Assessment: Networked Cameras. The study estimates that 7.7 million standalone and all-in-one networked/IP cameras will be sold in the U.S. in 2018, with $889 million in revenues.
Five burglar alarm buying tips revealed
9.28.18 – Which?- A burglar alarm brings a sense of security to a home. But there are lots of different types, with varying costs. From dummy alarms all the way up to complete …

Business Tips

The Importance of Cybersecurity in Modern Video Surveillance Environments
9.25.18 – Security – It is more important than ever to harden access to your video surveillance infrastructure to provide increased visibility and control over the environment.
How to Manage Lone Worker Safety in a Dynamic World
9.25.18 – Security -In today’s world, global organizations face immense pressure to ensure their business is constantly evolving to meet the changing nature of the world. Business growth is driven by dynamic interactions – employees are increasingly mobile, on the road and working remotely to support their objectives.
What is Deep Learning? A Complete Guide to AI in Security
9.24.18 – SSI – AI, machine learning and deep learning have the potential to propel security and life-safety solutions by driving increasingly sophisticated analytics.
Vital tips about wires, cabling
9.19.18 – Control Engineering – Ethernet cable not only can be used to transmit data and communication, but also power for low-power-usage devices. This article discusses design considerations and relevant codes and standards.
PTZs: Valuable Tool or Obsolete Technology?
9.28.18 – SDM – Recently, some research and anecdotal evidence have suggested a decline in the use of pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) cameras compared with fixed megapixel cameras, which seems on its face to make sense. …
How You Can Give That Little Extra to Your Customer and Win the Contract
9.28.18 – SSI – Oftentimes it’s those little extra things you do during a sales presentation that can make all the difference to the end customer.
Sharpening Your Wiring Skills: Key Points From NFPA 70
9.26.18 – SSI – Throughout NFPA 72 there is reference to another code that both the designer and installer of fire alarm systems need to understand and follow: NFPA 70, “National Electrical Code.”
How to Remove Guilt From Your Service Process
9.27.18 – CEPro – Providing consistent, quality service isn’t an easy task, but by altering your approach a little you can avoid some of the stress associated with answering emails and service calls.

Fire & EMS News

CA: Cameras being installed outside Palo Alto High bathrooms to deter …9.28.18 – The Mercury News – So many false fire alarms have been going off lately at Palo Alto High School that cameras soon will be placed near the entrances of every restroom to take …
IL: Lightning damages Lake Edward homes
9.26.18 – Effingham Daily News – Paholke said a fire alarm at the home went off due to a lightning strike that blew the breaker box to the sprinkler system. At 6:53 a.m., the department received a …
IL: Police 9-24-18
9.24.18 – MyWebTimes.com – Ottawa firefighters responded at 11:30 p.m. Thursday for a fire alarm. … at 6:53 p.m. Sunday for a fire alarm.
IN: Putnam Scanner for September 26, 2018
9.26.18 – The Banner-Graphic – •At 12:51 p.m. on Monday, GFD was dispatched for a fire alarm. Firefighters arrived at 12:54 and determined that the alarm was due to …
IN: Putnam Scanner for September 29, 2018
9.28.18 – The Banner-Graphic – At 10:24 a.m. on Thursday, GFD was dispatched for a fire alarm. Firefighters arrived at 10:28 but could not determine the alarm’s cause.
KY: Police and fire reports for Sept. 25, 2018
9.25.18 – Winchester Sun – At 12:36 p.m. and 3:11 p.m. Saturday, firefighters responded to an alarm sounding at the Clark County Detention Center. Both incidents were false …
KY: Police and fire reports for Sept. 27, 2018
9.27.18 – Winchester Sun – At 11:27 p.m. Tuesday, firefighters responded to an alarm sounding. It was a false alarm. …
MA: Brainerd Fire responds
9.25.18 – Brainerd Dispatch – At 12:06 p.m., firefighters responded to a fire alarm at the Franklin Arts Center. Upon investigation the alarm was determined to be unfounded …
MA: Police Briefs – Week of Sept. 24
9.26.18 – Tufts Daily – 18 at 11:03 a.m., Tufts University Police Department (TUPD) responded to a fire alarm at McCollester House. TUPD observed …
MA: Possible Mansfield drug lab probed
9.26.18 – The Sun Chronicle – The fire at Copeland Crossing was reported around 12:30 p.m. when an alarm sounded. The fire was contained to the bedroom of an …
MI: Hilton Elementary students return to classes following evacuation due …
9.26.18 – Lansing State Journal – Brighton Area Fire Authority Chief Michael O’Brian said staff noticed smoke and a light haze in a corridor in the school and pulled a fire alarm. “We found a pump …
MN: Awakened by smoke, 7-year-old girl saves neighbors’ lives
9.29.18 – Park Rapids Enterprise – “We talk about giving your smoke alarm a birthday and giving it a new battery as a present, whether it is chirping (which indicates a low battery) or not,” he said.
NJ: Burnt Toast Sets Off Fire Alarm at Millburn High School; 1450 Students …
9.30.18 – TAPinto.net – Millburn, NJ – Burnt toast was the source of smoke that activated the fire alarm system this past Thursday at Millburn High School, causing an evacuation of .
OR: For the Record for September 29, 2018
9.28.18 – Dalles Chronicle – 26, 7:15 p.m. – Crew responded to a report of a fire alarm. It was determined that this was a false alarm and no problem …

Crime News

AL: CAUGHT IN THE ACT: Break-in at Elite Motors
9.26.18 – FOX10 News- “I think it gives you like 30 seconds to punch your security code — when this did not happen the alarm went off. This is when he got scared and he started running …
AL: Duo are suspects in Glencoe home invasion robbery attempt
9.24.18 – Gadsden Times – Kelly said officers were dispatched to an alarm call at 7:59 a.m. The home owner told them two men came to the house and tried to force their way inside.
AL: Mobile Police make arrest after series of burglaries on Government Blvd.
9.27.18 – WKRG News 5 – Saadi says the alarm system went off and the man ran out of the store before he was able to take anything. “You can see the alarm really helped,” said Saadi.
AZ: Man breaks into Ash Fork convenience store, raids cash register
9.24.18 – Prescott Daily Courier – 21, YCSO deputies were dispatched to a business alarm activation at Corral Market/Shell Gas. Though they found an open …
AZ: Seeking Burglary Suspect from Ash Fork
9.25.18 – Prescott eNews – On September 21, 2018, just after 1 AM, deputies were dispatched to a business alarm activation at Corral Market/Shell Gas.
AZ: Video shows Mesa smash-and-grab attempt at store
9.27.18 – ABC15 Arizona – He says his alarm company called him Thursday morning to let him know of a disturbance at his shop. That’s when he checked his security camera video.
CA: Cops release video of burglars ransacking Yasiel Puig’s home
9.27.18 – New York Post – One man was seen searching around and under the bed as the house’s alarm could be heard ringing. According to the LAPD, the suspects broke into Puig’s …
CA: For the record: Sept. 25-28
9.28.18 – Paradise Post – Audible alarm, point of entry interior motion alarm unspecified, unable to contact responsible. Determined attempted burglary to location. Report Taken.
CA: Police called to Rihanna’s home after burglary incident
9.27.18 – KEPR 19 – According to local TV news affiliate CBS Los Angeles, the Umbrella hitmaker’s burglar alarm went off on Tuesday – and detectives found evidence her home had …
CA: Rams WR Robert Woods Burglarized During ‘Thursday Night Football’
9.28.18 – TMZ – We’re told when Woods returned to his home after the game, he called police — but since no alarm was set, it’s unclear exactly when the burglary took place.
CA: Taft Police activity for September 24-25
9.26.18 – Taft Midway Driller – 4:53 False Alarms Occurred at Taft College Weld Shop. Disposition: False Alarm. 4:54 Theft under $50. Occurred at Family Dollar on …
FL: California man arrested after breaking into Valdosta convenience store
9.28.18 – WTXL ABC 27 – Police officers immediately responded to the store to investigate an active burglary alarm. When they arrived, they saw that the front door of the business had…
FL: Palmetto Bay camera shop targeted by burglars twice in 2 weeks
9.28.18 – WSVN 7News | Miami News, Weather, Sports | Fort Lauderdale – They weren’t successful,” said Eisen. “The alarm managed to go off in time.” The thieves took off before they could take anything. Unfortunately, it was a different …
ID: Blotter Fodder: Sibling sandal slap results in police report
9.24.18 – Lewiston Morning Tribune – Lewiston police responded to an activated burglar alarm. Officers found that the janitor accidentally set off the alarm.
ID: Kuna Crime Blotter
9.26.18 – Idaho Press-Tribune – 7:50 a.m.: A commercial building burglary alarm was sounded. 8:56 a.m.: A check for reckless driver report was made …
IL: Burglar Arrested inside New Lenox Wendy’s
9.28.18 – 1340 WJOL – On September 27, 2018, at approximately 2:40 AM, the NLPD responded to a burglar alarm at Wendy’s. Upon arrival …
IN: Two Arrested For Burglary at Patoka Convenience Store
9.27.18 – WBIW.com – After responding to an alarm at the Trade Mart, deputies discovered the store had been broken into and several items were taken.
KS: Crime Report 9/25 Issue 6
9.27.18 – Washburn Review – 22, an intrusion alarm report was made. Motion detection, … 22, a fire alarm report was issued from the Living Learning Center.
LA: Sheriff: Man released early from Angola arrested for attempted rape
9.28.18 – KLFY – According to the sheriff’s office, a woman said she was awakened by her home security alarm early Thursday morning as a man had broken into her home and …
MA: Cohasset police log, Sept. 17-23
9.29.18 – Wicked Local – 5:27 p.m.: A basement motion alarm was reported at a residence. Police reported the home appeared secure. Tuesday, Sept. 18. 12:39 a.m.: A …
MA: Concord police log, Sept. 14-23 – The Concord Journal – Wicked Local
9.29.18 – concord.wickedlocal.com – 6:52 p.m.: A burglar alarm was reported at a residence. Police checked the property, and the keyholder arrived and …
MA: Quincy man enters guilty plea in apartment complex burglary
9.26.18 – Herald-Whig – Officers were called at 12:41 a.m. to the apartment complex in reference to an alarm going off. Lugena has been held in the Adams County Jail since his arrest …
MA: Rochester Police Log: Sept. 16-22
9.29.18 – Wicked Local Rochester – 9:56 p.m.: A burglar alarm was reported at a residence. Tuesday, Sept. 18. 1:38 a.m.: A fire alarm was reported at a residence.
MA: Swampscott police log, Sept. 20-23
9.29.18 – Wicked Local – 12:58 a.m.: A burglar alarm was reported …
MA: Woman arrested after spending the night in Saugus Kohl’s
9.29.18 – Daily Item – When alarms sounded, responding officers found a woman leaving the store, said … five-and-a-half to six hours before the alarm was activated,” said Giorgetti.
MA: Police/Fire: Man’s lost keys found at break-in scene
9.28.18 – Gloucester Daily Times – Police began seeking Bernhoff after responding to a motion alarm sounding at the house on Squam Rock Lane, and a report from the property keyholder that …
MI: Man fatally shot after trying to break into medical marijuana dispensary …
9.25.18 – WXYZ – Police say a worker at the business heard the alarm going off. He went to check it out and found a man in the garage. According to police, the worker opened fire …
MN: Lake County Sheriff’s Report: Sept. 17-23
9.29.18 – Lake County News Chronicle – 10:22 a.m. Deputy responded to security alarm in Two Harbors. All secure. 12:53 p.m. Deputy and Lake County Rescue Squad respond to medical at Split Rock …
MN: Meeker County Sheriff Report 9/26/18
9.27.18 – Crow River Media – On the 26th at 12:04 a.m. the Sheriff’s Office responded to an alarm at a business. The deputy found all to be okay and it was an …
NC: Family Dollar robbery convict receives 10-year sentence
9.29.18 – The Wilson Times – A second store clerk sounded the security alarm, officials said. Following Sherrod’s arrest, he was interviewed by a Wilson Police detective where he admitted to …
NJ: Police: Teen girl spooks would-be home invaders in Tenafly
9.27.18 – News 12 New Jersey – The 13-year-old girl’s family says that she was woken up by the house alarm going off. They says that she thought it was a false alarm, but when she went to turn …
NJ: RECOGNIZE HIM? Tenafly Police Hunt 20-Something Burglars In …
9.25.18 – Lyndhurst Daily Voice – After hearing the burglar alarm sound, the resident “encountered two burglars inside the second-floor bedroom of the home,” Capt. Michael …
NS: police looking for thieves who disabled alarms
9.26.18 – Toronto Star – Halifax -Suspected thieves evaded alarms and security cameras by cutting network lines in and around a Nova Scotia service station early Monday, police …
NV: Man arrested after allegedly stealing truck in north Reno
9.30.18 – KOLO – Reno Police were called to Standard Street in Panther Valley after a burglary alarm was activated. When they showed up they noticed a large truck leaving the …
NV: Man Arrested For Burglary
9.30.18 KKOH – Police responded to a burglary alarm at approximately 4 p.m. Officers arrived to find a large truck leaving the area which …
OH: Lights & Sirens | Driver jailed after crash on Isaac Beal Road
9.24.18 – Bucyrus Telegraph Forum – 1:11 p.m.. A false alarm was received. …
OH: Police investigating false alarm call of shooting at Taft High School
9.28.18 – WCPO – Police investigating false alarm call of shooting at Taft High School … CINCINNATI — Police are investigating a false alarm call of shots fired at Taft High School.
OK: Police search for east Tulsa burglary suspect
9.26.18 – KTUL – The business owner told police they received a notification that an alarm was … seen earlier in the day wearing a red long sleeved University of Oklahoma t-shirt, ..
PA: Police log: Female causing disturbance in a business asked to not return
9.24.18 – The Evening Sun – 5:58 p.m. Burglar alarm..
SC: Deputies searching for two suspects seen on video stealing ATM from …
9.29.18 – WIS10 – Deputies say they responded to the business in reference to a burglary alarm. Once on the scene, deputies say they saw severe damage to the front of the store.
SC: VIDEO: 2 suspects crash van into Eastover store, steals ATM
9.30.18 – WACH.com- EASTOVER, S.C. – Deputies in Richland County are searching for two suspects wanted for burglary. On Tuesday, deputies say they responded to a
TN: Police: Convicted rapist arrested after attempting to rape woman only …
9.28.18 – WSMV Nashville – The woman awoke to the sound of the house’s alarm going off, spotted Cousin, and bolted into the bathroom, according to the STPSO. She managed to prevent …
TX: CCPD: Intruder breaks into restaurant, gets stuck in elevator
9.26.18 – KZTV Action 10 News – That set off the security alarm. Corpus Christi Police say the intruder used a chair to break into Fajitaville’s front door. When police arrived, they couldn’t find him.
VA: Deputies searching for suspect after antique store burglary
9.29.18 – WHSV – … says deputies responded to Rocky’s Gold and Silver sometime around 4:00 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 23, for a report of an alarm.
VA: Doorbell camera catches porch pirate snatching packages in Libbie Mill
9.29.18 – 8News – Gumenick Properties told 8News each unit is sold with a basic security alarm system but homeowners are welcome to add more security. A woman moving into …
VT: Cash registers, laptop, cash taken from Apple Barn
9.29.18 – Bennington Banner – Police say when they arrived after receiving notification of a burglar alarm, the building was found to have been illegally entered. Several items missing include …

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.

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