6.9.20 – SSI –
ASAP technology automates communication from alarm monitoring central stations to PSAPs and 911 centers, resulting in faster, more accurate emergency response.
Harris County, Texas and Westerville, Ohio are the latest jurisdictions across the nation to implement Automated Secure Alarm Protocol (ASAP) at its Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP).
ASAP technology automates communication from alarm monitoring central stations to PSAPs and 911 centers, resulting in faster, more accurate emergency response for users of monitored alarms.
The City of Houston, which is part of Harris County, has been using ASAP for several years. This launch now brings the benefits of ASAP to alarm users in all other parts of Harris County.
Monitored alarm users in Westerville will experience faster, more accurate police, fire and EMS dispatch as a result of the implementation. Fire and EMS dispatches for Blendon Township, Ohio will benefit from ASAP as well.
Hundreds of customers served out of Vector Security’s Columbus and Mansfield, Ohio branches will also benefit from the ASAP launch.
ASAP was developed in partnership between The Monitoring Association (TMA) and the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO), with Vector Security President and CEO Pam Petrow co-chairing the committee. Vector Security was the first alarm company to debut ASAP in Richmond, VA in 2012.Related:A Guide to Verified Alarm Trends and How to Utilize Them
Vector Security assisted with implementation in each area by helping to conduct extensive testing prior to the system going live.
“As a security provider, Vector Security actively seeks ways to promote ASAP’s value to municipalities and public agencies for the greater good of the industry, as well as for the increased safety of our communities,” says Anita Ostrowski, central station vice president, Vector Security.
The use of ASAP results in the following benefits for monitored alarm users and first responders:
- Less phone calls to emergency response centers. Alarm monitoring center data is passed to PSAPs / 911 operators electronically within seconds and then provided to first responders upon dispatch.
- Quicker processing times. Data doesn’t have to be input manually or communicated verbally, resulting in reduced hold times and faster responses.
- Greater accuracy of information transmitted. Electronic transmission of data reduces chances for errors.
Nationwide, more than 85 agencies have implemented, or are in the process of implementing ASAP. Click here for a current list.