Security Sales & Integration

October 2012

SSI serves security installing contractors providing systems and services; surveillance, access control, biometrics, fire alarm and home control/automation. Coverage in commercial and residential product applications, designs, techniques, operations.

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ALARM COORDINATOR ROUNDTABLE Networking, sharing best practices and education are hallmarks of the False Alarm Reduction Association (FARA). Here, SSI Editor-in-Chief Scott Goldfi ne conducts a presentation on effective communications during FARA's 2012 Training Symposium in Albuquerque, N.M. A BRIDGE TO FARA Making up what it lacks in fanfare with tireless dedication, the False Alarm Reduction Association (FARA) and its government/public safety agency members pursue knowledge, legislation and partnerships central to the cause. SSI meets with FARA presidents, past and present, and two other board members to discuss the state of false alarm reduction and relationships among responders and security providers. by Scott Goldfi ne T he responding law enforcement community resoundingly values and seeks to strengthen partnering with the security alarm industry for the betterment of public safety. T is was proven by SSI's landmark 2011 Law Enforcement Security Industry Study of 1,300+ respondents when some 94% commended the industry for providing useful crime deterrents. And the feeling's mutual as the research also showed that 98% of security companies place importance on relationships with law enforcement. T ose fi ndings are particularly gratifying for members of the False Alarm Reduction Association (FARA), which since 1997 has been one of the leading organizations responsible for uniting responding agencies, security fi rms and end users to eff ectively manage and maximize the eff ectiveness of alarm systems. FARA is primarily comprised of persons employed by government and public safety agencies in charge of working in false alarm reduction units. Its newsletters, conferences and education serves hundreds of North American members 48 / SECURITYSALES.COM / OCTOBER 2012 for the exchange of information, infl uencing legislation and establishing relationships with others interested in false alarm reduction. T e association's top three objectives are: 1) provide a forum for local government alarm ordinance managers to exchange information on successful false alarm reduction programs; 2) serve as a clearinghouse for agencies seeking to reduce false alarms; and 3) foster an environment of cooperation among public safety, the alarm industry and the alarm user. FARA is also a founding partner with SSI and the Security Industry Alarm Coalition (SIAC) in the Police Dispatch Quality (PDQ) program. Despite its important purpose, dedicated participants and meaningful work it does, FARA's limited funds and unglamorous, utilitarian nature have resulted in a relatively low profi le. To lend the organization and especially its message more of the attention and credit it deserves, SSI interviewed four of the group's most prominent associates while taking part in this year's FARA Training Symposium in

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