ELECTRONIC SECURITY INDUSTRY NEWS
IN THIS ISSUE:
» Troubleshooting a Burglar and Fire Alarm System
» Complaints Lead to ESA Code of Ethics
» Security Measures Being Reversed in the UK
Troubleshooting a Burglar and Fire Alarm System
According to Dale R. Eller, Director of Education and Standards, National Burglar and Fire Alarm Association, troubleshooting is a philosophy and a skill.
Regardless of the situation or equipment, certain basic steps can be followed:
- Know the equipment you are working on.
- Know how the equipment should operate.
- Find out how equipment is not operating as it should.
- Determine what could cause the equipment to malfunction.
- Isolate the problem by dividing possible causes.
- Fix or replace.
- Verify equipment operates properly.
Source: http://www.alarm.org
Complaints Lead to ESA Code of Ethics
Mary Jackson, of Richfield, Michigan was one of 3,000 customers who in 2009 complained of being coerced into replacing her existing ADT alarm with a system from another company after receiving a high-pressure sales presentation from a pushy, door-to-door salesman who lied and misled her. After several phone calls and letters, Jackson was able to get out of the contract and have her original service restored.
In response, the Electronic Security Association (EDA) crafted a strict code of ethics and standards of conduct for its 500,000 security members employed by over 2,800 U.S. security companies.
The code and standards call for:
- Enhanced Identification: Sales representatives must carry photo ID cards and clearly state who they work for when making a sales call.
- More Respect for Consumers: When requested by a consumer, a sales representative shall immediately discontinue a presentation and leave the premises.
- No False Accusations about Competition: Sales representatives may not make any false statements about competing organizations.
- Improved Customer Contract Requirements: Written materials, which clearly and conspicuously disclose all terms and conditions, must be presented to customers when closing the sale.
- Better Refund Policies: Prior to the sale of any product or service, sales representatives must disclose all termination fees and must honor all refunds in accordance with their company’s policies.
The ESA warned that individuals and companies found in violation of the ethics code and standards will lose their membership.
Formerly, the NBFAA, the ESA is the largest and longest established trade association representing the electric life safety and security industry. Member companies install, integrate and monitor intrusion and fire detection, video surveillance and electronic access control systems for commercial, residential, industrial and government clients. In cooperation with an alliance of chapter associations, ESA provides technical and management training, government advocacy, and delivers information, advice, tools, and services that members use to grow their businesses and prosper.
Source: Electronic Security Association (ESA), Irving, TX.
Security Measures Being Reversed in the UK
A new coalition of Conservative and Liberal Democrats in the English Parliament is reversing many security measures put in place by the Labour party over that party’s previous 13 years in power. The measures include curbing the use of CCTV surveillance cameras in London’s center city, calling them intrusive; abandoning use of an advanced “biometric” passport; prohibiting the intercept of certain crime- and terrorist-related Internet and e-mail traffic; and discontinuing the storage of DNA data collected from people not convicted of any crime.
The changes seem highly risky given the history of terrorism in London; hi-jacking and attempted bombing of aircraft flights originating in or passing through UK airports; the well-known use of the Internet to collect sensitive business and government information; and sending e-mail messages among terrorists that are planning attacks; and the high-success of DNA profiling in identifying criminal suspects.
Also, the changes are directly contrary to similar security measures in place in the United States.
Source: Security Letter, 166 East 96th Street, New York, NY 10128, Telephone 212-348-1553.
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