By H. Gerald Grinter
Alarm systems have grown up over the last couple of years. It got to the point where they became a joke to law enforcement due to the number of false alarms that occurred. Police officers stopped responding and even started handing out fines if the number of false alarms exceeded a certain threshold. Not to mention, the criminal element knew all too well how to work the system. Here's an interesting fact: Did you know almost 98% of commercial and residential burglar alarms are false alarms?
According to a CPCU Newsletter dated February 2012, the insurance industry created the security alarm industry in the early 1900s when they wired a troubled Boston bank to alert the nearby telegraph office of a burglary. Police arrested the burglars and prevented a large claim. Underwriters built upon this success and pushed policy holders to install burglar alarms because they worked - police made arrests and lowered claims. The alarm/police response concept worked so well that underwriters soon mandated that all high-value policy holders such as banks and jewelry stores install UL certified intrusion alarms before issuing a policy. They also created alarm discounts in their policy contracts to encourage other commercial and residential policy holders to install burglar alarms. This historic police/alarm/insurance model boosted profits through the 1970s, but the partnership lost its value, deteriorated and died.
Enter verified video security. Now, all business owners have access to the type of protection that was once the domain of larger companies. I recently had a conversation with security expert Daniel Johnson of Secure Pacific Corporation about how verified video security actually takes video of the crime as it unfolds and allows trained alarm monitors to dispatch law enforcement on the highest priority with crucial information about the criminals' whereabouts and activities.
Unlike audible alarms, which prompt burglars to quickly grab all they can and get out, video verification alarms are silent. This creates a false sense of security for the burglar, who then takes his or her time to get items of the most value. Police, thanks to the high priority dispatch, often arrive on the scene in fewer than seven minutes and catch the suspect red-handed. Verification leads to an exponentially higher arrest rate than conventional alarm systems -- and a much lower rate of property loss and false alarms. Commercial security surveillance just got an upgrade. It's no longer like the old fashioned CCTV.
Let's face it, most people don't invite friends over to read their insurance policies. That's what my clients pay me to do. I want what's best for them. Even if it means not working together. If I can't be of service, I may know others who can meet their needs. After all, creating and fostering relationships and giving back is the cornerstone of great business.
For inquiries please send your emails to gerald@geraldgrinter.com or call me directly at 206.650.4342
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