Initiating Devices Article

Todd Priebe: Burglar alarms do keep out criminals

Out of the thousands of burglar alarm complaints I have read, about one or two a year turn out to be an actual burglary in which someone as actually gained entry.

Burglar alarms work to keep burglars away.

Here is some more information about burglar alarms:

Locally Supervised Alarm Controls: The original method of controlling alarm systems was through a key-or digital-operated switch at the main door. Entering a secret code allows the operator to turn the alarm system on and off.

With local systems, the owner is responsible for turning the alarm on and off. The human tendency to forget is a major drawback to the local system. The central station system shifts responsibility for verifying that the system is on from the owner to central station personnel.

Central Station Controls: With a central station supervised system, the owner still turns the alarm on and off. The difference is that the central station monitors the alarm system to make sure it always is turned on and off at prearranged times.

Advanced alarm systems allow operators to bypass portions of the protection, turn the system off at irregular times and change the operating schedule for a day when someone needs to stay late. This can be done through the keypad, with no need of a phone call.

Alarm Problems: Older alarm controls offer limited help for problems. If a system doesn't turn on at closing time, the user must examine all protected areas to find an obstructed alarm sensor or an open door. System service can also be time consuming, with frequent delays for business owners.

Advanced alarm systems incorporate on-premises displays that tell the exact nature and location of a problem. Some systems can pinpoint every alarm or problem, but they can also retain alarm activity in their memory for recall. The alarm owner can also test and confirm operation of every sensor in the system at any time to assure maximum security. This checking identifies specific causes of alarm sensor failure, and thus reduces chance of false alarms.

Alarm Signaling: Alarm signaling is the third part of an alarm system. Alarm signals notify responsible parties that the alarm has been activated.

A local alarm is one in which a bell rings on the premises. The biggest problem with the local alarm signal is that the right people might not hear it or be notified. This is especially true today when a ringing burglar alarm gets no response because it's a common occurrence, or local residents don't want to get involved.

A central station can also receive the transmission of an alarm signal. With a central station alarm, the alarm signal travels to a building called the central station. Here, trained operators supervise, record and maintain alarms 24 hours a day. Upon receiving an alarm, operators dispatch the police and notify the business owner.

If you decide to have an alarm system installed, the City of Sheboygan requires that you get an alarm permit. The City Clerk's Office, located on the second floor of City Hall, issues the permits.

Information for this column comes from American Crime Prevention Institute, The Law Enforcement Officer's Complete Crime Prevention Manual.