CAA MIRROR

Advertising Rates

Ad Specifications
 

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
There is Cause for Alarm:

The Truth About Verified Response
By Jon Sargent
In the 1970’s my career path crossed with a man named Tom Houchins and we became great friends. Tom was a living legend; during the war he was a Marine Corps fighter pilot who had survived a crash in his Corsair plane. After serving our country he served over 30 years in law enforcement and moved up the ranks in the Alameda County Sheriff’s Department. A natural leader and politician, Tom was elected Sheriff of Alameda County, became a teacher, and strongly felt in government for the people. He successfully pursued legal matters he believed in that he carried all the way to the US Supreme Court. When he retired, Tom and I spent a couple years together running a full service security company and he became my mentor. I also had the privilege of sharing his office every day with him for over a year and learned all about the partnership that was obviously necessary between law enforcement and private security in the interest of Public Safety.

Tom had very set notions about alarm systems based on his professional experience. He felt they were a proven deterrent to crime, and, in certain circumstances they could occasionally be an effective mousetrap to catch a criminal but only with the right application (silent, unadvertised installations). False alarms were also a part of the picture then, but Tom believed in always responding and that punishment by fines for excessive false alarms was appropriate. I still remember debating non-response with him in those days as Oakland and neighboring communities began to create new alarm ordinances, which cut off police response after a generous number of calls. Tom used to say he felt law enforcement had to respond because you could never know for sure what was happening and he didn’t want alarm users checking their own alarms; either in businesses or homes. That was a big public safety concern for him.

Today, we know from having so many cities operating successful alarm management programs that there are things which dramatically reduce requests for police dispatch to burglar alarms. Law enforcement agencies continue to win awards for mandating Enhanced Call Verification, upgrading equipment to the CP-01 standard, and utilizing other management techniques such as working on their “dirty dozen” or “terrible twenty” worst alarm offenders on a monthly basis in their community. Contacting 12, or 20 alarm users and their alarm companies can easily be done on a monthly basis and in most cases the unnecessary alarms cease. A basic alarm management program such as this is a key part of the solution. It’s not a burden; its community service and logical problem solving.

Now, in the limited instance where false alarms continue those specific locations could be then placed on a form of Verified Response. This should only occur after its clear the problem can’t be solved any other way. There is a legitimate, but limited purpose for Verified Response, and it’s at the end of the line after exhausting all proven methods and nothing else seems to work.

To impose Verified Response (or a form of it like Broadcast & File or “BOLO”) across an entire community punishes everyone including the alarm owner who doesn’t have false alarms, it creates “ill will” in a community, and opens the possibility for trouble by diluting the deterrent value of alarms which police are expected to respond to.

Why does the lion’s share of false alarms come from schools and government buildings?

Why have just a tiny number of municipalities chosen to secretively plot and surprise-launch a form of Verified Response, which is really denial of service, rather than work mutually and cooperatively on the issues with their citizens who have chosen to protect life and property at their own expense?

Why have the great majority of others discarded Verified Response and worked cooperatively and eagerly with their citizens and the alarm industry, and found success.

In just a few years technology will have solved much of the false alarm puzzle. Video and audio technology, intelligent and more sophisticated detection equipment and the public’s willingness to purchase and incorporate this into their everyday lives is expanding. But you can’t just throw a light switch and turn on Verified Response in a city and expect success. In addition, no law enforcement agency has terminated anyone as a result of implementing Verified Response so there is not even one dollar of cost saving for a city. Those statements about saving money are false.

Alarms support and touch everyone’s lives, not just the people who own them. In the stores we do business, in our banks, hospitals, churches and schools, and government buildings. They are without a doubt a most valuable tool in every community. Imagine what it would be like if all alarms ceased to exist?

Dallas City Council Repeals 'Verified Response'
The Dallas City Council has repealed verified response, a policy that required private security officials to verify the validity of commercial burglar alarms before police respond. Newly elected Dallas Mayor Tom Leppert had pushed for the repeal noting that it unfairly burdened Dallas businesses and that many were staying away from Dallas because of the policy. The mayor sought to repeal the policy because he says it places an unfair burden on businesses that can't afford to hire private security companies to patrol their property.

"I don't think it's a good policy," Leppert told the Dallas Morning News. The repeal came by an 11-to-5 vote.

"We're not saying it's a good policy or a bad policy; we're saying it's doing what we expected it to do," said police spokesman Lt. Vernon Hale said of the verified-response policy.

The Mayor had the weight of the business community on his side along with real-life anecdotes to prove his point – which is that the policy may hurt efforts to retain and attract businesses in the long run. The North Texas Food Bank, a nonprofit food-distribution center in southwest Dallas, was among the businesses that have called or written the mayor's office to complain about the verified-response policy.

"I want to be real clear that I'm not anti-police or negative toward police at all," said Jan Pruitt, chief executive of the agency. "I just don't feel like the verified response is working." Ms. Pruitt said the agency had not had a burglary in 10 years – then had three this summer. The food bank was forced to pay a private security company $450 a month to patrol the warehouse at night. Like the mayor, she said she believes police are putting too much emphasis on "efficiency" rather than on the effect the policy's having on businesses.

"I know that 3 percent may sound like a waste of time," Ms. Pruitt said, alluding to the percentage of legitimate business alarm calls. "But when it's happening to you, it doesn't feel that way."

CAA Past President Paul Worsley
CAA/WBFAA Past President Paul Robert Worsley Jr., loving father, devoted husband and business leader whose integrity and commitment to others was unrivaled, died on September 8 from complications from esophageal cancer at the age of 66. Services were held on September 12.

Best known in the business community from as the owner and operator of Valley Burglar and Fire Alarm Co. until 2002, Paul transformed the company into the largest and most reputable security firm in the Central Valley. After selling his company, he joined with Steve Geil in 2002 to found Valley Security & Alarm, which also became synonymous with quality work and customer service.

But Mr. Worsley’s influence extended beyond the security industry and business. A lifelong Catholic, he took seriously the church’s teachings to lead by example and serve others. “Paul was a faithful son of the church and part of the fabric of the history of the St. Paul Newman Center Church,” said his pastor, the Rev. Perry Kavookjian. “Together with his wife, Jane, he took an active part in the life of the church and was always ready to offer assistance to the parish when needed.

“He was a man who lived out his faith in his family life and his career. He was honest, generous and ethical.”

Born in Los Angeles on December 11, 1940, to Paul Robert Worsley Sr. and Alice Feeney Worsley, Mr. Worsley was a youngster when he moved to Fresno. He graduated in 1958 from San Joaquin Memorial High School, where he met Jane Adams. The two married in 1962. They had four daughters and eight grandchildren, all of whom knew his unconditional love. Family and friends recall his eyes sparkling when he related witty details of his daughters’ and then his grandchildren’s performances on the softball, soccer and football fields, or dancing or performing music.

He taught all of them about integrity, becoming independent and doing their best to make the world a better place. “I learned from my father that if you have something to give others, give with an open heart and mind,” one of his daughters wrote.

Private about his efforts, his generosity with his time and money provided much-needed help to a large collection of diverse non-profit organizations and charities in the area. His support for Poverello House enabled the nonprofit to open up a building in the early 1980s in West Fresno, where today it continues to provide shelter and services to the needy and homeless, including 1,200 daily, 365 days a year.

Mr. Worsley was a founder of the Newman Center Board of Directors and a member of the Bishops Finance Committee for the Fresno Catholic Diocese. He served on the Fresno Little Hoover Commission Police Task Force, and was president of the Western Burglar & Fire Alarm Association, which now is the California Alarm Association. In 1987, the association presented Paul with its highest award, “The Man of the Year Award,” only the fifth time in 20 years the association honored an individual. He was also a member of the California State University Fresno Department of Criminology Advisory Board.

Mr. Worsley’s family requests that remembrances be made as gifts to Hinds Hospice, the Poverello House or the donor’s favorite charity.
Hinds Hospice
1616 West Shaw Ste. B-6
Fresno, California 93711

Poverello House
POB 12225
Fresno, California 93777
Both of these organizations have Internet sites for further information.

Frank Meiners, CAA Past President
Paul Worlsey’s funeral was truly a "celebration of life." There must have been more than 1,000 people there. I do not know how many the church holds, but it was filled to capacity with standing room only extending through the entry halls to the outside of the church. Quite frankly I have never seen anything like it. I always knew Paul was an very honorable, honest and respectable businessman and a good friend but he must have been a much loved man by many because he obviously touched a lot of people. His wife Jane stood in a receiving line for well over an hour after the ceremony, at the reception, which followed the ceremony. I don't know how she had the stamina for it.

George A. Weinstock, CAA Past President
That is truly an honor to a very special person. I am not at all surprised by the turnout - as that was exactly what Paul was - a very decent and honorable person. I sat many times next to him (purposely) at our Board meetings and often we traded notes and comments. I always admired his take on things and his ability to present a case for some discussion and in a way that was pleasant and informative. He was extremely bright, very caring and a good friend. I know we shall all miss him very much.

On behalf of all Staff and Members of ISIO, We dispatch our deepest sympathies and condolences to Paul Worlsey’s Family, Paul's Friends and Your Organization.
Juan Kirsten, Director General
ISIO - International Security Industry Organization

CAA Captures National Awards
CAA President Jon Sargent and THE MIRROR received top national honors at the NBFAA Fall Conference held in conjunction with ISC East in New York. Sargent received the President of the Year Award for his volunteer leadership of the California Alarm Association. THE MIRROR was selected as Newsletter of the Year by the NBFAA among all state association newsletters.

ASSOCIATES CORNER
Listeners Create Winners
By Harvey Eisenstadt
Let’s begin with a cliché that we have all heard at one time or another in our lifetime. Many of us have heard this as youngsters from our parents, from our teachers as we progressed through the educational system and without doubt, if you are in sales, you have heard this from your sales managers and mentors. Unquestionably it is corny, however, it delivers a most important message. “We are blessed with two ears and one mouth so we can devote twice as much time to listening with respect to speaking.”

Successful salespeople know how to listen. They have learned that selling successfully is not predicated on how much you say to the prospect or the enormity of the bragging you do about your product, service and company. Yes, it is very important and a crucial element of successful selling to let the prospect know that you have the right solutions for their needs, an excellent service organization and you represent a high quality reputable company. However, there is the correct time and place in your relationship with the prospect to identify these virtues. Coming on strong and overbearing about how wonderful you and your company are, before listening to what the prospect has to say, will almost guarantee a brief and unsuccessful sales call.

You must let the prospect speak and listen carefully to what they are telling you. At appropriate intervals you will ask the prospect simple questions that will provide you with more information while you are allowing them to tell you as much as possible about their facility and their needs. The successful salesperson takes notes while the prospect is talking. This provides them with valuable information as they progress through their presentation to the close and also impresses the prospect that you truly care and understand why you are there. Expressing empathy and communicating this expression is critical in the steps to success.

Getting back to listening, listeners do create winners. In addition to providing facts and details regarding their needs and why you are there, the prospect is sending important messages to the salesperson. These messages may come in varying comments, expressions or at different times during the presentation. Regardless of how the message is communicated they always deliver critical prospect thoughts. These are key buying signals from the prospect to the salesperson. The successful salesperson listens carefully for these signals from the prospect and converts them to opportunities to close the sale.

Here are some of the messages and the signals delivered by the prospect that the salesperson should recognize:
“Please listen to me when I speak. Make me feel special and that you truly understand what I am saying”.
“Please be truthful with me and give me only the facts relating to my needs”.
“Please do not be ambiguous or confuse me with details that are irrelevant or way above what I would understand”.
“Please be sincere and say only what you truly believe will be important to me”.
“Please convince me. Why should I choose you and your company for this requirement”.
“Please consider that I want to know why your price is competitive and fair”.

And most of all, “please do not enter into any debates with me. Instead, show that you relate to what I am saying and reinforce my thinking to select you and your company”.

A close examination of these prospect messages, signals and preferences should clearly alert every salesperson to the importance of being a good listener. It is so important to remember that, if you have been invited to a prospects home or business they want to buy from you. The prospect will help that salesperson close the sale by what they are telling them during the presentation. Unless the salesperson is listening carefully, and taking notes, much of what the prospect is telling them becomes lost and many a closing signal is missed.

So remember why we are blessed with two ears and one mouth and that good listener’s create more winners.

Workers Comp: Reduce Costs and Recover Overcharges
By Robert Lowe
Last month we discussed mis-classifications when employees are classified incorrectly for the type of work they do by the carrier's auditor. While the governing work class of the organization determines the prevailing classification for employees, ACTUAL work performed is the basis of each employee’s class code. Mis-classifications errors by the auditor can dramatically increase workers compensation premiums.

Another factor that affects workers compensation premiums is the experience modification factor, or Ex Mod rate. The Ex Mod rate compares your company’s loss claims history to other firms in your industry of similar size. A three-year snapshot is used, with the earliest year taken out of the calculation at the end of each coverage period.

The Ex Mod rate is used to apply a discount or premium to the total manual rate premium determined by payroll in combination with each employee’s class rate. For instance, an Ex Mod rate of 1.10 would increase your manual rate premiums by 10%, and rate of 0.90 would decrease it by 10%.
Consistent numbers of claims will affect the Ex Mod rate more than a single event of the same dollar amount, as this is a better indicator of the company’s historical track record than an isolated event.

Since the Ex Mod rate dramatically affects the cost of workers compensation coverage, it is critical that claims are managed in a timely fashion, both in terms of care and moving from ‘open’ to ‘closed’ status as soon as possible. Another key point is ensuring that the correct Ex Mod rate is used by the carrier for each year’s determination of workers comp premiums. A third element is that the Ex Mod rate itself is correctly calculated, based on an accurate loss history. While the carrier and insurance agent help manage claims appropriately, an independent audit will ensure that the Ex Mod rate is both accurate and applied correctly.

Robert Lowe is director of Alliance Consulting Solutions Inc., an independent consulting firm specializing in workers compensation overcharge recovery on a contingency fee basis. He can be reached at 925/254-2001 or Robert@AllianceConsultingSolutions.com.

Enhanced Call Verification (ECV): A Case Study
By Morgan Hertel
The alarm industry is struggling to reduce calls for service to the local police departments. One of the most touted ways is to implement Enhanced Call Verification (ECV) or two-call verification.

The concept is simple. We know that the majority of alarms are caused by end-user error of some type. The specific reasons go on and on but typically they are: “I forgot my mother-in-law is coming over and doesn’t have a code to the alarm” or “I have new janitor today,” I think you get the idea.

So, with ECV the calling sequence goes like this: Call the premise first, and then call the designated ECV contacts. This is typically the owner or manager of the facility. If we reach the ECV contact, we will then ask if they know of any reason why the alarm would be going off. Many times they know exactly why it tripped and there is no reason to call the police. Additionally, if we don’t reach anyone at the premise the first time we call the premise again, this helps with call waiting problems.

Last year we converted many of our dealers to ECV procedures. While there were many skeptics who said it would not make much of a difference, below you will find some real world numbers that came about after a year.

Case Study:
Alarm Company Location: Northern California

Number of Accounts: 500

Resident/Commercial: 50%-50%

Total number PD dispatches for
a 6-month sample period in 2006: 204

Total number PD dispatches for
a 6-month sample period in 2007: 120

Decrease in PD dispatches 41%

The implementation of this was easy. The alarm company sent out notices to all their subscribers telling them of the new process and forms to fill out if they wanted specific people on the ECV list or if they had any concerns or questions. Only two subscribers called with concerns.

Bottom line: ECV works and it works well as shown with a 41% reduction in alarms overnight. So if you have not implemented ECV then shame on you, because we need to reduce calls for service.

For questions or comments Morgan Hertel can be reached at mhertel@thecommandcenter.net


INDUSTRY NEWS
BSIS Produces License Pamphlet
In a continuing effort to protect consumers from people working in the security industry without the required licenses, the Department of Consumer Affairs' Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS), has produced a pamphlet to help law enforcement recognize a valid license.

"As the state law expands and the number of security guards that need to be licensed in California grows, it's important that police officers and the public know what our licenses look like. We hope our pocket guide will make a difference," says Paul Johnson, Chief of the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services, which oversees nearly a quarter million licensees.

The Guide to License Types displays pictures of the registrations or licenses for security guard, proprietary private security officer, alarm company employee, private investigator, repossession agency employee and locksmith, as well as the permit to carry an exposed firearm. The guide also describes pertinent facts about each license, such as whether the license must be carried on the job and if the licensee must wear a uniform.

Police officers will often check the licenses of guards and other professionals they encounter during their rounds. Johnson said the guide will help remind officers that in most cases, both the companies and the people who work for them — security guards, and locksmith, repossessor and alarm company employees, for example — must be licensed and that employees must carry their license while working. The guide can be seen on the BSIS Web page at www.bsis.ca.gov/pocket.htm.

All of BSIS' efforts are effective in helping protect the public, Johnson said. However, the most effective means is still in the hands of the consumers themselves: verifying the licenses of the people with whom they do business, checking either with the Department of Consumer Affairs online license verification system, which can be accessed through the DCA home page at www.dca.ca.gov or by calling the Department's Consumer Information Center toll-free at 800/952-5210.

Harvey Eisenstadt will be conducting a sales seminar at the ADI Expo in Santa Clara on November 1 from 3:15 - 5:15. His seminar, "Step Up To Sales Success - One Step at a Time,” will incorporate extremely powerful, interactive, and effective ways to help sales teams grow their business. This program will convey a host of tangible sales techniques using wisdom gained from his over forty-years of successful selling in our industry. As you may know. Eisenstadt’s experience includes national, regional and local sales and sales management. He relates that experience to the steps that are required to improve the performance of the salesperson and provide them with tools that will empower them to close more sales and garner more referrals. The values of his experience are incorporated into each step of the program. A critical segment of this program focuses on building and strengthening relationships and the direct effect this has on closing more sales and creating delighted customers. His presentation conveys many dynamic tools and fundamentals that salespeople will take away and employ immediately. Contact ADI for more information on the ADI Expo and this seminar.

Howard A. Schmidt, former US Cybersecurity Advisor, today announced the Tiers of Trust™ consortium to assist First Responders such as the New York Fire Department, International Red Cross, State of California Public Health, and Verizon in successfully preparing for crisis situations. First Responders are the backbone of America’s critical infrastructure, including law enforcement, fire, hazmat, rescue and public health organizations as well as private
sector utilities, communications and transportation companies responsible for responding to national and local emergency situations. The consortium aims to solve problems experienced by these organizations during 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina. For more information about the Tiers of Trust go to www.TiersofTrust.com.

2007 CAA WINTER CONVENTION
CAA TRIBUTE DINNER SPONSORS
Sponsorships and tribute book ads are now being accepted for the 2007 CAA Winter Convention and Tribute Dinner honoring Alan Pepper for Lifetime Achievement and Service to the Industry with the CAA George A. Weinstock Award. Forms are available at www.CAAonline.org under the convention link or by calling the CAA office at 800/437-7658. The annual fundraiser supports public safety and consumer outreach, educational and training programs of the CAA and its members. Here are leadership pledges that have already been made:

2007 CAA Winter Convention and Western States Security Conference
December 6-8, 2007
Crowne Plaza Union Square – San Francisco
The CAA Tribute Dinner will honor Alan Pepper with the presentation of the CAA George A. Weinstock Award for Lifetime Achievement and Service to the Industry. Funds raised support the ongoing educational, training and outreach programs of the California Alarm Association, including legislative advocacy in Sacramento, educational programs for consumers, outreach to fire service and law enforcement agencies, youth scholarship program, enhancing the ability of the CAA and its Regional Associations to represent your industry. The CAA Tribute Book is distributed at the event and to 3,000 companies in the industry throughout the Western United States and industry leaders nationwide with the December issue of THE MIRROR.

Sponsorship forms are available at www.caaonline.org. Our thanks to the following 2007 CAA Tribute sponsors:

CAA TRIBUTE SPONSORS
SILVER SPONSOR - $5,000
Bosch Security Systems
ISC Expo
Mitchell, Silberberg & Knupp
Security Industry Association
System Sensor

BRONZE SPONSOR - $3,000
Bay Alarm Company
National Monitoring Center
Rapid Response Monitoring
USA Alarm Systems

LEADERSHIP SPONSOR - $2,000
Denalect Alarm Company
HID

TRIBUTE ADS
A-1 Security
Barkin, Perren, Schwager & Dolan
GLASAA
Harvey and Judy Eisenstadt
Michael J. Kelly Insurance
Protection Alarms
San Marino
Security Finance Associates
SentryNet
SYNCOMM MANAGEMENT GROUP
The Alarm Company
Valley Alarm


REGIONAL CHAPTER NEWS
GOLDEN GATE ALARM ASSOCIATION
By Rudy Alva, President
SAN FRANCISCO
The city requires alarm companies to initiate the collection effort and transmit fees and information to the city. For more information and resources for the collection and reporting process, contact Diane McCarthy at 415/558-3822 or email diane.mccarthy@sfgov.org.

GGAA Meetings
The Golden Gate Alarm Association will hold its first meeting “north of the Bridge” on August 15. Please contact Stan Hellman at stan@prosalesreps.com to receive updates on the time and location of the meeting.

The Golden Gate Alarm Association schedule for 2007:
August 15, Santa Rosa Area, lunch meeting, Time and Location TBD
November 14, San Mateo Area, Time and Location TBD

For further information, contact Rudy Alva at 650/871-8959 or rudy@alliedsecurityalarms.com.

INLAND EMPIRE ALARM ASSOCIATION
By Richard Jimenez, President
We are currently working with the City of Fontana regarding their decision to stop responding to alarms unless they are verified (effective October 1, 2007.) Face to face meetings so far have not gotten anywhere with the City of Fontana as they seem to be committed to the new policy.

The CAA and IEAA and their attorneys have drafted a legal brief detailing out why we believe the new policy is in conflict with several ordinances and state laws. This was delivered to the city on August 29 and as of September 13 they have not responded.

There are also several other local communities looking at implementing some variation of non- response. There has never been a better time to get involved with your local association and help deal with this issue.

Our next meeting will be September 25th. You can check out our website at www.inlandempirealarmassociation.org for location and program details.

The strength of any association is in the members. We are constantly looking for new regular and associate members to build our association. If you would like to become a member, or have any suggestions on ways to increase our membership, please give us a call at President Richard Jimenez of DC Electronics Two at 951/686-2029.

2007 IEAA Meeting/Event Calendar
November 26 Meeting 6:30 p.m.
Insurance and Contracts: How They Work Together, Current Requirements and Where to Buy

SILICON VALLEY ALARM ASSOCIATION
By Julie Buller, President
Below is our 2007 calendar of meetings with location, so please plan to attend. We only have four (4) general session meetings a year and it is very important for you or a company representative to attend. There is constant movement and changes within our industry, so come and join us for an update and lively discussion on current topics that are affecting you and our industry. For our association to be a success, we need EVERYONE! Our main focus should be on false alarms, verified response and industry/legislative issues.

In addition, if you have an article, talking points or any other item that you would like to be placed in The Mirror, please e-mail it to: info@caaonline.org.

2007 SVAA Meeting Schedule:
November 29 SVAA Fiorillo’s Restaurant
Toys 4 Tots Toy Drive

SVAA General Meeting
Fiorillo’s
638 El Camino Real, Santa Clara, CA 95050
Restaurant: 408/984-0414
Directions http://fiorillos.com/directions.htm
Guests and Non-members also welcome
Please RSVP Rob Hutsenpiller 408/729-6200 (x1710) or email your confirmation to rob@crimealert.com

CAA WINTER CONVENTION
December 6-8 Crowne Plaza-San Francisco

Attention Non-Members
If you are not a current member of the SVAA but would like to get meeting notices and other information please e-mail David James (Bubba) at davidj@crimealert.com or call 408/729-6200. Also if there is a subject or speaker you would like to hear or see, please let me know.

SVAA Information
If you are not on our e-mail list please contact David James at 408/729-6200 or davidj@crimealert.com. Also if there is a subject or speaker you would like, please let me know. It is so important to get involved with your local associations more than ever and to keep up to date on all the new information.

For more information on the SVAA, contact Julie Buller or David James at 408/729-6200 and keep supporting your local associations.

EAST BAY ALARM ASSOCIATION
By Tom Rood, President
EBAA
The new Vallejo CA alarm ordinance was passed by the Vallejo City Council and the Vallejo Police Department is now ready to receive your company’s active customer lists so they can build their data base. Lists should be first scrubbed by your company for accuracy before sending it to the Vallejo Police to insure your customers are within their jurisdiction. The zip codes for Vallejo Police jurisdiction are 94589, 94590, 94591, and 94592. At your earliest opportunity please provide a list of your active alarm customers in the City of Vallejo CA directly to William Powell, Communications Manager for the City of Vallejo. His email address is bpowell@ci.vallejo.ca.us. Please include your company’s full name and your monitoring center’s 24 hour phone number in your email. Your alarm customer records are confidential and exempt from the Public Records Act under California law Section 6254 of the California Government Code. If you have questions or want to talk to Mr. Powell his phone number is 707/648-4685.

The EBAA has a “Texas Hold-em” fundraiser scheduled for the Fall – details will be coming soon.

EBAA Meetings
Our next meeting will be on November 13, 2007.
All meeting times are 7:30 AM at Denny's, 1801 Marina Boulevard, San Leandro.

GLASAA
VENTURA COUNTY
The VCSA meets on the first Tuesday of the month for lunch to bring together the industry and public safety agencies to discuss common issues and everyone is welcome. The meeting dates are October 2, November 6 and December 4. Contact Ron White at 805/529-8955 for more information.

Please contact GLASAA at 888/826-9149 or through the web at www.glasaa.com if you would like to contribute by serving on a committee.

GLASAA Board of Directors:
Bob Michel President
Mark Sepulveda Vice-president
Bob Jennison Treasurer
Dave Michel Secretary
Tony Marino Sergeant at Arms
Sharon Elder Associate Director
Ron Dalton Director

2007 Meeting and Event Schedule
October 16 GLASAA General Meeting
December 11 GLASAA General Meeting

GLASAA meetings are held at the Los Angeles Police Academy near Dodger Stadium with reception at 5:30 p.m. and dinner and program from 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.

For additional information about GLASAA, visit www.glasaa.com or call Bob Michel at 800/550-2537.

SAN DIEGO BFAA
By Doug Farkas
Our next meeting is November 14 at Tri-Ed in San Diego and I hope you will plan on joining us. Guests are welcome.

You can check out our website at www.bfaa-sandiegocounty.com.

Congratulations to Jim Leonard our former President on his promotion to the ADT branch in Riverside from San Diego. We had a great meeting in September at ADI San Diego, and special thanks to Lora Manseau (ADI manager) and Debi Richardson (Tri-ed manager) for putting on such a good spread. The association has put together an updated list of all the alarm permit requirements for all the cities in San Diego County. We have plenty of copies of give out if to any member company that wants one. You can e-mail me at doug@lowvoltagealarms.com if you want a copy. Our next meeting should be in November, but we a putting it off until December so we can have a big blow-out end of the year Christmas party. Stay tuned for November issue of the Mirror for more details. If you want more information about our association you can go to our web-site at www.bfaa-sandiegocounty.com

If you are currently not a member of our association please consider attending our next meeting as our guest. For further information or for dates and times of future meetings contact Doug Farkas of Low Voltage Systems at 800/620-7497.

BFAA San Diego P.O. Box 502482, San Diego, CA 92150 TEL 619/615-8601.

OCAA
By Fred Mellenbruch, President
CITY OF IRVINE
The City of Irvine requires all alarm users to register their systems. There is no fee for the permit. Alarm Users may obtain an alarm permit application at the Irvine Police department website at www.irvinepd.org . The City also offers free, quarterly Alarm Awareness Classes to help defray the cost of false alarm fines. For more information about the City’s alarm program you can contact the Alarm Coordinator at 949/714-6467.

The City of Irvine Police Department offers free, quarterly Alarm User Awareness classes. Save up to $100 on your next false alarm fee.
Irvine Alarm School
Tuesday, October 23 9 - 10 a.m.
Irvine City Hall, Room L102
To register, call or email Kim Mahon at (949) 724-6467 or kmahon@ci.irvine.ca.us

For more information about OCAA activities, contact Jim de Boom, Executive Director at 714/921-8665 or by email to OCAlarmAssoc@aol.com. Visit our new website at www.alarmassociation.org for meeting information and registration forms, training opportunities, members list and a whole lot more.

SACRAMENTO AREA ALARM ASSOCIATION
By Patrick Culmer, SAAA President
I met with Comcast on September 11, 2007 to discuses the installation of their “Digital Phone Service” in sites that have existing alarm systems. I personally have already put systems on line that have communicated via Contact ID and SIA formats with no problems. Comcast has agreed to set up a lab at their national facility in Sacramento and allow us to test all the major formats over their service. They have also agreed to make sure that their installation manuals include the correct hook up of RJ31X blocks and the testing of alarms after the installation of the services. I am happy to see a major provider of VOIP services so willing to work with our industry to ensure reliable transmission of our signals.

For more information on the SAAA contact Patrick Culmer of Hue & Cry Systems at p.culmer@hueandcry.com or call 916/722-2981. Jason Brooks (SAAA Secretary) can answer any questions related to the meeting or its location and can be reach at 916/480-4822 or jbrooks@tmscentral.com

GREATER VALLEY ALARM ASSOCIATION
By Matt Hoffman, President
Our meetings are held every other month at the Best Western – Stockton Inn at 7:30 a.m. Please call for more information.

For information contact Matt Hoffman at 209/723-2667.

MID CAL ALARM ASSOCIATION
For more information, contact Mike Matson, Matson Alarm at 559/438-8000

WBFAA
WBFAA UATC Apprentice Classes
Visit www.WBFAA.net for links to the state site and information on our state-approved, statewide apprenticeship program and certification prep material and courses.

CERTIFICATION – FIRE/LIFE SAFETY TECHNICIAN
For Fire/Life Safety Technicians with 4,000 hours of work experience, the state law will require them to be certified by passing the state exam.

For information on the Electrician Certification Program visit www.dir.ca.gov/das and follow the links.

The WBFAA UATC has certification prep material available to member companies of the WBFAA UATC. If you are a member and would like the material, please contact the WBFAA UATC at 800/809-0280 or email info@wbfaa.net.

BSIS Address and Telephone Numbers
Bureau of Security and Investigative Services
2420 Del Paso Road, Suite 270
Sacramento, California 95834.
The following are a list of important Bureau numbers to update your records:

Main Number: 916/322-4000
Toll Free Number: 800/952-5210
Licensing Fax Number: 916/575-7290
Enforcement Fax Number: 916/575-7289

Email: bsis@dca.ca.gov
Web Homepage: www.dca.ca.gov/bsis

For additional information on any of the topics discussed in this article, please visit the Bureau’s Web site at www.dca.ca.gov/bsis.

PUBLIC SAFETY LIAISON
The Denver Post reported in their September 12, 2007 edition about a 64 year-old Denver businessman who accidentally shot himself in the chest as he chased a pair of robbers from his dry-cleaning business. Rick Bugdanowitz went to his business at about 7:20 p.m. to check a security alarm. Bugdanowitz found two robbers inside, and they threatened him, according to police. The business owner grabbed a handgun he keeps in the store and fired two shots at the robbers. The pair fled, and as Bugdanowitz chased them out the front door he tripped and the gun he was holding fired and hit him in the chest. His injury was not life-threatening. Bugdanowitz is married to Sheila Bugdanowitz, president of the Rose Community Foundation, a civic and philanthropic organization formed in 1995 to enhance the quality of life in greater Denver.

CALENDAR 2008
 

CAA CONVENTIONS
2008 ........ May 1-3 ....................... Hilton Palm Springs Resort
2008 ........ December 4-6 ................ San Francisco

Electronic Security Expo (ESX)
Nashville, TN
June 25-27, 2008

ISC West – Las Vegas
www.iscwest.com

2008 April 2-4
2009 March 25-26
2010 March 24-25

ISC West 2008
April 2-4, 2008 Las Vegas
www.iscwest.com

Send your events to CAA Mirror: FAX 310/305-2077 or E-Mail: info@caaonline.org

BSIS Address and Telephone Numbers

The Bureau of Security and Investigative Services

2420 Del Paso Road, Suite 270

Sacramento, California 95834.

The following are a list of important Bureau numbers to update your records:

 

Main Number:                       916/322-4000

Toll Free Number:                800/952-5210

Licensing Fax Number:        916/575-7290

Enforcement Fax Number: 916/575-7289

 

Email:      bsis@dca.ca.gov

Web Homepage:  www.dca.ca.gov/bsis

For additional information on any of the topics discussed in this article, please visit the Bureau’s Web site at www.dca.ca.gov/bsis.

AIREF2008.ppt

Alarm Response Information WBFAA Apprenticeship and Training Program for Fire/Life Safety Technicians Receives State Approval CAA Convention

Complying the AB 2073 – Changing your Residential Agreements
By Alan Pepper
When the California Legislature and Governor first approved sweeping changes to the law governing home improvements performed by contractors, the alarm industry was able to obtain some concessions regarding duplicative requirements for providing the 3-day right of rescission notices, however the new law has imposed significant added requirements that would have made typical residential alarm agreements quite cumbersome and probably confusing for customers. The California Alarm Association was able to cause the passage of AB 2073 which provides some relief from the new compliance requirements of the Home Improvement Act (the “HIA”). These new provisions go into effect on January 1, 2007. Following is a brief description of the state of the law and the obligations of an alarm dealer. Bear in mind that this only applies to residential systems and has no relevance for commercial or institutional systems.

The HIA applies only to systems that are not covered exclusively by the California Alarm Act. Typically, alarm dealers sell or lease, install, monitor and service dual systems that have both a security (burglar/hold-up) system and a fire/smoke system.

The fire/smoke portion of the system is not covered by the Alarm Act and is covered by the HIA. Therefore, if you are only selling and installing a security system, you do not have to comply with HIA for that system. However, if you are selling or leasing and installing a fire/smoke system in conjunction with a security system, or selling or leasing and installing a stand-alone fire/smoke system, then compliance with the HIA may be required.

The economic threshold for compliance is $500.00, and the various possibilities are:

1. If you sell a combination security alarm and fire/smoke alarm system and your selling and installation costs (not price to the customer) to you for the fire/smoke system is under $500.00, then you don’t have to comply with the full contract requirements of the HIA, and instead you can comply by adding a statement in your contract that states:
“If a fire alarm system has been installed, we certify that all costs attributable to making the fire alarm system operable for the residence identified by this document, including sale and installation costs do not exceed five hundred dollars ($500.00).”

It is important to note that the cost of monitoring service is NOT included in the $500.00. This can also be done in a separate certificate/document which must be signed by your selling agent and delivered to the customer with the contract. The text is slightly different, and incorporating the text into your base agreement may be the better alternative.

Also, if your standard alarm panel includes both security and fire capabilities, and you use this panel whether or not you use the fire portion, then the entire cost of the panel could be allocated to the security system.

However, if you use a different, more expensive panel, for dual systems than you use for a security-only system, then the cost differential should be included in the determining if you are under the $500.00 cost threshold.

2. If you sell a stand-alone fire/smoke alarm and the total price (not cost) to your customer, including monitoring is less than $500.00, then you do not have to comply with HIA.

3. If you sell a stand-alone fire/smoke alarm and the total price (not cost), including monitoring is $500.00 or more then you must comply with all of the contract requirements of the HIA which should be done with an agreement that is designed for that purpose. You will need to use a similar agreement for other non-security systems priced at over $500.00, such as home theater, central vacuum, intercom and similar systems that are governed by the Contractor’s law.

4. If you sell or lease and install a combination security alarm and fire/smoke alarm system and the cost to you of the fire/smoke portion of the alarm system is $500.00 or more, then you must comply with the full requirements of the HIA, which can be done by using either a complete contract form or an addendum to your standard contract that meet the requirements.

The new law imposes other requirements. If you use the certification process described in paragraph #1 above, you must retain copies of the agreements for five years and make them available to the CSLB within 30 days of their request. The provisions should not be taken lightly – if you rely on the certification be sure you can demonstrate that your costs for the fire/smoke alarm system are under $500.00.

This new change and relaxation of the contract requirements, does NOT, in anyway, change the requirement to have a Contractor’s license for installing fire/smoke systems. You should contact your attorney or other contract advisor regarding the full details of the new HIA requirements and the exceptions permitted under AB2073.