Alarm systems

The role of the Suffolk Police Security Systems office is to apply the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPOs) security systems policy, which governs the police response to alarmed premises in Suffolk.

It is responsible for the issue of Unique Reference Numbers (URNs) for type A alarm systems and to maintain a record of alarm activations for each individual system, which are policed. It also determines if police response is given or withdrawn in line with the current ACPO policy.

The National Association of Chief Police Officers Security Services Group (ACPO SSG) recognises two types of alarm systems in its policy, they are:

 

Type A systems

These systems signal to a remote Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC), which meets the ACPO policy requirements. These type A systems receive automatic police response.

 

Type B systems

These are usually ‘audible only’ alarm systems. URNs cannot be issued to these systems and police response is not automatically given. To obtain police attendance certain additional information will be asked for at the time the alarm is reported to us.

Please visit Secured by design if you are considering having an alarm system installed at your premises.

 

Security alarms and security alarm companies

To obtain information on companies who supply and install security systems such as intruder alarms, personal attack alarms, CCTV systems etc, within your area, we advise you contact the following independent inspectorate bodies who will provide you with the relevant details. The police are not able to provide this information.

 

National Security Inspectorate (NSI)

Security Systems and Alarm Inspection Board (SSAIB)

 

Role of independent inspectorates

Independent inspectorates are not-for-profit approval bodies who carry out inspection services for the security industry and protect customer interests. They themselves are governed by United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS), the sole accreditation service recognised by the Government.

If you are also planning to invest in the type of security system that would receive automatic police response to its alarm activations, then only security companies ‘approved’ by an independent inspectorate body and who are registered with the police force in your locality are permitted to offer this service.

Once you have obtained details from an independent inspectorate body of ‘approved’ security companies, who install security systems in your locality to the required European/British standards and are compliant with the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) Police Response to Security Systems policy, we advise:

• Before disclosing personal security details, check the address and credentials of the company and proof of identify from their representative.
• You ought to obtain written quotations from at least two security companies.
• Ask if the security company representative can provide you with a list of police rules for occupiers of ‘monitored’ alarmed premises and also written confirmation that they are currently registered with the police force in your area, for the transmission of alarm activations from new installations.
• You ensure that the quotation specifies that the installation will be to European/British Standards for that relevant security system. Find out if it includes the terms of maintenance and monitoring contracts.
• You find out if the company operate a 24-hour call-out service and emergency attendance within four hours.
• Find out if the installation of a security system is a requirement of your insurance company and if the security company acceptable to the insurer.

When investing in security systems for your home or business it is not advisable to deal with cold callers or telesales enquiries. You should avoid doing doorstep or telephone business.

If members of the public have serious doubts about the legality or sale techniques being employed by this type of security company, they should contact Suffolk Police or Trading Standards for advice.

If you have any queries, please contact:

Mansel J C Coombs

Security Systems Manager

Suffolk Constabulary,

Police Headquarters

Martlesham Heath,

Ipswich,

Suffolk,

IP5 3QS.

 

Tel: 01473 613 763

Fax: 01473 613 981

Email mansel.coombs@suffolk.pnn.police.uk