IACP calls for alarm panels with CP-01 standard

Dec 22, 2006 11:22 AM

Reinforcements have arrived for the battle against false dispatches. The International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) has passed a resolution urging municipalities and counties to require the SIA CP-01 standard for all alarm control panels. The resolution calls for panel manufacturers to comply with the standard in producing all new panels as well.

"The CP-01 standard has proven to be successful in reducing false dispatches -- now we just need to get more people to adopt it," says Stan Martin, executive director of the Security Industry Alarm Coalition (SIAC). "Support from the IACP shows this is not just an alarm industry initiative. Both the alarm and law enforcement industries want to reduce false dispatches and we know this is one of the best ways to do it."

"Use of this standard frees up law enforcement resources that can be redirected to problem solving initiatives, Homeland security issues and other community needs," says Bill Berger, Chief of Police, Palm Bay (FL) Police Department, and a past President of IACP.

The SIA (Security Industry Association) CP-01 standard sets higher design requirements for alarm control panels. Its goal is to reduce alarms caused by equipment failure as well as user error. Under the new provisions, control panels must cover event recognition, information handling sequences, as well as provisions for system layout testing. In addition, installers must use specific program options and test procedures to ensure compliance.

"Underwriter Laboratories has tested burglar alarm control panels and found that most manufacturers have at least one product in compliance with the new standard," says Martin. "Dealers should use this newer equipment. In addition to proper user training, it's the best long-term solution to reducing user error."

For a copy of the resolution or to learn more about CP-01 standards, visit www.SIACinc.org.

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