Video Alarm Verification

Video Alarm Verification

General

Video Verification Systems Outperform Traditional Alarms in Key Ways

Video verification systems reduce false alarms by 95% and cut police response times from 45 minutes to 8 minutes by sending live video feeds to monitoring centers during security alerts. Video verification lets operators see exactly what triggered the alarm – whether it’s an actual intruder, a balloon, or equipment malfunction – unlike traditional alarms that only detect motion or door openings.

Traditional Alarm Systems Have Significant Limitations

Video Alarm Verification provides much more capability than traditional alarm system response. Traditional Intrusion systems base their response on alarms received from individual devices or zones. These devices include door contacts or motion sensors.

False Alarms Stem From Common Triggers

The number and type of devices in alarm provide actionable information, but operators cannot determine what causes the alarm with certainty. A door may not be fully secured. A balloon may remain from an office party. An intruder could be on site. These alarm causes require very different levels of attention.

Professional Monitoring Integrates Live Video Feeds

A Video Verified solution enables professional alarm operators to receive live video feeds along with alarms when they occur at your site. This video feed provides valuable information about the required response type.

Video Verification Delivers Cost Savings and Response Benefits

If a balloon causes the alarm, operators need not alert you or your staff. You remain comfortable at home and avoid guard response charges or employee wages for alarm investigation. Typical guard response costs range from $150-300 per false alarm call.

Video Verification Accelerates Emergency Response

Alarm operators can dispatch authorities with an increased level of urgency when they identify an intrusion. Police treat video-verified alarms as Priority 1 calls and arrive 5-6 times faster than for unverified alarms.

Visual confirmation of an intrusion in progress enables authorities to dispatch with increased urgency.

Video Verification Systems Require Specific Components

Video verification implementation requires high-resolution cameras (minimum 1080p), reliable internet connection (minimum 5 Mbps upload), and professional monitoring service. Installation typically takes 1-2 days and costs $2,000-5,000 for small businesses, depending on camera count and coverage area.

Video Surveillance serves as a powerful tool for historical information. The system becomes a pro-active tool for intrusion prevention and intruder capture when paired with an alarm system.

Municipal Bylaws Require Video Verification

Video alarm verification will become increasingly prevalent in security solutions for these reasons. Several Canadian cities have introduced bylaws that require visual verification of alarms before authorities will respond. Calgary, Edmonton, and Vancouver now require video verification for Priority 1 police response to commercial alarms.

Video Verification Providers Should Meet Key Criteria

You should ask your provider about video alarm verification when considering a new security solution or upgrade. Providers should offer 24/7 monitoring, 30-second video clip storage, and integration with existing alarm systems.