The Association of Chief Police Officers Scotland (ACPOS) has published their first Security Systems Policy
The Association of Chief Police Officers Scotland (ACPOS) has published their first Security Systems Policy, which runs from June 3. As in England, Northern Ireland and Wales, the aim is to reduce false by security systems in Scotland. Differences between the Scottish and the England, Wales and Northern Ireland policy are significant. For example, unlike south of the border, Scottish alarm systems do not need confirmation technology in newly installed systems; such technology is only ?desirable?. The policy adds however: ?Unconfirmed systems which have police response withdrawn, will require confirmation technology to be installed before police response is reinstated.? The Scottish police chiefs have also given a larger allowance for false alarms before police response is lowered or withdrawn. Level one priority response is downgraded to level two (response ?desirable?) if there are four or more false alarms within 12 months (or less). If within 12 months of that downgrading there are another three false alarms, police response will be withdrawn. Similarly with personal attack alarms: ?A personal attack system, which conforms to the agreed monitoring standards, will attract level one response. When misuse of the system is identified (seven non attack incidents) in a 12-month period, response may be downgraded to level three.? As for key-holders, a site must have two at least, with home telephone numbers. The key-holders ?must reside not more than 20 minutes travelling time from the premises for which they are responsible?.
What they say
BSIA Technical Manager Alex Carmichael commented: ?The Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland has worked in close consultation with the BSIA to produce this policy. The message is clear: high standards are expected from alarms that enjoy police response. We are delighted with the way ACPOS has listened to the professional industry and drafted a policy that reflects industry expertise. All Scottish police forces have agreed to implement the policy, so alarm companies and their customers based in Scotland can look forward to universal implementation.? For a copy of the policy, visit www.bsia.co.uk.
