Tennessee to Follow “Alarming” Trend

TENNESSEE has become the second state in the country to follow a new trend to implement enhanced call verification, which is being heralded as a modern solution to redirecting police resources. Gov. Phil Bredesen has signed the ECV bill into law, which means the entire state must follow the dual verification plan before law enforcement is dispatched to a location.

Florida began the trend last year in an effort to reduce false dispatches. According to Glen Mowrey, national law enforcement liaison for the Security Industry Alarm Coalition, most agencies have had limited success with other policies in the past, but the proliferation of cell phones has made ECV the best solution for the future.

ECV is based on the rationale that alarm companies can be more effective in identifying false alarms by simply calling a second phone number for verification, if the first call goes unanswered. ECV and a solution of best practices from the alarm industry can reduce dispatches by more than 70 percent, and by so doing, will allow law enforcement to save limited resources and redirect officers to more pressing needs.

The fact is, public agencies do have limited resources. By following the ECV protocol, officers will now be able to spend their time more efficiently instead of responding to false burglar alarms.

More impressive is the fact that the Tennessee Burglar and Fire Alarm Association is already on board and working with municipalities to implement local ECV policies. The TBFAA is to be commended for its quick response and cooperative efforts.

The Tennessee Senate and House also are to be applauded for passing the legislation unanimously and garnering a solid endorsement from law enforcement. It’s a strong partnership in the making, and 48 other states need to review and implement this worthwhile program.

About the Author

Ralph C. Jensen is the Publisher/Editor in chief of Security Today magazine.

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