The London Police Services (LPS) have implemented a new Verified Alarm Response Program (VARP) that has come into effect January 1st, 2018. This newly created initiative is intended to eliminate as many false alarm dispatches as possible and outlines the process under which VARP may be employed. This new policy is a positive move by the LPS and is welcomed by the security industry as we work together to reduce the overall number of false alarm dispatches.
Panic Alarm Response
The LPS shall continue to provide immediate response to panic, hold-up and duress alarms when there is reason to believe that a crime is in progress or an emergency exists. Verification of a panic alarm is not required as the safety of the community is paramount.
Verified Alarm Response Program
The Verified Alarm Response Program is designed to reduce the number of false alarm calls attended by LPS. Police will only be dispatched when the alarm meets one or more of the verification criteria.
The Four types of verification:
- Confirmation made by the owner, keyholder, alternate response agency or a witness on the scene who can confirm the existence of a suspected criminal act.
- Multiple activation points/sensors triggered, indicating the suspected criminal activity is or has taken place. An example of this is both a motion sensor and a door contact are triggered.
- Video that provides the monitoring station with the ability to confirm criminal activity through video information.
- Microphones that provide the monitoring station with the ability to confirm criminal activity reviewing the audio channel after an alarm signal has been received.
For additional information, please visit the CANASA website.
Should you have any questions about how these changes could potentially affect your security system, please call 1.877.263.2627.
