At CPI Security, our mission is to keep our communities safe and a big part of that means making sure first responders are dispatched to real emergencies, not false alarms. Every unnecessary dispatch wastes valuable emergency resources and slows response times for people who truly need help. That’s why we’ve developed and adopted multiple alarm verification methods to reduce false alarm security system dispatches while ensuring genuine emergencies get the fastest response possible. Here are four ways we do it.
1. Real Time Response℠: Audio and video alarm verification
CPI Security pioneered Real Time Response℠, a proprietary alarm verification method that sets us apart from most alarm companies. When an alarm is triggered, a CPI Central Station Operator uses the customer’s two-way speaker to either confront a potential intruder or check in with whoever is in the home — depending on the type of alarm.
This combination of live audio and video allows our operators to assess the situation in real time before dispatching first responders. If there’s no real threat, the operator can cancel the dispatch immediately. If there is a confirmed emergency, they can communicate critical details to authorities right away, leading to a faster and more effective response.
Real Time Response is a key part of what makes CPI a smarter false alarm security system — because verification happens before a single patrol car rolls out.
To learn more about how CPI’s Real Time Response works, watch the video below.
https://vimeo.com/706515629?share=copy
2. Two-call verification: A second chance to cancel
If a CPI operator cannot reach a customer through the two-way speaker during a burglar alarm, they don’t immediately dispatch authorities. Instead, they begin calling individuals listed on the customer’s emergency contact list, giving the customer or a trusted contact the opportunity to cancel the alarm before a dispatch is made.
Only if the operator is unable to reach anyone does a verified alarm dispatch go out to authorities. This two-step process significantly reduces unnecessary police responses while still ensuring that genuine break-ins are never ignored.
What about life safety alarms?
For life safety alarms, including fire, carbon monoxide, panic, and duress alarms, CPI dispatches immediately after receiving no response over the two-way speaker. When there’s a potential threat to life, there’s no time to wait.
3. Cancel/verify: customer-controlled false alarm reduction
One of the most effective tools to reduce false alarms home security customers have access to is CPI’s Cancel/Verify feature in the inTouch™ app. When an alarm is triggered, an instant alert is sent to the customer’s smartphone. Within two minutes, they can either:
- Press Cancel — to confirm there is no emergency and stop the dispatch
- Press Verify — to confirm there is a real emergency and request immediate help
Since rolling out this cancel verify alarm feature in 2020, CPI Security has seen a reduction in false alarm dispatches of approximately 23%. That’s a significant improvement that helps preserve community resources while ensuring genuine emergencies still receive a priority response.
4. ASAP to PSAP: Faster, more accurate dispatching
ASAP to PSAP (Automated Secure Alarm Protocol to Public Safety Answering Point) is an industry-leading protocol that allows CPI to electronically transmit alarm signals directly into a 911 center’s Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system in milliseconds rather than minutes.
In traditional alarm monitoring dispatch, operators manually dial a 10-digit phone number and verbally relay the emergency details to a dispatcher. This process is slow and introduces the possibility of miscommunication. With ASAP, that entire process is eliminated. Critical information including the customer’s name, address, alarm type, and a geolocated address is transmitted instantly and accurately.
By reducing the time between alarm trigger and verified alarm dispatch, ASAP to PSAP ensures first responders receive accurate, actionable information as fast as possible. CPI is currently working with 18 jurisdictions across our service area and is actively expanding.
Why reducing false alarms matters
False alarms put unnecessary strain on law enforcement, fire departments, and EMS. They slow response times for real emergencies and can result in fines for homeowners in many jurisdictions. By using alarm verification methods like Real Time Response, two-call verification, Cancel/Verify, and ASAP to PSAP, CPI Security helps keep community resources where they belong. focused on actual emergencies.
Experience the CPI Security difference
CPI Security follows recommendations from law enforcement and continues to invest in the latest technologies and procedures to reduce false alarm security system dispatches. If you’re ready for a smarter, more reliable security system backed by award-winning monitoring, contact CPI Security today for a free quote.
Sources:
¹Bureau of Justice Assistance, “Video Evidence: A Primer for Prosecutors”