Security Solutions start with education!
The heart of any security company is their central operating station. Day in and day out, operators watch, waiting for an alarm to alert them of possible danger. These people are the first line of defense in the private sector of emergency response. They are also the brains of the operation. They must determine the scale of an alarm, whether or not it is false and provide law enforcement with accurate, detailed information. These watchful “warriors” typically go unnoticed until a life saving alarm occurs.
Because of their importance, these people should be meticulously trained. They must dispatch the proper responding branch of law enforcement, use customer provided information to alert the dispatch of authorities and follow-up to ensure the safety of everyone involved. In order to further their training, Sonitrol of Evansville has achieved certification as a Central Station Alarm Association (CSAA) Five Diamond Member.
What is CSAA Five Diamond Certification?
In order to obtain “Five Diamond Certification”, 100% of the central station operators must pass the CSAA Central Station Operator Training course. This course covers virtually all phases of central station communications with customers, law enforcement, fire and emergency services communications centers. Each and every operator must have passed the course and demonstrate:
- Proficiency in alarm verification;
- Proficiency in communications with the Public Service Answering Points, such as the Emergency 911 centers;
- Knowledge of electronic communications equipment, including radio;
- An understanding of the codes and standards of such organizations as Underwriters Laboratories, Factory Mutual, Nation Fire Protection Association and others; and
- Proficiency in the area of emergency preparedness under a wide scenario of possibilities.
Certification also requires companies to maintain and continually upgrade operator performance levels through education. Only 150 of the approximately 2,700 central stations operating today have been able to achieve a 5 Diamond Certification due to the high standards set by the CSAA for operations in central stations.
How does this certification benefit the owner of a security system?
We can all agree that greater education in any business is a beneficial and an invaluable commodity. Technology is constantly changing, and can therefore instantly change system communications. CSAA members stay updated to improve and constantly update equipment to stay current with every potential change in technology. CSAA also maintains an open communication with government agencies to stay updated on all regulatory and legislative changes to the security industry and alerts its members immediately so as to stay in compliance without disruption of service to customers.
This elite group of members work together to maintain excellence for our customers through networking and brainstorming. If you are interested in more information on our CSAA 5 Diamond Central Station, please contact us.
