Have you considered cameras, video, or a new alarm to protect what you value most? Sonitrol’s video and audio verification technology sets us apart from your typical alarm company, making us a leader in the security industry. Using verified intrusion methods, with live audio and video, our 24/7 monitoring team can determine if someone is attempting to break-in to your property. This innovative process ensures fewer false alarm dispatches, faster police response times, and allows our operators to provide critical details to responding law enforcement in real time, helping them catch more would-be intruders. Currently, Sonitrol’s documented apprehension record is 181,000 and counting. To learn more about our state-of-the art video and audio alarm offerings, contact us for a free security assessment of your facility at (800) 444-1191.
National Police Week – Thank You!
It’s National Police Week, and we would like to say thank you to our men and women in blue for your dedication to serve and protect our communities. Sonitrol has been a proud supporter of police since our founding in the early 1960s. In fact, our story began with the partnership of an inventor and a police officer. Over fifty years ago, an Indiana innovator by the name of Robert Baxter teamed up with a fellow Hoosier and local police officer, Al Cronk. Using Baxter’s latest invention, the audio sensor, the pair created a security company that could reduce false alarms for police and increase criminal apprehensions.
This partnership had incredible results:
- We reduce false alarms for police. Conventional alarms have up to a 98% false alarm rate because, unlike Sonitrol, they can’t verify that a break-in is actually occurring. While the conventional systems rely on door and window contacts alone to detect intrusion, Sonitrol also uses highly sensitive audio sensors that can detect abnormal sounds in and around your building. With our patented audio intrusion detection, our 24/7 on-call operators begin listening the instant an intruder is attempting to enter a facility and can determine if a crime is occurring. We don’t have to waste the time of local police by sending them to investigate every time the air conditioning kicks on and causes a curtain or the blinds to rustle and trips a motion detector like other alarms. We only dispatch police in the event of a real break-in.
- We have a high apprehension rate. Unlike traditional alarm companies, when a burglar actually breaks-in through a window, rooftop access, or door, our alarm is silent, so the criminal won’t even realize we have dispatched police and that they are on the way. Sonitrol has assisted law enforcement in apprehending over 179,698 criminals to date.
- Our system creates increased safety for police. Because our system is verified, we won’t dispatch the police unless we are sure there is a real break-in. Other alarm companies notify the police for countless false alarms due to their inability to verify alarms, and this sends police racing across town at high speeds, putting them in danger, for absolutely no reason. Also, when a real break-in is occurring, our operators listen to every second of audio and even watch live feed if video verification has been installed, and in turn, they relay critical details to the police who are being dispatched. Providing the police with this essential information better prepares them for what they can expect as they head to the scene of the break-in.
- We are a proud supporter of our local law enforcement. We are so thankful for being able to participate in local police fundraisers and events, from the EPD Foundation SWAT Challenge to the EPD Foundation Policeman’s Ball. We are especially fond of our K-9 Officer, Doc, who we donated to the EPD in 2016. He is even named after Sonitrol of Evansville’s own founder, “Doc”, Dr. William Standring. K-9 Doc has already assisted his trainer, EPD Sergeant John Montgomery, in apprehending criminals!
National Police Week May 11-17, 2019
Our unique history aside, Sonitrol looks forward to the future, and we can’t wait to see how our relationship with law enforcement continues to grow. We wouldn’t be here today without police, and we are so thankful for all they sacrifice to make our communities safe. If you see a police officer, be sure to thank them. From all of us at Sonitrol, thank you to our police for your service!
Remembering those who made us great….
On this Memorial Day, Sonitrol of Evansville would like to thank the family and friends of those soldiers, who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. Please take a moment to reflect on the price they paid, so that we can live in the best country in the world…the United States of America!
Apprehension – Two arrested by EPD using Sonitrol’s school security
APPREHENSION
On Saturday, December 5th, at 6:12pm operator Kelli, dispatched the Evansville Police Department to an alarm at North High School. Upon arriving, the police found two teenagers had jumped the fence and entered the school. They were attempting to take a backpack “full of items”. They were released into the custody of their parents.
As the holiday break approaches, school administrators who have chosen Sonitrol for their school security, can feel confident that their property is safe from the Scrooges in the world. Sonitrol’s patented audio technology along with the option of adding monitored cameras into a security system, not only provides 100% coverage, but can help police BEFORE a would-be burglar enters the building.
An arrest = no loss of property! For inside and OUTSIDE assessments, contact us today!
Apprehension – Four arrested in Owensboro on Sonitrol alarm
APPREHENSION
Over the weekend, operator Terry, received an audio alarm at Daviess County Middle School in Owensboro KY. The audio was coming from the nurses office. Terry dispatched the Owensboro Police Department and notified them that there were several male voices coming from inside the building. Terry continued to monitor and update dispatch. Police officers and the K9 unit can be heard on the audio arriving at the scene. Thanks to the excellent response time of the Owensboro Police Department, four juveniles were arrested.
In this instance, not only were officers notified that there was a burglary in progress, but they were also informed that there were multiple individuals and where they were located. With this state-of-the-art technology, officers can be better prepared for what they will encounter when they arrive on scene. If you want to help your business and our law enforcement, contact Sonitrol.
Listen Back – Battery power and your security service
In an effort to help you make informed decisions when looking into a security system, we have started the following series:
Listen Back – You ask, we answer:
Our first question comes from Josh B in Evansville, IN.
Josh asks a two-part question:
If the power goes out, does it switch over to battery use? For how long?
Thanks for the question Josh.
We can’t speak for everyone, but at Sonitrol of Evansville, we put back up batteries in all of our alarm panels. When the power goes out, the equipment we use automatically provides power with in 10 seconds. Typically the power transfer occurs without notice and it happens very quickly.
How long the battery will last is based upon several different factors.
- Age of the battery – Rechargeable batteries are used in all the security systems we install. Battery capacity does diminish over time. As it is used and recharged, the capacity can be reduced. Best practice is that these batteries should be replaced every 5 years for maximum protection.
- Also a factor is how much your system is being used. If you arm or disarm the system, this will require power from the battery. If you have push notifications to see when a door opens, this requires battery. If your system is set to test during the time the power is out, this will require battery.
Basically you should have approximately 4-6 hours of battery power before the battery will need to be replaced.
While our operators may suspect the power to be out in your area, we will never assume that you know the power is out. It is our standard operating procedure to contact you on a power outage. That way you can take the steps necessary to get power restored as quickly as possible without any loss of coverage. If we are your security service provider, we will also let you know if your system communicates that the battery is low.
Josh, I hope this answers your questions.
If you have questions, post them to our Facebook page or email us at info@sonitrolev.com so we can get those answered for you!
America’s freedoms are only as strong as those willing to defend them!
Today is Veteran’s Day.
The Sonitrol family would like to take a moment to thank all our military men and women for their service.
A special shout out to our employees who have served:
Charles Anderson
Chris Dingman
Mike Mc Ardle
Chris Maxwell
Andrew Nelson
Terry Scarborough
We appreciate your service!
Don’t defeat your security service!
Are you defeating your own security service?!
As a business owner, you took a great deal of time in this investment. You had a choose a security company that would work for you. You probably negotiated some pricing. You paid for equipment and now a monthly fee to have the system monitored. The last thing you want to do is make your system worthless!
Where are your codes?
If you have something similar to the picture below, you might need to make some changes:
With this little post-it, every one that passes will know how to disarm your system without causing an alarm. Just because the keypad may not be visible to the public, doesn’t mean this is a good idea. By posting these instructions, you give disarming rights to every vendor, contractor, delivery person and visitor that passes this area. Best practice:
- Do not write the code on the wall, keypad or any where around the keypad
- Choose a code that you do not have to write.
- If you have to write it down, make sure it is kept on your person in a secure location. When you disarm the system, have it out and ready to use . This will prevent you from causing an alarm and having the police dispatched unnecessarily.
- TRAIN YOUR PEOPLE to properly use the system.
If you feel uneasy about disarming the system using a code, talk to your security service provider about other items that can be added to your integrated security system. Some systems can be disarmed with the simple swipe of a card or fob.
Not arming your security system
You paid for it, please use it. The only thing worse than a burglary would be a burglary where someone didn’t arm the system and the police weren’t dispatched. Sometimes it’s just plain forgetfulness after a long day at work. If you have an older system, see if your provider can give you a call at a certain time if the system isn’t armed. OR, see about getting an app for your phone so if someone does accidentally leave the system disarmed, you can arm the system from your smart phone.
Let users be their own person
Is everyone using the same code to arm and disarm the system? By issuing everyone their own code, your provider will be able to tell you who disarmed the system and when. Here at Sonitrol of Evansville, we send free reports to you via email when requested if you need to review activity. Of course, if you have the app, not only can you see who arms and disarms, but some systems will instantly notify you on your phone.
For more tips on how to maximize the use of your security service, contact us.
Small Office Renovation? Don’t forget about your security system.
Small office renovation??
By Chris Dingman – Operations Manager
Whether you have a large or small office, your security system was originally designed and installed, for the number of doors and entry points that office has, to give you have the best possible protection.
Gaps in Protection
When renovations occur sometimes your protection needs to be revamped as well. Adding or removing walls can have an effect on how equipment will work. In a retail store adding a wall to create more space to display merchandise can block motion or audio detectors from covering what it used to cover. The new display may create an unprotected area for you.
False alarms
Taking out a wall can create false alarms. You spent a lot of time and money creating that open concept you have always wanted, but the motion detector that was ending at the wall, now catches the curtains blowing when the heat turns on. Adding beautiful French doors out to the patio can also create an unprotected entry point.
Off the wall, into your phone
Taking the time to call your security company to review your coverage when even small office renovations are done can make sure you have the coverage you expect. It’s also a good time to find out how the latest technology can make your life easier, allowing you to get rid of your phone line and having your alarm system communicate over the internet or cell, and getting a smart phone app to arm and disarm your system.
After recovering from your construction and clean up, you don’t want to have to deal with false alarms or an insurance claim because your renovations created an unprotected area. A good security company is invested in your protection. Give them the plans before your renovation, so they can give you the best possible protection.
For more information on your integrated security options, contact us.
CSI LIES – Online camera systems can’t do that!
The CSI investigator flips a switch, waves his hand, pulls up an online camera at a city intersection and the grainy image instantly clears up identifying the license plate number of the suspect’s car that passed the camera 6 months ago.
Unfortunately, that’s not how this works; that’s not how any of this works…
Cameras are everywhere. You can purchase an online camera system, a big box store system, a system from a local business…but in the end, you want to get the most for your money. Having a plan of attack, will save you time, money and most of all…frustration!
First, figure out why and how you will be using your cameras. The only thing worse than a theft at your business is not being able to use the camera footage. Here are some questions you need to ask before you waste any money.
Will you use them: for detection, recognition or identification?
This is the single MOST important question to ask.
Detection – Most inexpensive, online camera systems on the market today will detect the presence of a person. However, if the camera catches a crime in progress, the footage may be dark, grainy and discolored, rendering the footage useless. These cameras work well for businesses that hire security guards to watch cameras or for a professionally monitored security system.
Recognition – If you have a business, you probably wish you could clone yourself at different times. The truth is you can’t be everywhere…but with cameras you can at least watch. With these cameras, the faces aren’t crystal clear. But these cameras allow the owner to recognize employees, vendors and customers.
Identification – If you plan on using your security camera footage protect your assets after business hours you probably want to spend the extra money and invest in these cameras. These high definition cameras provide a clear picture in situations where you need to see faces and license plates to help apprehend a criminal and get your property returned to you.
What are you watching?
Definition of frustration – investing in a camera system, having a crime happen on your property, and it’s just two feet OUTSIDE the view of the cameras. Field of view is everything. You may need to only see down an ally, where you can use a 70 degree angle camera and save some money. If you’re watching the entire parking lot, you might need a 180 degree view. If you’re watching an entire city block, invest in a 360 degree camera.
Last but EXTREMELY important to your purchase – customer service
So you spend your hard earned money on an online camera system. You invest a couple days putting up the cameras, flip the switch and it’s black! You retrace your steps, follow each wire, push every button, flip the switch and it’s black! <insert bad words here> You find the toll free number on the back of the box, make a call, answered by 45 minutes of elevator music, and “George” answers the phone, reads a script, which includes: flip the switch. And it’s black. <insert more bad words here> You can be the best do-it-yourselfer in the world, but what if there is a problem with the equipment that a professional needs to trouble shoot? Calling a trusted company that not only helps you design your perfect camera system but stands behind their product is invaluable! They can even install it for you and let you run your business. If a problem arises with time, having that direct phone number to connect you with a knowledgeable representative will save you time, money and frustration!
For more information on building your perfect camera system for the least amount of money, contact one of our knowledgeable representative.
