NCJ Number
98462
Journal
Security World Volume: 22 Issue: 6 Dated: (June 1985) Pages: 32-36
Date Published
1985
Length
5 pages
Annotation
The advantages and disadvantages of proprietary versus contract alarm monitoring control and response systems are weighed.
Abstract
Advantages of proprietary monitoring systems are lower monthly monitoring costs, quick alarm response, accessibility of security data, easy integration with other corporate information systems, flexible communication modes and easy expandability, and less costly response to false alarms. Disadvantages include steep upfront costs, especially for the central processing unit. Moreover, without an existing guard force additional personnel may be required, and the owners must assume complete responsibility for alarm response. A technical staff-member may be needed for service and maintenance of the system. Advantages of the contract central station monitoring system are that the central station supervises alarm response, upfront costs are comparatively low, the central station stores and maintains data, and the user is free of system monitoring upkeep. Disadvantages of contracted central station monitoring are lower accessibility to security data and to ongoing monitoring with dedicated line charges.