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Sounding Board
Security News You Can Use
Summer 2008
Sound Security Turns 30
In 1978, Debbie Boone’s “You Light Up My Life” was lighting up AM radios, “Jaws II” had everyone afraid to go back in the water, and Beau and Deb Bradley began providing electronic security services to businesses, schools, government facilities and organizations in Everett, Wash. Thirty years, five offices and almost 5,000 apprehensions later, Sound Security celebrates its pearl anniversary this summer.
The Bradleys founded Sound Security with the mission of creating a company that provided the best security technology supported by exceptional service.
“To fulfill my vision, we had to be unique,” Beau Bradley said. “We needed a unique product and a service culture where our people were taking care of people.”
The mission remains the same today and it serves as the cornerstone of Sound Security’s success. It drives growth and keeps the Sound Security team focused on taking the best possible care of clients.
For Sound Security, the difference is local: local ownership, local service, local monitoring. In 1978, the Bradleys filled all the roles. From sales and installation, to accounts receivable and account monitoring, Beau and Deb did it all. Today, almost 100 employees attend to the needs of clients in Everett, Seattle, Tacoma, Portland, and Boise to ensure they receive personal, local support. By maintaining a monitoring center dedicated to Sound Security clients, the company delivers the highest level of service.
Much has changed over the past 30 years at Sound Security. For example, in 1978, Sound Security connected clients to Sonitrol’s unique security system and the monitoring center with a dedicated copper phone line, and clients called every day to turn their system on and off. Today, the company still utilizes audio sensors, but also employs cutting edge technology to protect clients.
While much has changed, much remains the same today.
• In 1978, clients expected someone to answer the phone; voice mail was rare and email unknown. Since then, many companies replaced people with machines, but Sound Security professionals still answer the phone 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
• In 1978, Sound Security focused on personal contact and customer service people visited clients on a regular basis. This philosophy and practice remains today.
• In 1978, emphasis was placed on monitoring Sound Security accounts locally rather than passing them off to a mega center in Texas or on the East Coast. Sound Security just completed a major upgrade of their Operations Center in order to continue to give clients the best possible monitoring for years to come.
• In 1978, Sound Security operators could tell the police a burglary was in progress. This remains the same today. Advanced audio and video verification technology monitored by a team of experts ensures police know a Sonitrol Pacific alarm is verified.
One more thing hasn’t changed over the past 30 years, Beau and Deb Bradley remain the driving force behind the commitment to protect clients and provide exceptional customer service.
Groovy 1978 Trivia
Think you’re a master of 70s trivia? Here’s your opportunity to prove it. Return your 1978 Trivia answers for the chance to win an iPod.
What was the property crime rate (per 1000) in 1978? _______________________
What was the median household income in 1978? ___________________________
Who won the Super Bowl in 1978? _________________________________________
What was the highest grossing movie of 1978? _____________________________
How much was a gallon of gas in 1978? _____________________________________
The first portable stereo was introduced in 1978. What was it called? _________
Your Name ____________________________ Phone Number ____________________
Your Sonitrol Pacific protected facility ______________________________________
Responses with all correct answers will be entered into a drawing for an iPod, the portable stereo of 2008. We will draw the winner at our Oktoberfest Open House September 25. Although you don’t have to be present to win, we hope to see you at the party. Mail your answers to Sonitrol Pacific, 8220 N Interstate Ave, Portland OR 97217 or email them to
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Oktoberfest Anniversary Celebration
The Sound Security team invites clients, colleagues and friends to join us in celebrating our 30-year anniversary at an Oktoberfest Open House at Sonitrol Pacific Portland, Thursday September 25, 3:00p.m. to 7:00p.m. RSVP today to Pamela Singleton at
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or call her at Sonitrol Pacific Portland, 503.223.5822.
Apprehension Round-up
 Persons apprehended since August 1, 1978: 4,933
Persons apprehended to date in 2008: 85
Persons apprehended in the Second Quarter of 2008: 52
Sonitrol National Apprehensions: 159,657
Read the complete 2008 Year-to-date Apprehension Record.
Select Operations Center Stories
Detection Leads to Two Arrests
Police arrested two juveniles suspected of breaking into an auto body and repair shop after Sonitrol Pacific’s audio sensors detected the youths’ activity April 24.
A highly trained Sonitrol Pacific operator received a signal activation from the protected site’s fence and listened to real-time audio from the business to ascertain the nature of the activity. She heard sounds of movement and immediately dispatched police.
Officers arrived on scene, located and apprehended two juveniles. According to police, the minors climbed over the fence and into the office through a window. When police arrived, the suspects had a computer outside in the parking lot waiting to take with them when they left.
A representative from the business said he had just been reading Sonitrol Pacific’s most recent list of apprehensions from the Sounding Board newsletter and felt it ironic that he will be featured in the next edition.
Taped Locks Allow Entry, Fail to Prevent Detection
Two suspected intruders circumvented a school’s door locks by using tape on the doors, but failed to account for Sonitrol Pacific’s detection technology May 24.
A Sonitrol Pacific operator received an alarm signal from the high school’s auditorium and he dispatched the school district’s guard service to assess the situation. While the guard was en route, the operator heard a sharp bang through Sonitrol’s real-time audio sensors and he informed the officer of the activity at the school.
Upon arriving at the scene, officers located two women and took them into custody. According to officers, the suspects taped the doors so they would shut, but not lock, then returned later to enter the school unhindered.
Audio Detection Prevents Serious Water Damage
Michael Young, Sonitrol Pacific operator and expert sound analyst, detected sounds of dripping water inside a client's showroom and alerted the business owner of a possible leak before serious damage could occur May 23.
Young was monitoring activity for Sonitrol Pacific's Portland, Ore. clients with real-time audio sensors when he heard loud pattering and dripping sounds coming from a boating center Sonitrol Pacific protects. He immediately became suspicious of the unusual sounds and dispatched a guard service to find the source of the noise. The guard reported finding a 10 foot leak in the facility's roof and Young called the business owner.
The business owner later reported a toilet from a second floor bathroom overflowed onto the wood floor and seeped through to drip on the first floor showroom. According to the business owner, Young's intuition saved them from serious water damage and all they have to contend with is a musty smell.
 Intrusion News: No service means no security
The equipment and electronic components that make up a security system must work together as designed in order to protect a facility. When they don’t, emergency service within hours is crucial.
If a security system provider takes 10 days to send a technician to service a client’s system, that building sits vulnerable during those 10 days. Sonitrol Pacific recognizes the importance of emergency response and includes an emergency service guarantee in our Commitment to Service. We won’t leave a client unprotected.
Emergency service and preventive maintenance visits by expert technicians are key to ensuring a security system works properly. Murphy’s Law teaches us a break-in will occur the one night someone forgets to turn on a system or it doesn’t function as designed. Similarly, the Seattle Police Department estimates 15 percent of false burglar alarms are caused by a malfunctioning system. Neither scenario is acceptable.
Contact your Sonitrol Pacific Customer Service Representative if you experience anything out of the ordinary with your security system. Our goal is to deliver the service and security your facility deserves. We guarantee it.
 Accessing Access Control: Save money with keyless entry
Trying to reduce expenses? Consider managed access control. Most business owners, facilities managers and security officers recognize the role of managed access control systems in enhancing facility security. However, not everyone knows that keyless entry not only pays for itself, it also frequently saves an organization money when all the features a system offers are utilized.
Here are just a few of the ways a keyless entry system saves money.
1. Save significant time and money by eliminating the need to rekey locks and issue new keys every time an employee leaves.
2. Control unauthorized overtime by designating when an employee has access to a facility.
3. Manage employees’ access in a time effective way. For example, your Customer Service Representative can run a report of system users, saving time tracking down who has keys to which doors.
4. Effectively manage non-business hours employees, such as a janitorial service, and track how much time is spent on after-hours projects to ensure a business receives a return on the investment in these services.
 Eye on SonaVision: Camera system expectations
A local police officer just recommended you get a security camera. Now what?
Camera systems offer exciting security enhancements for businesses and organizations. However, video surveillance is not a panacea. It’s important to define clear goals before looking at camera systems and to maintain realistic expectations during your search.
When considering security cameras, remember the big three: lenses, resolution and lighting. Cameras are not one size fits all. The right camera system for you depends on what you want to see and the environment where your camera will be placed.
Clarify your expectations for your video surveillance system, factor in lenses, resolution and lighting, balance what you want to see with what you are prepared to invest, consult with experts and move forward with that police officer’s advice.
Packard Named Employee of the Quarter
The Sound Security, Inc. Board of Directors named Dean Packard, Portland Service Technician, the Employee of the Quarter for the first quarter of 2008 due to his  commitment to clients and teammates, and his loyalty and dedication to the organization.
Dean is a prime example of the Sound Security Mission. He provides clients with exceptional technical assistance and customer service, and delivers equally excellent support to his team. Following a visit from Dean, clients frequently express a high level of satisfaction with him and the work he completed.
Meredith Rosch from Beaverton Honda/Yamaha recently said she appreciates Dean for always being very nice, polite and extremely helpful anytime he is at one of their facilities.
Roger Sherman wanted the Board to know Dean is professional and thorough, that he explains things well and always stays with “it” until he solves an issue at his facility.
Bob Shroyer of Parr Lumber said, "Dean is the ultimate technician, he instills great confidence wherever he goes."
With members of the Sound Security team, Dean serves as a valuable resource. He is a patient and thorough trainer, always willing to help. He makes himself available when an on-call technician needs help troubleshooting a challenge. Dean recognizes the need for installation technicians and service technicians to work together in order for clients to receive the highest level of security possible and works constructively with installers to address any challenges.
Despite his addictions to caffeine and sugar, and his phobias of fruits and vegetables, the Board believes Dean deserves this honor and thanks him for all he does for our clients.
Employees of the Month
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Becky Fuller
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DeJa Irving
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Minta
Christopherson
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Becky Fuller, DeJa Irving and Minta Christopherson were named the Sound Security, Inc. Employees of the Month for March, April and May respectively.
Becky Fuller, Puget Sound Inventory and Purchasing Specialist, was named the March Employee of the Month to recognize the excellent work she performs each day, the special projects she takes on, her focus on supporting the team, and her upbeat, get-it-done attitude.
DeJa Irving, Tacoma Customer Service Representative, was named Sound Security’s Employee of the Month for April because of her commitment to professional growth and development, the support she gives the team, the professional relationships she fosters with clients, and for taking the top honor in the Administrative/Customer Service category of the Sonitrol National Dealers’ Association National Achievement Competition.
The Sound Security Board appreciates the way Minta Christopherson, Operations Center Shift Supervisor and Operator, goes above and beyond in all she does to ensure our clients are well cared for and named her the May Employee of the Month. As a Back-up Shift Supervisor, Minta takes on a leadership role and sets a great example for others; she’s never missed a day of work, arrives 30 minutes early for her shift to make certain she receives a thorough briefing before taking over, and she does everything with a positive, cheerful attitude.
Help us choose the next Employee of the Month
Has a member of the Sound Security team exceeded your expectations? Let us know. The Board considers feedback from clients when selecting the Employee of the Month. You can email Board members directly from the corporate officers’ page of Sonitrol Pacific’s website, sonitrolpacific.com/corporate_officers.
To Our Valued Clients
Sounding Board is published regularly for Sound Security clients, their friends and associates, to provide valuable security and loss prevention information. Please direct feedback on this publication or requests for future articles to Pamela Singleton, Director of Communications, 503.223.5822,
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