Sonitrol Pacific Sounding Board

Security Newsletter

Summer 2010

Big enough to secure you, small enough to know you
    Security industry journal SDM’s annual list of the top 100 security companies is out and it named Sonitrol Pacific, a Sound Security Inc. company, the 35th largest electronic security provider in the country.
    While we enjoy receiving national accolades, it’s the notes of thanks and letters of appreciation from our clients that really make us proud.
    The Sonitrol Pacific team continues to focus on growth to ensure we stay on the leading edge with technology and deliver the best electronic security to our clients.  However, personal service and support remains our first priority.
    We strive to deliver our best for clients.  After more than 30 years of securing our Northwest neighbors, we know true peace of mind requires more than great technology.  Our team listens and works with clients for the best possible results.

School's out, crime's up
    Schools traditionally see an uptick in unwanted activity during the summer months and the Sonitrol Pacific team prepares for this each year.  However, even we have been surprised by the volume of activity on campuses since late May.
    In the past few weeks, 51 people have been caught in acts of burglary, vandalism or trespassing at Sonitrol Pacific protected schools.  In June, July and August of 2009, a total of 62 people were caught at education facilities. (read details of our apprehensions)
    This flurry of activity serves as a reminder of the need for ongoing vigilance with facility security.  A few points to consider:
• Schedule a preventive maintenance inspection of all electronic security. 
• Clarify after hours security policies to ensure everyone understands and follows standard procedures.
• Check that "No Trespassing, Loitering, Parking" type signage is in good shape, legible, and visible
• Check fences and gates for damage.
• Post "Sonitrol Pacific" signage around the building perimeter to warn would-be vandals, trespassers and burglars of security and surveillance.
    Want more tips or one-on-one help?  Call us today.

Saving budgets, police resources
    On both the local and national level, budget shortfalls have law enforcement agencies facing deep cuts in their departments.  This makes it more important than ever for the electronic security industry to recognize what false burglar alarms cost a community and take real action to affect change.
    According to the Center for Problem-oriented Policing, officers respond to more than 36 million alarm activations annually, at an estimated annual cost of $1.8 billion.  As approximately 95-99 percent of these activations are false alarms, most of that $1.8 billion is wasted.
    Verification is one proven tool for reducing false alarms and saving money.  When a security system activates, a threat can be verified by a skilled operator monitoring audio or video technology.  Sonitrol Pacific has always made verification a priority.
    Many cities have tried to address this matter through alarm ordinances, but with limited success.  “Enhanced Call” policies offer a little relief, but they don’t address the core problem: blind motion sensors can’t tell a monitoring center what’s happening.
    To reduce false alarms, save money and save scarce police resources, burglar alarm companies need to change the technology they use and change how they design and monitor security systems.
Additional costs to a community from false alarms
-costs due to police being unavailable to respond to actual crime problems
-personnel costs of call-takers and dispatchers
-costs associated with call displacement, because the response to other 911 calls takes longer
-personnel, equipment, and costs related to backup personnel
-personnel costs associated with analyzing false alarms
-software, hardware, office space, and equipment costs for false alarm management
-administrative and staff costs of notifications, permitting, billing, and education programs
-costs of developing, printing, and distributing publications to educate the public and alarm companies about false alarms

Intrusion News: Vandals? We've got an "ap" for that
    If your facility is a frequent victim of vandalism, you want Sonitrol Pacific on your side.  We have a history of detections and apprehension (or “aps”) of vandals.
    As of June 30, 25 suspected vandals have been caught this year after our security systems detected them and an additional 31 suspected trespassers were caught.  In 2009, almost 50 suspected vandals and 64 suspected trespassers were apprehended due to a Sonitrol Pacific detection.
    Our audio based security systems often detect threats while the bad guys are still outside the building.  Unlike traditional motion sensors and door contacts, audio sensors don’t rely on someone opening a door or breaking a window or crossing the sensor path in order to activate.
    One example of this took place June 22.  Operator Kris Etheridge received an impact-activated audio security alert from a school.  She heard clattering noises followed by sounds of people running, and called police.  Officers immediately found three people on the school’s roof.  While those three were being questioned, officers found two more people trying to run away.  Thanks to the early detection by the audio sensors and the fast response by Etheridge and police, no damage was done and nothing was taken.  (Read details on more Sonitrol Pacific assisted apprehensions)

    No security system can catch all vandals, but Sonitrol Pacific’s audio security systems with wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling coverage offer organizations their best chance.
Anti-vandalism tips:
• Illuminate buildings, replace burned out bulbs and install lighting in currently dark areas.
• Clarify security policies and vacation security procedures.
• Ensure all signage is in good shape, legible, and visible (No Trespassing, No Loitering, No Parking, etc.). 
• Don’t allow landscaping to provide camouflage for vandals.  Prune trees and shrubs, and other vegetation to reduce fire risk and hiding places.
• Ensure sprinkler heads are protected from breakage.
• Keep garbage containers secured.  Garbage can be used for arson.
• Check fences and gates for damage. Complete repairs promptly.
• Reinforce consequences when vandals are apprehended.  You want to have the reputation of holding vandals accountable.

Fire Watch: It's grillin' time again
    One highlight of summer is all the amazing food with fresh produce, backyard parties and grilling.  Unfortunately, summer also ushers in fire season.  Thousands of people are injured each year by charcoal/wood-burning and propane grill fires.
    Protect your family and yourself with these tips from the U.S. Fire Administration.
• Before using a grill, check the connection between the propane tank and the fuel line. Look for leaks and make sure the tubes where the air and gas mix are not blocked.
• Keep your grill clean and free of grease build-up.
• Do not overfill the propane tank.
• Do not wear loose clothing while cooking at a barbecue.
• Choose long-handled grilling tools to give the chef plenty of clearance from heat and flames when handling food.
• Be careful when using lighter fluid. Do not add fluid to an already lit fire.
• Keep all matches and lighters away from children.  Supervise children around outdoor grills.  Declare a three-foot “safe zone” around the grill for kids and pets.
• Dispose of hot coals properly - douse them with plenty of water, and stir them to ensure that the fire is out. Never place them in plastic, paper or wooden containers.
• Never grill/barbecue in enclosed areas - carbon monoxide could be produced.
• Make sure everyone knows to Stop, Drop and Roll in case a piece of clothing does catch fire. Call 911 if a burn warrants serious medical attention.
• Position the grill away from siding, deck railings, overhanging eaves and overhanging branches.
    For more tips, visit the U.S. Fire Administration website .  Have a safe and fun summer.

Summer of GS2 Love
    You can make a difference for your favorite non-profit organization when you refer a new client to Sonitrol Pacific.            
    Through our Good Stuff Squared (GS²) program, we will donate $200 in your name to the charity of your choice and give you $200 to thank you for referring a new client to us.
    Read more details about this program.

Summers named employee of Q1
    Shannon Summers earned Sound Security’s Employee of the Quarter award for the first quarter of 2010 due to her willingness to learn, hard work and help grow the company.
    Summers keeps her goals front-and-center and works every day towards reaching them. 
    Summers actively seeks candid feedback from clients, prospects, peers and managers in order to grow as a Security Consultant.  She learns from feedback and puts it into action.  She also shares what she learns with others.
    Summers delivers her best for her clients, teammates and the company and is a valuable member of the team.

Employees of the month
    The Sound Security Board of Directors named Frank Biggs, Becky Fuller, Minta Christopherson and Leslie Erickson as Employees of the Month for March, April, May and June, respectively.
    Portland Technician Frank Biggs consistently delivers outstanding results by providing quality installation and service, and by fostering an atmosphere of trust.  His hard work and dedication are a credit to him and to the entire Sound Security family.
    Inventory Specialist Becky Fuller is the keeper of law and order in the Everett warehouse and she makes a daily difference throughout the company.  She is driven by an “I can do it” attitude.  Fuller works hard, she is polite and patient, and she always has a smile for everyone.
    Operator Minta Christopherson is one of those rare individuals who thrives on new professional challenges, routinely asks for more projects, looks for training opportunities, and produces excellent work.  She is a skillful operator with more than 100 apprehensions to her credit, but Christopherson is equally appreciated for her positivity, her joyful personality and the integrity she brings to the monitoring center every day.
    Since the Portland Administrative team has been short a member, Leslie Erickson has taken the ball and run with it to make certain customers continue to receive the same high level of service they expect from us.  Her willingness to help teammates is legendary.  She always says “I get to learn something new” rather than “I can’t do that” or “it’s not my job.”  Erickson's “can do” attitude allows her to tackle whatever comes her way and do what it takes to deliver results.

Nominate a Winner
    You can nominate a member of the Sonitrol Pacific team for Employee of the Month consideration.  Email any of our Board members.