ADT joins PPVAR to make alarm verification the future of electronic security

The Partnership for Priority Verified Alarm Response (PPVAR), a public-private partnership comprised of electronic security stakeholders from law enforcement, the home and property insurance industries, and the security alarm industry, announced that ADT has joined the organisation as a full industry member. The addition of ADT, the largest security alarm company in North America, as a PPVAR member marks a significant shift in the direction of the electronic security industry.

Alarm verification

Since its establishment in 2012 to promote the value of verified alarms and prioritised police response, PPVAR has been a leading educator on the enhanced efficiency, cost effectiveness, and the corresponding impact of alarm verification on public safety. ADT, which merged with Protection 1 in May 2016 has closely followed the growing appreciation for the benefits of alarm verification from the public, law enforcement, insurers, and security providers, and is implementing video monitoring technology and best practices to its standard alarm services.

“ADT strongly believes in the process and the values of PPVAR and its members,” said Don Young, Chief Information Officer at ADT. “The emergence of high-quality video and intrusion detection technology, and the resulting rise in efficiency of central monitoring practices, has been undeniable in the effectiveness of alarm verification for protecting the public and law enforcement alike. We believe it is important to contribute in a meaningful way and align ourselves with PPVAR as we continue to evolve the security industry.”

Reducing false alarm rates

Gaining ADT as a full industry member is viewed by PPVAR and its members as a victory, as much as it is the natural progression of a powerful industry trend towards widespread adoption of alarm verification technologies and priority verified response policies.

“We’re pleased to have ADT on board with our organisation as it signals another solid step in the right direction—a direction that is consistent with the naturally evolving arc of our industry towards the adoption of verification technologies,” stated Larry Folsom, President of PPVAR. “We’ve persisted in building momentum over the past four years, and now, with the largest security company in North America helping to focus attention on alarm verification, we can press on with greater confidence and influence towards our goal of reducing overall false alarm rates, while increasing the safety of both first responders and the citizens of our communities. ADT will strengthen the voice of PPVAR’s membership and will add even more credibility to our dialogue with law enforcement as we align our priorities and find common ground on which to build standardised processes for acting on verified alarms.”