Intruder Alarms — The Police Policy
| Published date | 01 July 1981 |
| Date | 01 July 1981 |
| DOI | 10.1177/0032258X8105400306 |
| Author | S. E. Bailey |
| Subject Matter | Article |
S. E. BAILEY Esq., C.B.E. Q.P.M.
Chief Constable. Northumbria Police.
INTRUDER
ALARMS
THE POLICE POLICY
(A paper presented at IFSSEC '81)
with acknowledgement to
VICTOR GREEN PUBLICATIONS LTD.
We must quickly look at the changing pattern of Security Alarm
Systems over the years to identify the emerging pattern in an attempt
to put into perspective plans for future operation inan area that has
seen an industry grow from extremely humble beginnings into one
which has an estimated turnover of between £50m-£60m. It is an
expanding field which to a certain extentacts as a barometer
cf
social
conditions and the increasing need for personal protection is perhaps
an indictment of the state of our society.
The use of alarms in recent years has proliferated and the general
public, commerce and industry are seeking the protection of alarms
for an increasing number of reasons. We are all familiar with Burglar
Alarms, Fire Alarms and more recently Social Alarms and the
parties traditionally involved with the alarm industries -
manufacturers, installers, insurance companies, the fire service and
the Police - have an obvious interest in the use of alarm systems.
Their concern may be equally good but for different reasons; for
example -commercial expansion, social good, profit, protection of
life or a general interest in law and order-that isthe prevention and
detection of crime. As has the customer. Obviously the Police Service
has an interest in the alarm industry and is rightly concerned with
present developments but before moving on I would first like to
quickly trace the development of alarm systems with which police are
directly involved.
What is an alarm?
An alarm is not aimed at solving a particular problem but is in effect
simply an advisory or warning message which makes someone else
aware of a situation so that arrangements can be made to take the
necessary action. The alarm does not substitute human action but it
is an expansion of the sensory capability with the emphasis placed
upon human response. We can see therefore that an alarm tells us of
danger, attracts attention or warns.
It
in fact speaks.
An alarm which fulfils this advisory function performs the
job
for
which it was intended but with the growth of alarm installations there
has also been a vast increase in the number of false alarms; there is
nothing new in this situation. It is only that it is getting worse.
250 July 1981
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