Confirmation (Verification)

Fitted to Police Calling Systems

Confirmation or Verification, as it is also known, means that a second independent method of detection is fitted to verify that the detection device activating the alarm system has been triggered by an intrusion, and is not just a false alarm.

Confirmation is a requirement for the reinstatement of any existing system that has lost police response because of having too many false alarm activations. Most police forces consider a false alarm any alarm condition not caused by an unauthorised entry to the premises or criminal damage to the protected premises.

All new systems installed after October 1st, 2001, must be confirmed systems.

There are three main systems of confirmation. Audio, Visual and Sequential.

AUDIO CONFIRMATION

is obtained by the addition of microphones within the protected area. In the event of the intruder alarm system operating by the activation of a detector, the operator at the ARC, or Central Station monitoring the system, can hear any noises within the protected area, and if sounds of intrusion are heard, the activation can be passed to the police as a confirmed alarm. If no sounds are heard, the activation is unconfirmed, and is responded to by the key holder only. The audio type of confirmation varies in quality from mediocre to very effective. A top of the range system can be operated from the monitoring ARC. The ARC operator can "see" the individual zone or circuit operated by the intruder and the operation of the audible alarm can be remotely controlled. If necessary the operator can reset the alarm system without calling out a Keyholder. Good interpretation of the sounds received is vital if false alarm calls are to be reduced.

VISUAL CONFIRMATION

is made with either the premise CCTV system or integral cameras within the alarm system. The activation is obviously confirmed if an intruder can be seen. This system relies on good visibility, and attention has to be made to lighting, either normal or infra red

SEQUENTIAL CONFIRMATION

The most common type of confirmation is achieved by designing the system in such a way that an intruder moving through a premises he triggers at least two independent detectors, thus making the possibility of a false alarm unlikely. The first unit to trigger gives a different signal to Alarm Monitoring Station, indicating a key holder only response. A full alarm activation caused by two independent detectors indicates that police response is required. It is very rare for two detectors to operate falsely, at the same time.

As a second confirmation alarm signal may be received by the ARC after key holders have been sent to the premises, it is obviously desirable for the key holders to carry a mobile phone to allow warning of a possible break in, before they enter the premises.

Sequential confirmation is the most widely used form of alarm verification as it is relatively simple to install, depending on the intruder alarms control units age and capabilities. The system must be well designed from the start, to ensure that two detectors will be triggered especially in vulnerable areas, to ensure a police response.

Modern commercial security system control panels often have the facility to send different signals to the ARC to indicate if the alarm has been operated by the perimeter protection e.g. vibration detectors or contacts (switches) on the exterior doors and windows, or by internal protection. This information can assist in deciding if the activation is genuine or false.

Sequential verification is really the only acceptable system of confirmation in dwelling houses. -For obvious reasons!

As from July 1st 2002, all alarm specifications in England, Wales and Northern Ireland must specify what areas of the system have confirmation, and which have not.