PA's / Personal Attack / Panic / Bandit / Buttons
PERSONAL ATTACK BUTTONS (BANDIT BUTTONS / PANIC BUTTONS)
Personal attack buttons are locking push buttons that are connected to a SEPARATE ZONE OR CIRCUIT a 24-hour P.A (Personal Attack) circuit. A 24-hour circuit is a zone or circuit programmed into a control unit to be live whether the alarm is set or unset. By pressing the button or buttons which locks them in a pressed condition, the full audible alarm will sound on an audible only alarm system or on a silent personal attack alarm, a signal is sent to the ARC. The only way to stop and resetthe alarm, is to first release the locked down button with a key, and then enter the setting / un-setting code on the control unit. This will not stop the police response however. Personal attack buttons are often fitted at the main entrance door at a height of 4 to 5 feet. The door should be fitted with a doorchain, If the door is answered, with the chain on, the occupier can activate the Personal Attack Alarm if necessary, to draw attention to other occupants and neighbours or the police. A second Personal Attack Button is usually fitted next to the bed in the master bedroom at a level easily reached from the bed to summon help at night.
Be warned, small children, visitors and especially workmen are magnetically drawn to these devices, and will activate them!--- at every opportunity! and then deny all knowledge of the fact. If your audible only alarm sounds while unset,AND you have any of the aformentioned visitors, check your PA buttons first. Have the reset key available. PA buttons on a police calling systems are silent If the police arrive un announced-check the PA buttons.
Also check that the mains supply is connected to the alarm control box.
DOUBLE PUSH PERSONAL ATTACK BUTTONS
Double push buttons have two separate buttons that must both be pushed to create an alarm condition. This should cut down accidental operations of the personal attack alarm.
DURESS CODE
On a police calling system, or on alarms with a remote signalling facility, a different code may be entered into the keypad. If the keyholder is forced to turn off the system, the duress code gives a silent personal attack alarm at the ARC, but appearing to just turn off the alarm system. Onlookers cannot detect this---the alarm will seem to have been disarmed normally.The fitting of a duress code is now governed by the European standard catagory used.
MISUSE OF PA BUTTONS
PLEASE NOTE - The police response to a personal attack alarm call by most police forces, on alarms with police calling facilities is given top priority. The PA button is only to be used in an emergency situation in the presence of a threat to the person. It is not to be used in place of a routine call to the police. This includes calling for police assistance AFTER a robbery or break in. It should only be used in the face of an imminent threat to safety. Misuse of the PA button could involve injury or even death to responding police officers, or members of the public. Some Police Forces dispatch an Armed Response Vehicle to PERSONAL ATTACK ALARMS. Do not upset them by misuse of the P.A facility!