FARA Training Symposium Overview
September 1, 2007 – UCC Dealer Relations Representative, Joe Carr attended the False Alarm Reduction Association (FARA) 11th Annual International Training Symposium in Dallas, Texas April 23 through 27th this year. FARA is a not for profit organization whose members are dedicated to the reduction of false burglar and fire alarms. Regular membership is limited to law enforcement agencies. Associate membership is available to companies and individuals that are interested in improving the alarm industry.
The symposium opened with a full schedule of training sessions. New members were greeted and given a detailed overview of the goals and philosophy of FARA. Any new member may be assigned a mentor to insure continuing education and support. This was followed by the existing member session where old friends networked and shared new information. FARA believes an educated member can do a better job and a Professional Certification Exam Prep class was offered to those who were working toward certification. The meetings were not all work and no play and FARA Jeopardy had the members answering alarm answers with questions.
The next day was filled with training sessions. Groups were formed and a success story from a law enforcement agency was told to the class. One common thread was that most successful alarm reduction programs included a “No permit-No response” policy. The next session educated the association participants as to best use industry associations to promoted false alarm reduction. The North Texas Alarm Association and Texas Burglar and Fire Alarm Association were represented by Chris Russell and Chip Bird.
A growing practice among police and fire departments is to outsource the administration of the alarm unit. A third party handles everything from the issuing of permits to collecting fee and fines. This does not replace the alarm unit but rather augments their efforts and frees he department to do their basic job of protecting the public. The day concluded with a tour of the Dallas 911 center where the participants saw first hand how police, fire, EMS and other calls to 911 are processed and prioritized.
Day three opened with 'What Have You Done For Me Lately' a lively session discussing the improvements in false alarm reduction. A mock civil trial was held to demonstrate how the legal system can effect law enforcement. Other sessions that day covered how to jump start a program that may not be making the progress it once was. The sessions ended with a presentation showing what the alarm companies are doing to help in the effort such as CPO1 and enhanced verification.
Thee final day took up where they left off and focused on security technology and devices. A discussion regarding the future of verified response and how it will effect the industry and law enforcement was held. The symposium wrapped up with the Professional Certification Exam and a board meeting.
Who should become a member of FARA? All law enforcement agencies that desire to cooperate with the alarm industry with the goal of improved public service. Alarm users especially those that have stores or offices in multi jurisdictional areas. Alarm equipment manufactures and distributors can showcase their equipment. Alarm central stations benefit by reducing operator responses. Installing alarm dealers can keep up with the latest trends in the industry. Check out www.faraonline,org for applications.
The next annual meeting is scheduled for Charleston, SC April 21-25, 2008.
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