Police Monitored Alarms: Explained. Are They Right For You?
Police monitored alarms are professionally installed security systems that connect to an accredited monitoring centre and, when strict verification criteria are met, can result in a police response.
Unlike standard alarm systems, police monitored alarms must comply with recognised industry standards and be installed by a certified provider. This ensures false alarms are filtered out and that only genuine, confirmed incidents are escalated.
At GMSE Fire & Security, we install compliant alarm systems that meet the requirements for police response, working in line with SSAIB certification and UK best practice for both commercial and residential properties.
What is a Police Monitored Alarm?
A police monitored alarm is a security system that is connected to an accredited Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC). When the alarm is triggered, a signal is sent to the monitoring centre rather than directly to the police.
The ARC will assess the activation using approved verification methods, such as sequential confirmation from multiple sensors or additional system checks. Only when the activation meets police response criteria will the incident be passed to the police.
This process exists to reduce false alarms and ensure police resources are only deployed when there is strong evidence of a genuine security incident. As a result, police monitored alarms must be professionally installed, correctly maintained, and supported by recognised certification.
When is a Police Monitored Alarm the Right Choice?
Police monitored alarms are not required for every property, but they can be highly effective in the right situations. They are most commonly used where there is a higher risk of intrusion, a requirement for formal police response, or specific insurance conditions to meet.
Rather than being a standalone solution, police monitoring is typically added to a professionally installed alarm system and tailored to the type of property being protected.
Residential properties
For residential settings, police monitored alarms are typically used where there is an increased security risk, a history of repeat incidents, or where insurers specify enhanced monitoring requirements.
Many homeowners opt for professionally monitored burglar alarms as a strong first step, with police response considered where appropriate based on risk and system design.
Commercial properties
Police monitored alarms are commonly used in commercial environments such as offices, warehouses, retail units, schools, and industrial premises. These properties often benefit from enhanced monitoring due to their size, asset value, or periods of inactivity outside working hours.
In these cases, police monitoring is usually paired with a professionally designed intruder alarm system, helping to provide an appropriate response when a confirmed activation occurs.
Why SSAIB Certification Matters for Police Monitored Alarms
Police monitored alarms must meet strict standards before police response will be granted. One of the most important requirements is that the system is installed and maintained by a recognised, independent certification body.
GMSE Fire & Security is certified by SSAIB, a leading UK authority for fire and security compliance. This certification confirms that alarm systems are designed, installed, and maintained in line with nationally recognised standards.
Without appropriate certification, alarm activations will not be eligible for police response, regardless of the equipment installed. Ongoing maintenance and correct system operation are also essential to retain compliance and avoid police response being withdrawn.
What Police Monitored Alarms Are Not
There are a few common misconceptions around police monitored alarms, and it’s important to clear these up early.
Police monitored alarms do not guarantee an automatic police response every time an alarm is triggered. All activations must first be verified by an accredited monitoring centre to reduce false alarms.
They are also not a replacement for a properly designed alarm system. Police monitoring works alongside professionally installed intruder or burglar alarms, but it does not compensate for poor system design or incorrect usage.
Finally, police monitored alarms are not suitable for every property. In many cases, professionally monitored alarms without police response provide excellent protection and are more appropriate for the level of risk involved.
Choosing the Right Alarm Setup
Police monitored alarms are most effective when they form part of a wider, professionally designed security solution. The right approach depends on the type of property, the level of risk, and any insurance or compliance requirements.
If you’re considering police monitoring, we’re happy to advise on whether it’s appropriate and how it fits alongside professionally installed intruder alarms for commercial properties or burglar alarm systems for homes.
FAQs
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No. Police only respond to alarms that meet strict verification criteria, such as sequential confirmation from approved systems connected to an accredited Alarm Receiving Centre.
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Yes. Police response is only granted to alarm systems installed and maintained by an SSAIB-certified (or equivalent) company and connected to a compliant monitoring centre.
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They can be, but they are typically used where there is a higher level of risk or specific insurance requirements. Many homes are well protected with professionally monitored burglar alarms without police response.
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The alarm signal is assessed by a monitoring centre. If it meets police response criteria, the incident is passed to the police. False alarms are filtered out before escalation.
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Yes. Repeated false activations or failure to maintain system compliance can result in police response being withdrawn.