“There’s no trick to being a humorist when you have the whole government working for you.”  ~ Will Rogers US humorist & showman (1879 – 1935)

Our trips to Tallahassee may be numerous, expensive and whirlwind this year in working with our lobbyist Eric Prutsman and because of early session. We have already met with numerous legislators and staff to discuss pending bills and issues affecting our industry. And although there are many who delight in pointing out some of the annoying deficiencies in the governmental system, we can’t help but come away impressed with the both the quality and intelligence of the folks that we meet.

Bob Worthy, legislative chair and many others have contributed time, effort and phone sweat for many hours over the potential issues that could affect your alarm contracting business in one form or another.   The perennial ‘journeyman’ bill always proposed, this time around will remove the existing square footage requirement among other things.  There are of course other bills regarding condominiums, deregulation and workers compensation that we are monitoring as well.

A very strong political group has been pushing extremely hard for repeal on the sprinkler and alarm retrofit of their condominiums. We have been successful in removing the elements from similar past bills that adversely affect the electronic alarm issues. But the fight on this one is gigantic and we need your help both politically and financially to be successful again. One portion of that bill that did pass was the exemption of one and two story condominiums with exterior egress from manual fire alarm systems. We vigorously opposed this. Since they were successful on this issue they want another bite of the apple this year in the 2012 session.

If you consider the staggering number of issues that affect our lives daily; and then assume that one person (my representative or my senator) be expected to immediately grasp the thousand nuances of my industry in one sitting, you are sadly mistaken.  I liken it to someone entering my office and within a ten minute time frame expecting me to comprehend the electronic subtleties of a space launch.

These fine people go toTallahasseeas Senators and Representatives to try and make a difference in the way we are able to better our lives. Their legislative staff members are there for that same purpose. The reason ourAAFvolunteers go toTallahasseeis to play a role in helping them along in this process. This is government from the bottom up, not the top down. These legislators are as dependent upon us for information as we are dependent upon them to pass effective laws. It must NOT be a matter of one individual imposing their will upon the remainder of us or loyalty to any particular party. That is why it is so very important for us to participate in this sometimes difficult process.

That is why you contribute funds to our Florida AlarmPac to help elect individuals favorable to our industry. That is why we go toTallahassee. That is why we visit them in their district offices. This is most important. If you were a plumber and dropped by your local legislator’s office to introduce yourself and left your card, imagine what happens when you leave. The first time they have a leaky faucet, or an issue arises regarding plumbing construction, or waste water, or a thousand other plumbing issues, guess who that legislator will call? The number on the card you left.

The same thing applies to security and fire issues. If your card is on their desk, they will CALL YOU! They are by no means experts in any one industry and rarely have the background necessary for every issue that comes up. They depend upon experts such as you for the information they need to comprehend the problem and to make good law. That is why you need to introduce yourself to them. That way YOU are the one providing the momentum on the issue rather than being hammered from the “top down”.

Every year we appeal to our members to contribute funds to assist us in these legislative endeavors. Our campaign organization formed under Floridalaw is the Florida AlarmPac. We gather and distribute campaign funds legally through this organization to worthy candidates in their quest for office. That is how we are able to support those we want elected. Coincidentally recently retired Fire Chief Jon Pasqualone has announced his candidacy this year in District 82. He has a web site www.jonpasqualone.com that you may want to visit. Jon is currently COO of the Florida Fire Marshals’ and Inspectors Association and has been a long time friend of the public and private sector industries.

The 2011 session was one of the hardest fights we ever had in protecting alarm industry issues stretching from the home offices right onto the House legislature floor. This year promises to be even more difficult. We ask that you send your contributions to the Florida AlarmPac at theAAFoffice right away. All amounts large and small are welcome. Do not assume that someone else will do this. Make your check out today, or call theAAFfor credit card contributions @ 800-899-2099.  We need and welcome your help in the effort. Please assist us today.

Bob Neely – Executive Director

Alarm Association ofFlorida

The FireWatch upload/download IP communicator enables any commercial building’s fire alarm system to communicate with central monitoring stations via the Internet. Its exclusive upload/download feature allows installers to interact with systems from any remote location.

Whether uploading program updates, troubleshooting issues or performing virtual maintenance checks, these remote capabilities can lead to reduced expenses and false june issue 2009:Layout 1 6/9/2009 4:19 PM Page 14 Industry News alarms. Fire-Lite’s IP communicator can utilize a building’s existing IP line (i.e. LAN, WAN, DSL, cable, etc.) to digitally transmit information to central stations. Traditional phone lines utilized for alarm communications can be eliminated. Internet alarm monitoring eliminates the many alarm communication issues that stem from the telecommunications industry’s ongoing switch to fiber optic cable for digital signal transmissions.

While enabling faster alarm transmissions, the FireWatch IP communicator also increases supervision of connectivity between the central station and alarm panel to every 90 seconds. Phone lines are typically supervised once every 24 hours. The FireWatch IP communicator merely connects to a fire alarm panel’s standard telephone ports, no changes to the panel’s existing configuration are required. All alarm transmissions are secured with the industry’s highest level of encryption (AES 512 bit). This module’s fully-digital transmission method also eliminates common dropouts in modem communications caused by noise or other factors.

The FireWatch IP communicator is listed to UL 864 9th Edition standards as compatible with multiple new and legacy varieties of Fire-Lite alarm panels. For more information, visit www.firelite.com.

The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, in partnership with the Clay County Sheriff ’s Office, completed a two-day contracting sting operation recently in May. These stings are set up throughout Florida on a regular basis. In the Clay County operation, the DBPR targeted individuals found advertising via the Internet. The suspected unlicensed contractors were asked to submit bids for work including, plumbing, roofing, home theatre installation, security surveillance, electrical outlets and installation of electrical panel boxes.

When the individuals arrived to deliver the bids, they were asked to provide proof of licensure. Those who could not provide proof were arrested and issued citations. Citation amounts varied based on whether the individuals offered to do both construction and electrical work or only one of the services. They were fined either $2500 or $5000.

The Handshake, Editor, Susan Brady, sat down with Michael Green, Unlicensed Activity Administrator, Division of Regulation to learn more about DBRP’s inner workings. The department investigates complaints of unlicensed activity under the statutory authority of Section 455.225, Florida Statutes. Contracting without an electrical contractor’s license in violation of sections 489.531.(1)(a)(b) Florida Statute. The department is very concerned about unlicensed contracting activity, and we take various steps to combat this problem. The department performs sweeps and sting operations around the state in conjunction with law enforcement and other regulatory agencies. Appropriate action is taken in the event that an investigation reveals unlicensed activity. Individuals found to be contracting without a license can be charged up to $5,000 per violation and are subject to referral for criminal prosecution. In some cases where there is no apparent consumer harm, the department may issue a citation for $1,000 or $2,500.

The department has also set up a toll free hotline, 1.866.532.1440, where consumers and licensees report possible violations of unlicensed activity or obtain assistance with the complaint process. Callers to the toll free line are asked to provide the name of the unlicensed person or business, the address where the activity is taking place and any other information that will be helpful.

This information is relayed to the appropriate regional enforcement office for assignment to an investigator. Due to geographical limitations, the local office may recruit the assistance of partners at local code enforcement, building department or law enforcement to check out the activity.

Licensed professionals in all trades are becoming increasingly aware of unlicensed competition in these tough economic times. Licensees across the state are very helpful in submitting offers and advertisements from unlicensed individuals and companies. After hurricanes unlicensed persons are more prevalent and the desperate homeowner is more vulnerable than during normal circumstances.
The Department may:
• Investigate complaints and refer the information to the State Attorney.
• File an administrative complaint and seek sanctions up to $10,000.
• Issue a notice to cease and desist unlicensed contracting.
• File a case in circuit court for an injunction when a notice to cease and desist is ignored and seek a civil penalty ranging from $500 to $5,000.
• Issue a citation requiring payment between $1,000 and $2,500.
Section 455.2277, Florida Statutes, requires the Department to “report any criminal violation of any statute relating to the practice of a profession regulated by the department or appropriate board to the proper prosecuting authority for prompt prosecution.” Those working without a license can be charged with a first-degree misdemeanor for a first offense. Anyone who works without a license during a governor declared state-of-emergency, such as a hurricane, commits a third-degree felony.

The department’s investigators are not sworn law enforcement, so we are not able to make arrest. We must defer to law enforcement to make this decision on a case by case basis. Investigators work with law enforcement on sweep and sting activities and develop working relationships to provide stronger cases referred to the State Attorney.

By Susan Brady – Editor

John Toscano called later that afternoon to advise me that they had decided to join the AAF. We all were exceptionally pleased with the news and rather gratified that the AAF, with supporting testimony, was deemed superior to starting an organization from scratch.

The situation in this western region of the state brings up a couple of interesting points and a few questions.

It was obvious from the questions and comments at the meeting that quite a few of the Contractors either did not know about the AAF or did not understand our strengths and depth.
Do you promote the AAF to your fellow Contractors, Building Inspectors and Public Safety Officials? If not, you should be since you are in contact with these people on a regular basis. By reaching out to your contacts, you help everyone in the industry. Contractors who are unaware of the AAF (yes, there are a few) may be in a position to contribute in a big way to the group. Once they join, for example, they can enhance AAF’s efforts to help reduce unlicensed contracting.

Do your Building Inspectors and Fire Service officials know about BASA/FASA cards, just as another example? Did you know that the AAF works hand in hand with SIAC (Security Industry Alarm Coalition) to write, revise, and generally make better False Alarm Ordinances, for BOTH burg and fire?

Something you might say to a Fire or Police official might lead to their city writing a better alarm ordinance.

Do you know the benefits (training and legislative support, for instance) the AAF provides? Are you involved enough in the AAF to be able to properly answer these questions?

Equally obvious was the fact that more than of a few of the Contractors who did know about the AAF believed that it is an organization dedicated to the burglar alarm side of the industry.

Although on the surface it may appear that is the case, nothing is further from the truth.

Do you know that, in fact, the AAF is fighting legislatively for all disciplines within the low voltage industry? This year alone, the AAF has worked within the State Legislature with respect to five major bills, and several minor ones, that would have had an effect on EVERYONE in the low voltage industry in a negative way had we not been there. (See Bob Neely’s article, From the Director’s Chair on page 7 for more details.)

Did you know that the Alarm Association of Florida has made major inroads with the Fire Services throughout the state in the last two years? Mark Paloski, the AAF Training Program Manager, is providing training in conjunction with the FFMIA to offer Continuing Education credits to the Fire Service. This is paying dividends in spades by placing the AAF in front of these officials as an organization full of people that can assist them as partners not confront them as
adversaries.

Three years ago I was invited to participate in a panel discussion at the FARA False Alarm Reduction Association annual meeting in Miami, FL. FARA is an association primarily of persons employed by government and public safety agencies in charge of, or working in,

False Alarm Reduction Units. When it was my turn to address the assembly I offered the following comment: “Ladies and Gentlemen, we are engaged in a war and it is ‘Us’ against ‘Them.’ The ‘Us’ is not the Alarm Companies and the ‘Them’ is not the Police or Fire Agencies. The ‘Us’ is both the Alarm Companies AND you, the Police and Fire Agencies. The ‘Them’ is the bad guys who break the law or anything that threatens life and limb like fire, all of which represent peril to life and property. We need to join forces to defeat the ‘Them.”

Promote the AAF, YOUR Association, to assist in the war to defeat the “Them.”

Dear Readers:

Even to this day, as the summer months arrive and the Fourth of July approaches, I become patriotic. It is a time to reflect on the accomplishments our countrymen have made.

In a true test of the American legislative system at work, AAF Executive Director, Bob Neely, recaps the Alarm Association of Florida’s successful trips to Tallahassee. Turn to page 7. The efforts of all the AAF representatives involved in this year’s legislative session are to be commended.

Protecting the citizens of your community can be looked at as a contribution to America.You should feel proud. AAF President, Bob Ireland, reminds members to promote the AAF to your fellow contractors and building and public safety officials. Ireland also announces that a group of some 35 Fire Alarm Contractors from the Fort Meyers-Naples Region have decided to join the AAF. Read about it on page 5.

Helping to uphold the reputation of your profession to a high standard is also part of the American spirit. “Keeping Unlicensed Contractors Out of Security,” takes a closer look at how The Department of Business and Professional Regulation handles unlicensed contractors operating in your industry.

The interview with Michael Green begins on page 10. Your certification as a Fire Alarm System Agent (FASA) or Burglar Alarm System Agent (BASA) says you are a trained expert. You have completed the necessary education.

The requirements also point to the character of your company. The licensing means any employee in your firm engaged in the contracting or installation of alarm systems need to be certified as either a Fire Alarm System Agent or Burglar Alarm System Agent. FASA and BASA certification requires the employee to meet the following criteria:

• Is at least 18 years of age.
• Completed a minimum of 14 hours of training by a boardapproved provider.
• Has not been convicted of a crime directly related to the business within the last three (3) years.
• Must obtain from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) a completed fingerprint and background check if applying as a burglar or fire alarm system agent every two (2) years.
• Has not been committed for substance abuse within the last three (3) years.

Your customers and business contacts may not be aware that as a FASA/BASA agent you must also complete six hours of board-approved continuing education every two years including false alarm reduction.

Security involves technology. Staying up to date with training is vital. It is also part of being American. You are making your business better all the time.

Susan A. Brady
Editor

Another bill concerned a new category of licensure for locksmiths: very much needed for security if for no other reason. We were able to work with them to remove the initial statutory conflicts and amend the bill to accommodate the necessary and reasonable terminology for it to pass muster. Then there was the perennial journeyman bill always proposed, that this time around would have removed the existing square footage requirement among other things. Of course, we also monitored a bill that would have a drastic effect on your workers compensation rates if passed in the wrong form.

A very strong political group also pushed extremely hard for an extension on the sprinkler and alarm retrofit of their condominiums to push out to the year 2025. We were able to remove the elements from the bill that adversely affected the electronic alarm issues. One portion of that bill that did pass was the exemption of one and two story condominiums with exterior egress from manual fire alarm systems.  We vigorously opposed this.

If you consider the staggering number of issues that affect your life daily and then assume that one person (a state representative or senator) be expected to immediately grasp the thousand nuances of your industry in one sitting, you are sadly mistaken. You can liken it to someone entering your office and expecting you within a ten minute time frame to comprehend the electronic subtleties of a space launch.

These fine people go to Tallahassee as senators and representatives to try make a difference in bettering your lives. Their legislative staff members are there for that same purpose. The reason our AAF volunteers go to Tallahassee is to play a role in helping them along in this process. This is government from the bottom up, not the top down. These legislators are as dependent upon us for information as we are dependent upon them to pass effective laws. It must NOT be a matter of one individual imposing their will upon others. That is why it is so very important for you to participate in this sometimes difficult process.

Your contributed funds to Florida AlarmPac help elect individuals favorable to your industry. It is why AAF goes to Tallahassee and why, as an AAF member, you are asked to visit legislators in your district. It is most important. Drop by your local legislator’s office, introduce yourself and leave your card. What happens next is when there is an issue regarding security that legislator will call the number on the card you left. Legislators depend upon experts such as you for the information they need to comprehend the problems and to make good law. YOU are the one providing the momentum on the issue rather than being hammered by it.

We succeeded in shutting down the service contracts bill. We worked with the locksmiths, but their bill stalled in committee. The journeyman bill also ground to a halt in committee reviews when issues that could have caused conflicts with existing law became apparent. Workers compensation is now much better than when it started and our electronic fire alarm time frames are still intact for retrofit. All in all, it was a very successful if not hard fought legislative session for 2009.

Every year we appeal to AAF members to contribute funds to assist in these legislative endeavors. The campaign organization formed under Florida law is the Florida AlarmPac. The organization gathers and distributes campaign funds legally to worthy candidates in their quest for office. That is how we are able to support those we want elected.

We ask that you send your contributions to the AAF office right away for the Florida AlarmPac. All amounts large and small are welcome. Do not assume that someone else will send the necessary funds. Make your check out or call the AAF for credit card contributions at: 800-899-2099. Your help in the effort is welcome and needed. Please assist AAF today.

During the meeting there was discussion on unlicensed contractors, pointing out who to contact, how to turn them in and why they should be turned in. Permits and fees in a county ordinance, being active in the community and on county/city/state boards that affect our industry were also on the agenda.

The importance of communication with AAF leadership was discussed and passing on information regarding potential local issues to gain AAF support. The Gulf Breeze incident was used as an example. Norm Mugford read a speech by AAF President, Bob Ireland. Ron Toole discussed budget changes and possible resolutions to AAF expenditures.

Nominations were called, John Young was nominated as Regional Director, and Bob Suhrheinrich was nominated as Regional Secretary. Both were voted in unanimously.

Broward Region (5/13/09)

With 24 members in attendance. Regional Director Dale Burger introduced speaker, Rich Perry, CEO of Security Networks. He spoke on how to maintain, prepare and sell your business. Mel Hulkower of American Marketing then spoke briefly on how they are going out to do on site demos and training.

Bob Ireland took the floor to discuss membership and speaking with people who are not aware of AAF. Specifically he addressed the Fort Myers area fire contractors as an example of new members joining AAF and urged meeting attendees to go to local officials.

Bob Worthy gave a detailed legislature report with general success all around for the end of session in Tallahassee.

Bob Neely gave some handouts and spoke on an unlicensed alarm company in Lake Worth for which Deputy Charlie Mosher has issued orders for “cease and desist.”

POLICE CHIEFS ASSOCIATION SETS A TREND BY ADOPTING AN ALARM MODEL ORDINANCE

FRISCO, Texas (April 30, 2007) – The State of Florida set another “first” in its efforts to manage alarms and enhance public safety.  On April 10, 2007, the Florida Police Chiefs Association (FPCA) passed a resolution to adopt a Model Alarm Ordinance.  The ordinance will be used by police chiefs across the state to develop and/or revise their jurisdiction’s alarm management programs.  It serves as the nation’s first model alarm ordinance developed by a state police chiefs association.

The Security Industry Alarm Coalition (SIAC) as well as the Alarm Association of Florida (AAF) helped FPCA develop the ordinance.  Last year all three groups supported a legislative bill which made Florida the first in the country to fully enforce a statewide statue known as Enhanced Call Verification (ECV).

“Florida is setting the trend for successful alarm management across the country,” said Stan Martin, executive director of SIAC.  “We are proud to be part of this progressive movement and applaud our law enforcement partners in Florida as well as the Alarm Association of Florida for taking this initiative.”

“By approving the Model Alarm Ordinance resolution, our board of directors passed a milestone for Florida law enforcement agencies looking to address the issue of alarm dispatches,” said Chief Nolan McLeod, Auburndale Police Department and President of the Florida Police Chiefs Association.  “We are moving in a positive direction and developing strong alarm management programs throughout the state.”

SIAC helped develop the ordinance as part of the FPCA’s new Alarm Management Committee.  Four police chiefs and three members of the Alarm Association of Florida (AAF) also participated.  The ordinance seeks to reduce false dispatches and the impact they have on police resources.
Its key measures include the following:

• Registration of alarm systems
• An escalating fine structure for alarm abusers who carelessly allow for repeat false dispatches
• Establishment of a system to accept the cancellation of alarms after accidental activations
• Ending police response to alarm users who fail to pay fines and/or permit fees
• An appeal process for people who disagree with fines or the cancellation of their police response
• The use of equipment that meets new quality standards which help prevent false activations
• ECV – the practice of calling a back-up phone number to identify false alarms before dispatching police
• Establishing alarm awareness classes for the community

“The simple fact that FPCA created an Alarm Management Committee is monumental,” added Martin.  “Not only did they develop a model for reducing alarm dispatches, they also developed a model for how law enforcement agencies can work with the private sector to create equally beneficial solutions.”

“The partnership with the alarm industry, SIAC, AAF and our organization’s Alarm Management Committee is phenomenal,” said Amy Mercer, Executive Director of the FPCA.  “We look forward to long term successes.”

Glen Mowrey, SIAC’s National Law Enforcement Liaison who coordinates the committee’s work, stated, “The successes we are experiencing in Florida are the direct result of the committee’s vision, positive energy, and problem solving abilities.”

“We tried to build a relationship with Florida police executives for years,” said Bob Neely, AAF’s Executive Director.  “The recent development of the Alarm Management Committee has finally facilitated that partnership.  We now have a strong relationship and the Model Alarm Ordinance is the fruit of that labor.”

ABOUT SIAC
SIAC is comprised of four major North American security associations–Canadian Security Association (CANASA), Security Industry Association (SIA), Central Station Alarm Association (CSAA), and the National Burglar & Fire Alarm Association (NBFAA)–representing one voice for the alarm industry on alarm management issues. SIAC’s primary charter is to significantly reduce calls for service while strengthening the lines of communication with law enforcement professionals and end users. For more information, contact www.SIACinc.org.