Can the Monitored Intruder Alarm System be ‘self-monitored’ to your mobile phone?

Yes it can, but it’s not a good idea if you’re serious about your security!! Security alarm monitoring to your mobile phone is not recommended for the following reasons:

• SMS/text messaging is not designed for security functions – there are often long delays before ‘packets’ of data can be sent (for this reason the Australian Telecommunications User Group (ATUG) specifically recommends against this practise).

• If an intruder sets off your monitored alarm system, you may be on the phone, your mobile may well be out of range, switched off, or batteries run down. Our monitoring centre, however, is staffed 24 hours a day.

• Perhaps the time when back-to-base monitoring is most important is in a ‘Panic / Duress situation, when you can activate your ‘emergency’ button alerting security officers that you’re in a personal at-risk situation. This function operates even when your alarm is switched off. Sending a message to a mobile phone (which is probably with you) is definitely not a good idea in these circumstances.

• If your alarm system has a fault it will report the fault via the telephone line to the monitoring station, which will then be aware of the specific fault and contact you to rectify the problem. If your alarm system is not monitored you will not know. And a mobile phone cannot identify a fault signal.

• Monitoring centre security officers are able to identify the exact alarm point, and also know if multiple alarms have occurred (meaning that it’s almost certain that an intruder is moving around within the premises). Your mobile phone cannot access to this important information

• Licensed security officers can quickly notify appropriate emergency response authorities, and will follow through and resolve in accordance with your pre-determined instructions

• If your monitored alarm system has smoke sensors connected, your mobile phone will not be able to identify a smoke alarm (which obviously requires a different and most urgent response)

Choosing an apparently ‘cheap option’ of trying to self-monitor your alarm is likely to prove a very poor decision when you really need security. If you’re thinking that neighbours will respond to alarm sirens… Statistically most alarms are simply ignored by people not wanting to get involved. And if they did and were attacked as a result, it could easily result in a legal claim against you.

Back-to-base security alarm monitoring and response is a job for licensed security professionals…. If you’re serious about your security, then it’s the best option.

Steven Szabo

ProtecSYS Pty. Ltd.

Tel: 1300 788 132