Verified alarms, powered by video alarm verification, are changing the way businesses handle security threats. Unlike traditional alarms that rely on motion sensors or door contacts, verified alarms use live video to confirm a real threat before alerting authorities. This reduces false alarms, speeds up emergency response times, and ensures law enforcement treats every alert as a priority. For businesses looking to improve security, understanding the difference between verified and traditional alarms is key to making the right choice.
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ToggleWhat are verified alarms?
Verified alarms are security alarms that use video or audio verification to confirm a real threat before alerting authorities. Instead of relying solely on motion sensors or door contacts—like traditional alarms—verified alarms provide real-time video footage or audio evidence to a monitoring center.
An example of a verified alarm:
A restaurant’s alarm system is triggered at 2 a.m. In a traditional system, this would immediately alert the alarm company, which would then contact the police. However, without visual confirmation, officers might treat it as a low-priority call—or worse, it could be a false alarm caused by an employee error or a stray animal.
With a verified alarm, the system automatically sends live video footage to a monitoring center. An operator reviews the footage and sees a masked individual attempting to break into the back door. Because the threat is confirmed, law enforcement is dispatched immediately with high priority. Officers arrive in minutes, stopping the break-in before any damage or theft occurs.
By using video alarm verification, businesses reduce false alarms, avoid fines, and ensure faster police response when it truly matters.
Why verified alarms or video alarm verification is so important
False alarms waste time, strain law enforcement resources, and lead to costly fines. Traditional alarms often trigger due to harmless events like employee mistakes, animals, or weather—causing unnecessary emergency responses. Verified alarms with video verification solve this problem by confirming real threats before dispatching police.
Faster police response
When an alarm is verified with video, authorities know they’re responding to a real crime in progress. Because police prioritize confirmed threats over unverified alarms, response times are significantly faster. This can mean the difference between catching a suspect in the act or arriving too late to prevent damage or theft. This aligns with AVS-01 standards, a new set of rules designed to improve law enforcement response by giving priority to verified alarms.
Fewer false alarms
Traditional alarms often trigger due to harmless events like employee mistakes, animals, or even strong winds. Each false alarm wastes police resources and can result in hefty fines. With video alarm verification, security teams can confirm whether an alarm is legitimate before dispatching law enforcement—preventing unnecessary disruptions and costs.
Stronger security
A standard alarm simply signals that something might be wrong, but it doesn’t provide context. Verified alarms offer live video footage, allowing monitoring centers to assess the situation in real time. This ensures that security threats—such as break-ins, vandalism, or suspicious behavior—are never ignored or dismissed as false alarms.
Better business protection
Break-ins and theft can cost businesses thousands in losses, not to mention the added expenses of repairs and downtime. Verified alarms provide an extra layer of security by ensuring real threats are detected and addressed quickly. With video verification, businesses gain peace of mind knowing that law enforcement will respond when it truly matters.
Verified alarms vs. traditional alarms: Key differences
Businesses rely on security alarms to protect their property, but not all alarms work the same way. Traditional alarms and verified alarms have major differences in how they detect, confirm, and respond to security threats.
Detection: Motion sensors vs. video verification
- Traditional alarms: Triggered by motion sensors, door contacts, or glass break detectors. These systems alert a monitoring center but provide no visual confirmation of what caused the alarm.
- Verified alarms: Use video or audio verification to confirm a real threat before dispatching authorities. This reduces false alarms and ensures police respond to actual incidents.
Police response time: Low vs. high priority
- Traditional alarms: Because false alarms are common, police often treat unverified alarms as low priority, leading to delayed responses.
- Verified alarms: With video confirmation, authorities know a crime is in progress, leading to faster, high-priority police dispatch.
False alarm rate: Frequent vs. reduced
- Traditional alarms: Often triggered by accidental entry, pets, weather, or system malfunctions, leading to costly false alarm fines.
- Verified alarms: Reduce false alarms by ensuring security personnel can visually confirm threats before calling the police.
Business protection: Limited vs. proactive
- Traditional alarms: Only signal that something may be wrong but provide no real-time details.
- Verified alarms: Provide real-time video access, allowing business owners and security teams to monitor incidents as they happen.
Compliance with AVS-01 standards
- Traditional Alarms: Do not meet the AVS-01 standards, which prioritize verified alarms for law enforcement response.
- Verified Alarms: Align with AVS-01 standards, ensuring compliance and faster emergency responses.
For businesses looking to improve security, reduce false alarms, and get faster police response, verified alarms with video verification offer a smarter, more effective solution.
Industries that benefit most from video alarm verification
Verified alarms provide faster response times, fewer false alarms, and stronger security—making them a valuable solution across various industries. Businesses with high-value inventory, multiple locations, or frequent security threats benefit the most.
Retail stores & shopping centers
- High risk of theft, burglary, and fraud
- Protects against shoplifting, internal theft, and organized retail crime
- Reduces false alarm fines from motion-triggered systems
Restaurants & bars
- Vulnerable to after-hours break-ins and vandalism
- Helps monitor employee safety and suspicious activity
- Prevents false alarms from staff mistakes or cleaning crews
Warehouses & distribution centers
- Targets for cargo theft and unauthorized access
- Protects inventory and high-value goods
- Allows remote real-time monitoring across multiple locations
Banks & financial institutions
- Require high-priority police response for robbery and fraud
- Video verification helps identify suspects before they leave the scene
- Ensures compliance with security regulations
Healthcare facilities & pharmacies
- Protects controlled substances, patient records, and medical equipment
- Reduces false alarms caused by staff movement or automatic doors
- Ensures faster emergency response for security threats
Car dealerships & auto repair shops
- Large lots with expensive inventory make them prime targets for theft
- Video verification prevents false alarms from animals or weather
- Helps track suspicious activity after hours
Hotels & hospitality businesses
- Ensures guest safety by monitoring entry points and restricted areas
- Reduces false alarms caused by high foot traffic
- Helps detect and respond to suspicious behavior quickly
Businesses in these industries can significantly improve security, reduce costs, and ensure priority response with verified alarms and video alarm verification.
How Solink’s video alarm monitoring enhances security
Solink’s video alarm monitoring transforms traditional security systems by adding real-time video verification, ensuring that every alarm is taken seriously. When an alarm is triggered, Solink’s system instantly sends live footage to a monitoring center, where security professionals verify the threat before contacting authorities. This reduces false alarms, helping businesses avoid costly fines and ensuring police respond faster to actual crimes. Unlike traditional alarms that rely solely on motion sensors, Solink’s solution provides visual confirmation, making it easier to detect suspicious activity, prevent theft, and improve overall security. Businesses can also access their video footage remotely, giving them full visibility and control over their locations at all times. By integrating seamlessly with existing security infrastructure, Solink delivers a smarter, more reliable way to protect businesses from loss and security threats.
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