It included a number of strict alarm reduction measures aimed at improving the quality of management of security systems, allowing Scottish police to maximise resources.
The policy was introduced in June 2002 and included, among its measures of reduction, establishing a threshold for the maximum acceptable number of false activations before police response is removed.
Unlike the policy used in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, there is no mandatory requirement for confirmed technology in newly installed systems in Scotland, except when response needs to be restored.
From June 2002 – June 2003, there were 171,298 intruder alarm activations in Scotland, 60,000 fewer alarm activations compared with the same period in the previous year, saving the Scottish Police Service an estimated GB pound 1 million. SPS say the money will be used to enhance policing in local communities.
David Dickinson, chief executive of the BSIA, which worked closely with ACPOS to produce the policy, said Scottish police had encouraged a best practice approach to installing, operating and maintaining intruder alarms.
Assistant chief constable, John McLean, chairman of the community safety sub-committee of ACPOS, said: “Officers freed from the need to attend alarm activations are now in a position to serve communities in a more positive way by responding quickly to more genuine calls.”
