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The Electronic call handling operator initiative, ECHO, has announced that it is now supporting 200,000 Intruder and Hold-Up Alarm systems on police response with URNs (Unique Reference Numbers).
Launched in 2021, ECHO now provides virtually instant alarm signalling to police control rooms from approved Alarm Receiving Centres (ARCs), who remotely monitor premises protected by Intruder and Hold-Up alarm systems.
The company is automating police alarm response to homeowners, businesses and government properties across the Metropolitan and Essex police areas, soon to be followed by Avon & Somerset Police.
The majority of signals from all Intruder and Hold-Up alarm systems registered with the Metropolitan Police are now being transmitted via ECHO’s automated signalling service. The police estimate the new system increases the speed of ‘blue light’ response to emergencies by up to four minutes – helping them apprehend offenders and providing greater assurance to home and property owners – potentially saving lives in critical emergencies.
This follows the issuing of notice last year by the Metropolitan and Essex Police requiring ARCs registered with their Police Forces to transmit Intruder and Hold-Up Alarm Systems’ activation calls via ECHO.
David Mair, Manager at Security Systems Unit, Metropolitan Police Service, commented: “The ECHO signalling service is without doubt the most significant technological advancement in the handling of Intruder and Hold-Up alarm signals between ARCs and police responder desks.
“Having become ECHO-connected ourselves last year, we are already experiencing the benefits of utilising this technology; not least, it enables us to effect a quicker and more efficient police response to premises in an emergency situation.”
Stuart Bowman, Security Systems Manager, Essex Police, said: “Having been at the fore throughout the development of this ground-breaking service, we welcome the step change this milestone represents in improving police response times and the additional reassurance provided to the wider public who rely upon this technology.”
In a recent IFSEC Global webinar, Mark Taylor, General Manager at ECHO (Electronic Call Handling Operations) and David Mair, Manager of Security Systems Unit at the Metropolitan Police, highlighted the importance of implementing ECHO technology as the alarm industry continues to evolve. To watch the webinar on-demand, click here.
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ECHO announces 200,000 URN milestoneECHO has announced that it is now supporting almost 200,000 Intruder and Hold-Up Alarm systems on police response with URNs (Unique Reference Numbers).
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