Show caution, says BSIA

The association says it has been discussing with ACPO the problems arising from different interpretations of the policy by some forces "which may not have been anticipated by ACPO". Explained the BSIA: "Some police forces are introducing premium rate lines and have asked companies to sign Appendix B of the ACPO Policy, which is agreement to the whole Policy.

"The BSIA has advised its members to sign Appendix B only if required to do so to get access to the new lines, as some aspects of the new Policy have yet to be resolved." It has drafted a letter for members to use in these circumstances "so that companies can reserve the right to seek clarification on other aspects of the Policy at a future date".

How do they do it in Europe?
The BSIA has also been awarded funding by the DTI to research into methods used by other European countries to reduce the number of false alarms passed to the police.

The purpose is to make a list of 'best practice' procedures for reducing false alarms. The study will aim to reveal methods of reducing false alarms caused by user error. It will also assess whether or not there are additional methods that could be adopted by ARCS.