Can You Trust Your Security Company?
Construction companies are realizing the benefit of using security surveillance on sites, and as a result, several companies are throwing their hat in the ring to try to make a fast buck. Many of these new companies are trying to take shortcuts to get in the game quicker or reduce overhead costs. We have seen several of these inexperienced and uneducated companies who are not in compliance with state regulations concerning Alarm Agent Registration.
Sidestepping Laws
Here is an excellent example of one particular law that is being sidestepped:
Under Arizona law, a person shall not (1) operate an alarm business or (2) work as an alarm agent unless the person obtains the proper certification from the Board. A.R.S. §§ 32-121, -122.05(A), -122.06. Section 32-101(4)(a) defines an “alarm business” as “any person who, either alone or through a third party, engages in the business of either of the following: (i) Providing alarm monitoring services. (ii) Selling, leasing, renting, maintaining, repairing or installing a non-proprietor alarm system or service.” Additionally, the statute defines an “alarm agent” as “a person, whether an employee, an independent contractor or otherwise, who acts on behalf of an alarm business and who tests, maintains, services, repairs, sells, rents, leases or installs alarm systems.” A.R.S. § 32-101(3)(a).
These companies could be trying to side step the laws because they know they would not be approved for registration. Becoming an alarm agent requires a full background check. Certain previous convictions can prevent your registration approval. Here is a list of the things that would keep you from receiving registration approval:
As part of the application to the Board for certification, each alarm agent and controlling person of an alarm business must submit a completed fingerprint card for a background check. A.R.S. §§ 32-122.05(A), -122.06(B). Section 32-122.07(A) provides in pertinent part:
A. The board shall deny an application for certification as an alarm business or alarm agent if a controlling person of an alarm business or an alarm agent has been convicted of any of the following:
- Theft.
- Burglary.
- Robbery or armed robbery.
- Criminal trespass.
- Sexual abuse of a vulnerable adult.
- Abuse of a vulnerable adult.
- Sexual assault.
- Any offense involving the exploitation of a minor.
- Molestation of a child.
- Homicide, including first or second degree murder and negligent homicide.
- Distribution, manufacture or sale of marijuana, dangerous drugs or narcotic drugs if committed less than three years before the date of applying for certification.
- Kidnapping.
- Fraud by persons authorized to provide goods or services.
IF YOU ARE AWARE OF A COMPANY OPERATING WITHOUT A LICENSE, REPORT THEM IMMEDIATELY TO THE STATE OF ARIZONA BOARD OF TECHNICAL REGISTRATION AT (602) 364-4930.
It is so important to know who you are doing business with. EyeSite Surveillance has been doing business in Arizona since 2005, focusing specifically on mobile surveillance applications as they apply to construction. We are now one of the most respected providers of mobile surveillance equipment in the industry and have received the prestigious Excellence in Ethics award from the American Subcontractor’s Association for the last 3 years in a row.
We have been working with local law enforcement for several years to ensure best practices in the temporary alarm industry. We utilize cutting edge camera technology, integrated with sophisticated alarm systems that are endorsed by the National Sheriff’s Association. We also work with industry leaders to promote Priority Response, enabling quicker police dispatch, increased arrest rates, and decreased false alarm rates. This is how qualified, responsible companies should operate.
Don’t put your assets in the hands of amateurs or part timers. You deserve to have the best protection the security industry offers.