Security and Alarm Systems Blog

Many of the features of electronic security systems are futuristic. In the electronic age, you would expect a security system installation to follow suit. This is happening, and the internet, cellular phones, and wireless technology have all impacted security system technology. Cellular phones are now used to relay an alarm signal to a monitoring center. This is a big change, because basic land lines can be easily cut, and then you are relying on the monitoring center to run regular time tests. With cellular back-up, the security system is more “fool-proof” and burglars have a tougher time breaking in without getting caught.

Wireless technology has been an active part of security system technology for years, however it is only now getting to the point where it is as reliable as it should be. Many nationwide companies have used faulty wireless security equipment to make the installation process easier, and as a result the systems they install are often dysfunctional. For example, a friend of mine has an ADT security system and every once in awhile the system goes “ding ding” thinking that a window has opened. This is an example of faulty wireless security equipment.

The internet has been introduced to security system technology very late, but it’s here. Now, you can arm or disarm your security system over the internet with many security manufacturers. Another great technology is security systems that can use a home or businesses network to relay a signal to a monitoring center. It has taken a while for wired and wireless network technology to become reliable enough for a security system to use, but that time is now.

These are all new technologies that security systems can have. Progressive Technology has the capability to install and maintain all of these new security system technologies. If you are interested, call today: (800) 577-2527.

Since 2006, Government Spending on Alarm, signal, and security detection systems has increased every year. In 2006, the federal government spent $577 milion on security systems, and in 2008 the total came to $754 million.

Progressive Technology has held their GSA Contract since 2007. And in that short time, we have gained a reputation of offering high quality security systems, security cameras, door access control and intercom. Our security system customers include Camp Pendleton (Marines), Veterans Affairs, The US Coast Guard, the Air Force, and many others. We have installed security systems for most government agencies across California.

Progressive Technology has been installing security systems in San Diego for over 22 years, and even the oldest systems have lasted far beyond a normal security system. Our competitors might offer cheap (or even free) security systems, but they are only trapping their customers into a long and expensive contract, and installing security systems that do not meet the needs of their customers. This holds true for the government contracts, and that is why Progressive Technology has been able to emerge in the government market.

This year to date, Orange County Sheriff has arrested on 20% of reported crimes, which is an improvement of 5% from 2008. There have been 888 total property crimes across several different categories (burglary, robbery, theft, larceny, motor vehicle theft), and this is about a 6% drop in property crime since last year. So, crime in Orange County has dropped while arresting activity has increased. These statistics are a good sign for the people of Orange County.

Even though these numbers show improvement, however, there is still a large need for protecting your home or business with a security system. Whether you are securing a business in Irvine, preventing theft in Anaheim or getting a security system in Santa Ana, a burglar alarm has been proven to increase the probability of catching your burglar and retrieving your assets.

For the first time since 2001, a there is a steady increase in the crime index relating to property crimes in San Diego (view graph). There have been over 82,300 total property crimes in San Diego County in 2008, with the highest months being April, September and December. This increase in crime can be attributed to the economic recession. Now, more than ever, is the time to invest in a security system in your San Diego home or office. Even just having a few motion detectors and contacts on doors and windows can help protect your family or business from break-in in san diego county.

There are several types of electronic security available. For example, if your business involves keeping an inventory of anything valuable, then you would gain from a surveillance camera system, or a cctv security system. A cctv security system will allow you to view and record happenings around your office, warehouse or outside surroundings. Often times, just the presence of a cctv security system prevents burglary because the burglar knows they are being watched and they know that it is more likely that they will be captured.

Another great option for a business with valuable inventory or valuable trade secrets is door access control. San Diego is a hot spot for technology and pharmaceutical companies, and protection is very important in these sectors. A door access control system or intercom only allows access to restricted areas to pre-approved people. This system can use a numeric keypad, magnetic swipe card, RFID keyfob, or biometric devices to allow or deny access to vital areas of your business. These systems are very big in the federal government, where national secrets and expensive technology must be guarded. A door access control system in San Diego actually saves money because it drastically reduces the need for security guards.

On Monday an article came out about security cameras in China. China’s police say they have installed 2.75 million surveillance cameras since 2003 and plan to expand the system into the countryside, which is home to about 800 million of the country’s 1.3 billion people.

The cameras are the most visible components of police surveillance, mainly in urban areas, according to a news release posted Monday on the Chinese Public Security Ministry’s Web site.

These camera security systems have proved controversial in other countries, like Britain, which reportedly has 4.2 million surveillance cameras installed – which is about one per 14 people. The ratio of cameras to people stands at only one to 472,000. The camera-to-person ratio is believed to be much higher in China’s cities, with the capital Beijing having 265,000 cameras.

No dialog or privacy rights has arisen in China, where tight communist political control and broad and intrusive police powers have been the norm for half a century. However, China’s plans to combine surveillance cameras with face recognition software has raised concerns about how the equipment will be used.

The Associated Press reported “Thefts, burglaries and purse snatching have all more than doubled since the 1990s amid rising wealth inequalities and relaxed social controls, with about 4.75 million cases reported in 2007, the last year for which statistics were available. However, police say violent crime has declined in recent years with better enforcement of rules governing weapons and explosives.” The Chinese police believe that the expansion of camera security to the countryside should “put the safety of the broad masses of the people first and foremost.”

We now offer some exciting new products and services for home security systems in San Diego. One of the most practical products we offer are cellular back-ups, which can eliminate the need for a land line. For many of our customers, the only reason they have a land line anymore is because of their home security system. So, the cellular back-up works to save money by eliminating a monthly bill. There is, however, an investment in the equipment and installation. If you are interested in a free quote for a cellular back-up for your home security system, please call us today at (800) 577-2527.

Keep a look out for more security technology updates coming soon on our blog. We are always on the cutting edge of the security industry, and we take pride in this. It is always a good idea to call us if you are interested in learning about how we can improve your home security. One customer of ours dramatically improved their safety by adding a medical alert feature to their security system in a mobile home in San Diego.

Do you think a Security System is an important investment? Well, six out of every 10 employees stole company data when they left their job last year, said a study of US workers. Most American businesses fail to take important steps to prevent data theft (read our blog for a detailed article). This can be a frightening figure for any business owner or manager. Think about the damage an employee you have just laid-off or fired can do. But this can be prevented with a good security system.

Read the full Article : 6 of 10 ex-employees have stolen from your company

Every Security System we install from San Diego to Riverside to Irvine is outfitted with a DMP Security Control Panel. Digital Monitoring Products, or DMP is a recognized leader in network and cellular alarm communications. We choose to partner with DMP for many reasons.

They are always improving their security technology,

Their equipment is easy to use and install, but still state-of-the-art functionally

Their equipment has the best and longest performance in the idustry

DMP offers software to communicate with their panels from offsite

These are just a few of the main reasons we choose to install DMP control panels and keypads. There are so many options we can offer our customers because we partner with DMP. A new and exciting feature is the ability to communicate an alarm over a home or business network (using the internet) rather than the old way through a land line. Also, the new ePad allows our customers to arm and disarm their system using a web interface from anywhere in the world. By far, however, the most important feature of a DMP Security control panel is that we can install security, fire alarm, and door access control equipment to it. The programming features allow for this integration, ahich is great for our customers because it saves them money, and allows us to be more competitive with companies offering sub-par alarm equipment.

Any burglar alarm installation is not complete without the bare necessities. What are these necessities, though? The first, of course, is a control panel and at least one keypad. These are the brain of the system, taking in the programming from the technician, and acting intelligently based on information given by equipment. The Equipment is the second security system necessity. Security equipment such as door and window contacts, infrared motion detectors and glass break detectors alert the control panel that something fishy is happening. The third, and final, very necessary part of any alarm is a well-trained user. Without a person to arm and disarm the system, it is useless. I hear some of our customers here in San Diego tell me that they don’t use their system. This breaks my heart, because (1) they pay for it and (2) they are susceptible to a burglary which could be avoided (or at least minimized) by their security system. So, What Equipment Should Come Standard With Any Home Security System? A Control Panel, keypad, security equipment, and person that uses the system.

Falls are the leading cause of accidental deaths among people over the age of 75 and the second leading cause for those aged 45 to 75, according to the National Safety Council. There are also other medical emergencies such as strokes and heart attacks. Many elderly people live alone, but a medical emergency can happen when their spouse is away or even asleep. This is why it may be helpful to add medical alert functionality to your security system. Imagine a man having a heart attack in his mobile home, and having no way to call for help. Having a wireless medical alert transmitter could save his life.