WHAT IS AN ALARM MONITORING STATION?
Alarm systems can be installed to emit a local alarm using a bell or siren, and they may be connected via a common carrier network (i.e. telephone lines) to a monitoring station which dispatches the appropriate authority (police, fire, medical) when the system transmits a signal. In addition to the police dispatch, a monitored system may also emit a local siren when activated. A local only system does not in itself dispatch police. In order to receive police response, you must either rely on a neighbour calling the police (in the case of a local system) or you must have the system monitored (24 hours) by a monitoring station. For this service, a nominal monthly fee is paid and can be arranged by your alarm company. Alarm systems cannot be connected directly to any police station. While a number of alarm companies use third party, out of town, monitoring companies to monitor their accounts, it is by far preferable to use an alarm company that has its own staff to monitor all the systems
