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SHOULD CENTRAL STATIONS MONITOR FOR UNLICENSED DEALERS
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    This is no longer a philosophical issue.  It's unlawful for a central station to monitor for an unlicensed alarm dealer in more than several states.  It's also unlawful for a central station to monitor in states that require a monitoring license. 
   So the short answer is NO.  But here's the long answer.
    We've addressed this issue from a "moral" obligation to a legal duty.  The analogy I liked to make is that the gas station doesn't have to check to see if you're licensed or sober to fill up your tank.  However, either I was being too simplistic or licensing laws have evolved to address the issue.  
    Most licensed alarm dealers think central stations should not monitor for unlicensed dealers.  Why aid and abet competition that don't play by the rules by getting licensed.  
    Some central stations take the position that they are not in the policing or license enforcement business and under no legal or moral obligation to ensure dealers are licensed.  After all, unlicensed dealers can buy equipment and engage in marketing without vendors raising objection.
    But this is about to change.  In point of fact, it is unlawful for central stations to monitor for unlicensed dealers in several jurisdictions, and the list is likely to grow as other jurisdictions get on board.  In case you haven't noticed, more than a handful of jurisdictions are taking alarm licensing seriously and carefully vetting license applicants and taking firm action against unlicensed contractors and contractors that fail to comply with licensing laws, rules and regulations.  
    Why should central stations be concerned with this issue?  Because if a central station monitors for unlicensed dealers in several jurisdictions the central station risks losing its own license, as well as lesser penalties such as fines or suspension.  
    Here is what you as a dealer needs to know.  Be sure you are properly licensed in all jurisdictions you do business.  It's pretty simple to comply with,  You don't have to like it, just comply.  You know where you need the license and you know if you have the license.  And you need to do more as a dealer.  You need to be certain that your central station is licensed in all jurisdictions it does business, and that certainly includes all jurisdictions where you have subscribers being monitored by that central station.  This too is simple.  Ask your central station for copies of its licenses or go to the state agencies and ask if you central station is licensed.  If not, move central stations, fast.  You don't want to find out that your central station isn't licensed only when you hear from a licensing board looking to fine you, or worse, close you down.  And you don't want to find out your central station isn't licensed after you are sued for alleged negligent monitoring services.  While that won't make you absolutely liable, it also won't help with the defense. 
     I want to thank Amanda E Hayden,Licensing Manager at Rapid Response Monitoring, for researching this information and Jeff Atkins, President of Rapid Response.  Rapid is a fully licensed, credentialed and professionally operated central station and should be applauded for its professionalism and contributions to the alarm industry.  Rapid is listed on The Alarm Exchange.
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                                WEBINARS:  Sign up for any or all of the webinars that interest you.
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FREE Webinar Series "All You Need To Know About" alarm industry issues. 
Register for one or all.  Each presentation scheduled for half hour to hour.  Not recorded.

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Title: All You Need To Know About Preparing Your Company For A Sale
When: February 7, 2017 at 12 noon EST
Where: Your computer for power point, live video and call in on computer or phone
What will be covered: General discussion about preparing your company for sale
Who should attend: Alarm company owners
Presented by: Kelly Bond, Alarm Capital Alliance kelly.bond@alarmcapital.com
Register here:  https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/8406180190928568833
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Title: All You Need To Know About PERS - Personal Emergency Response Service
When: February 8, 2017 at noon EST
Where: Your computer for power point, live video and call in on computer or phone
What will be covered: the state of the PERS industry, demographics here now and ahead, financial and business models, PERS solutions available, mobile PERS and where this will likely end up in the near future. Introduction to Essence-USA 's Smart Alerting and partnership with Affiliated Central Station.
Who should attend: Alarm company owners, general managers, sales managers, sales staff
Presented by: Josh Locke, Director of Sales Essence-USA.com JoshLo@Essence-USA.com  734.667.5958 cell:  734.709.5609
Register here:  https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/2770642138855812865
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Title: All You Need To Know About consumer alarm contracts
When: February 9, 2017 noon EST
Where: Your computer for power point, live video and call in on computer or phone
What will be covered: What makes consumer contracts different and compliance issues.
Who should attend: Alarm company owners, general managers, sales managers, sales staff
Presented by: Ken Kirschenbaum, Esq.
Register here:  https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/9083897168057308673
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Title: All You Need To Know About Automatic Renewal Provisions in Alarm Contracts
When: February 15, 2017 at noon EST
Where: Your computer for power point, live video and call in on computer or phone
What will be covered: The why, where and how of automatic renewal provisions in alarm contracts
Who should attend: Alarm company owners, general managers, sales managers, sales staff
Presented by: Ken Kirschenbaum, Esq.
Register here:    https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/3498770624606417921
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Title: All You Need To Know About Video Surveillance
When: February 16, 2017 at noon EST
Where: Your computer for power point, live video and call in on computer or phone
What will be covered: Discuss latest in video surveillance equipment and services
Who should attend: Alarm company owners, general managers, sales managers, video technicians
Presented by: Ari Erenthal, training manager for IPVM, the leading resource for independent news, reviews, and testing of cameras, VMS, NVRs, and more. (862) 414-3078 ari@ipvideomarket.info
Register here:  https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/6264618512556065793
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Title: All You Need To Know About Selecting the Right Broker to Sell Your Alarm Business
When: February 23, 2017 noon EST
Where: Your computer for power point, live video and call in on computer or phone
What will be covered: General discussion about finding the right broker to represent you on the sale of your alarm business
Who should attend: Alarm company owners
Presented by: Ron Davis and Steve Rubin from Davis Mergers and Acquisitions Group, the Graybeards rdavis@graybeardsus.com srubin@graybeardsus.com
Register here:   https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/8548769256865453057
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Title: All You Need To Know About modern nationwide central station operations and how to select the best central station for your needs
When: February 24, 2017 noon EST
Where: Your computer for power point, live video and call in on computer or phone
What will be covered: General discussion about what you should expect from your modern nationwide central station and how to select the best central station for your needs
Who should attend: Alarm company owners, general managers, sales managers, sales staff
Presented by: Morgan Hertel from Rapid Response MHertel@rrms.com
Register here:   https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/507826318172222465
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Title: All You Need To Know About Fire Alarm Systems and Taking Over Fire Alarm Systems
When: March 1, 2017 noon EST
Where: Your computer for power point, live video and call in on computer or phone
What will be covered: General discussion about issues to consider when installing, servicing or inspecting fire alarm and when taking over an existing system
Who should attend: Alarm company owners, general managers, sales managers, technician managers
Presented by: Jeff Zwirn JeffZwirn@alarmexpert.com
Register here:   https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/4756737271107996417
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Title: All You Need To Know About Standard Fire Protection All in One Agreement Covering Installation, Inspection, Service of Sprinkler System, Portable Extinguishers, Kitchen Hood, Smoke Detectors, Fire Pump
When: March 2, 2017 noon EST
Where: Your computer for power point, live video and call in on computer or phone
What will be covered: General discussion about the Standard Fire Protection All in One provisions including scope of work, liability limitations, insurance issues, indemnity issues, how to handle subscribers who won't sign or want you to sign their agreement. 
Who should attend: Alarm company owners, general managers, sales managers, sales staff
Presented by: Ken Kirschenbaum, Esq.
Register here:   https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/658147149875346945
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Title: All You Need To Know About Alarm Licensing and Contracts for DIY 
When: March 9, 2017 noon EST
Where: Your computer for power point, live video and call in on computer or phone
What will be covered: General discussion about licensing in the alarm industry for DYI. Different types of licenses, where you need them and how you get them. How and when to use License Holders or Qualifiers for your business and how to become a license holder for a company. Risks involved in not being licensed. Contract you will need for nationwide DIY monitoring agreements.
Who should attend: Alarm company owners, general managers, compliance managers and license holders.
Presented by: Ken Kirschenbaum, Esq.
Register here:   https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/2585168820901654273
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