UPDATE: So what's new with ACPO and BS8484?
I've talked previously about the very specific perspective that the Police have in respect of lone worker security solutions and the potential changes that may be coming along. As the UK market for lone worker solutions starts to accelerate, so does the need for the Police to have agreed parameters for when (or if) they will respond to a genuine lone worker alarm.
I thought it worth updating the picture as a number of key factors that will impact this important matter are just around the corner...
BS8484: The long awaited standard (although it will operate as a code of practice for the first 12months) is due for publication at the end of this month (September 2009). This important step forward will outline the basic requirements for any credible lone worker solution and specifically the device that a worker uses and the alarm receiving centre (ARC) that is connects to. It remains to be seen what the final draft details but it will call for credible devices (i.e. not mobile phones) and credible ARC providers.
ACPO Policy: I've talked before about the inevitable step towards a more formalised process of URN (unique reference number) allocation for lone worker alarms. This process is already in widespread use by all 43 Police forces in England & Wales (and by forces in Scotland and N. Ireland) for many other types of alarms such as those for buildings and vehicles. Their application to lone worker alarms is, in my view, long overdue as its important that an employer of lone workers knows if the Police will involve themselves or not.
ACPO are looking to implement a process for URN allocation by Q1 2010 and generally this is being supported by credible industry ARC providers. One thing that is clear already is that ACPO policy will advise foreces to only provide URNs to ARC operators who meet BS5979 Cat II and who plan to conform with BS8484.
So what does this mean? Well in short, unless your lone worker alarms utilise credible, fit for purpose devices such as Identicom and are filtered by a BS5979 Cat II ARC you wont be gurenteed a Police response!
Thats all for now, its a moving picture at the moment but I will update as we get more details.
I thought it worth updating the picture as a number of key factors that will impact this important matter are just around the corner...
BS8484: The long awaited standard (although it will operate as a code of practice for the first 12months) is due for publication at the end of this month (September 2009). This important step forward will outline the basic requirements for any credible lone worker solution and specifically the device that a worker uses and the alarm receiving centre (ARC) that is connects to. It remains to be seen what the final draft details but it will call for credible devices (i.e. not mobile phones) and credible ARC providers.
ACPO Policy: I've talked before about the inevitable step towards a more formalised process of URN (unique reference number) allocation for lone worker alarms. This process is already in widespread use by all 43 Police forces in England & Wales (and by forces in Scotland and N. Ireland) for many other types of alarms such as those for buildings and vehicles. Their application to lone worker alarms is, in my view, long overdue as its important that an employer of lone workers knows if the Police will involve themselves or not.
ACPO are looking to implement a process for URN allocation by Q1 2010 and generally this is being supported by credible industry ARC providers. One thing that is clear already is that ACPO policy will advise foreces to only provide URNs to ARC operators who meet BS5979 Cat II and who plan to conform with BS8484.
So what does this mean? Well in short, unless your lone worker alarms utilise credible, fit for purpose devices such as Identicom and are filtered by a BS5979 Cat II ARC you wont be gurenteed a Police response!
Thats all for now, its a moving picture at the moment but I will update as we get more details.
posted by Craig Swallow at 3:01 PM
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