The ACPO(S) Security Systems Policy

Two national versions of these rules exist, one for police forces in England, Wales and Northern Ireland and one for those in Scotland. These rules known as the police 'Security System Policy' (SSP) are subject to periodic review. With effect from 1 April 2006 the ACPO SSP has undergone a significant change in respect of available police response levels and false alarm thresholds.

In order to maintain a police response - and in many cases to ensure continued insurance cover - it is essential that businesses or individuals using a security system understand how the SSP operates, as well as ways in which false alarm activations can be avoided.

In this feature, Norwich Union Risk Services security specialist Richard Underwood explains how the SSP works - including the latest changes - and offers advice on avoiding false alarms.

Part 1: The Security Systems Policy

Part 2: Main features of the ACPO(S) SSP

Part 3: Confirmed activations

Part 4: False alarms and police response

Part 5: Avoiding false alarms

Click on the links over to the left of this page to read each section...