Dear SECOM Customer,
Re: – Electronic Call Handling Operations (ECHO) – Changes to your intruder alarm signalling handling and URN charging
The way intruder alarm signals are processed by Alarm Receiving Centres will be changing later this year, whereby all Police signalling alarm systems that hold a valid Unique Reference Number (URN) will be processed electronically via Electronic Call Handling Operations (ECHO) to the appropriate Police Force. ECHO is a not-for-profit organisation who automate transmission of alarm signalling to blue light services, in conjunction with the National Police Chiefs Council and key security industry stakeholders. These changes are being implemented to improve both the speed and quality of the Police response to all alarms with a valid URN. Integration into the ECHO initiative is mandatory for all ARC’s that wish to continue to pass alarms for police response.
The changes coming into force are: –
SECOM Plc are required to complete a final URN declaration for both the Essex Police Force and London Metropolitan Police Force prior to this change coming in effect and will then be charged accordingly.
We attach an official ECHO flyer which explains the benefits of the platform, should you have any queries or require further information, please do get in touch with us or visit the ECHO website on www.echo.uk.net
Yours faithfully
Alan Blake
Commercial Director
For & on behalf of SECOM Plc