Whether you’re new to Lake Arrowhead, live here part-time, or are a seasoned year-round veteran, you may be looking to get a new alarm system or change alarm companies. How can you be sure you’re hiring a trustworthy Lake Arrowhead security contractor that will provide consistently great service and stand by their business? When it comes to buying a security system, it’s important to do your research and ask informed questions.
If you’re looking to buy a new security system, change alarm companies, or hire a patrol service, it’s important to do your research and make sure the company you hire is reputable, dependable, properly insured, and licensed. Trunk slammers and new unlicensed alarm companies pop up all the time, even here in Lake Arrowhead. Before you hire an alarm company, be sure the company has met the following requirements:
In the state of California, all alarm companies who install home alarm systems must be licensed by the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (Bureau or BSIS) with an Alarm Company Operators license (ACO). Any alarm company who sells alarm systems at your premise or installs, services, monitors alarm systems MUST have this license. This license is also required for alarm agents to respond to your alarm signals, whether they’re a personal agent or patrol service.
California regulates the security industry to keep consumers protected. When you see an alarm company has their BSIS license, you can rest assured that the State of California has thoroughly vetted the company to be sure managers, agents, and owners have undergone a thorough criminal background check.
Be aware that brand new alarm companies can apply for the BSIS and hold a temporary license, even though California’s criminal investigation is not complete. These brand new security companies may not be able to hold their BSIS license after the initial temporary license of 120 days. Newer operators who are waiting for their license are required to carry their temporary card at all times and show it to you if you request it.
Any patrol service you hire, should have BSIS Private Patrol Operator (PPO) license for their business. Additionally, each patrol person should be properly licensed with a BSIS California Guard Card. This card guarantees that any individual patrolling or overseeing your property has undergone a criminal background check through the FBI and DOJ, and is over 18 years old. It also means these security guards have spent 32 hours in initial security officer training skills and that they will continue to undergo annual training each year with an approved course provider or their licensed employer.
You can verify whether your patrol service is properly BSIS licensed by linking to their DCA License Search page.
All California security companies who are licensed through the Contractor State License Board (CSLB) with a C-10 Electrical License are also bonded with insurance. This California licensing is not required but does give you added protection and ensures you have fully trained installers working on any electrical systems. It also guarantees that you can recoup any losses through the companies’ insurance plan if something goes wrong.
You can verify whether a security company is licensed by clicking this link to access the CSLB website.
Any alarm company you use should minimally have a UL Listed alarm center they can rely on with a solid reputation in the security business. Lake Arrowhead Security has our own in-house, UL Listed & CSAA Certified Five Diamond Certified central station. We’ve been operating our own monitoring center since 1977 to guarantee our customers receive lightening fast response times and consistently great customer service.
Getting referrals from people you trust can be the next best step to ensure you’re getting a great alarm product and accompanying service. Ask your friends and family in Lake Arrowhead who they would recommend as a means of guaranteeing that along with proper licensing and bonding, you’re hiring an alarm company you can depend on.
