Yes, ADT does notify the police by sending alarm information to the 911 center for dispatch once an alarm is verified. Their process ensures that appropriate emergency services are contacted swiftly when a genuine threat is detected.
When an ADT security system alarm is triggered, it initiates a series of actions designed to confirm the emergency and dispatch help efficiently. The goal is to ensure that first responders, including the police, are notified promptly if a real emergency is occurring at your property.
How ADT Responds to Alarms
ADT's response protocol is designed to minimize false alarms while ensuring rapid dispatch for actual emergencies. The process typically involves several key stages:
- Alarm Signal Received: When an alarm is activated (e.g., a door sensor tripped, motion detected, or smoke alarm goes off), the signal is immediately sent to an ADT monitoring center.
- Verification Process: Upon receiving an alarm signal, an ADT agent attempts to verify the alarm. This often involves trying to contact the property owner or designated emergency contacts via phone or the ADT Alarm Messenger service. The purpose of verification is to confirm if there is a real emergency or if it's a false alarm (e.g., someone accidentally tripped the alarm).
- Emergency Dispatch: If the alarm is verified, an ADT agent promptly sends the alarm information to the 911 center for dispatch. This ensures that local police, fire department, or medical services are alerted and dispatched to your location.
- No Response Protocol: In situations where the ADT agent cannot get a response from the primary contacts (for example, if a session expires or calls go unanswered), they will contact designated emergency contacts who have not yet been notified. If there is still no response after these attempts, ADT will proceed to dispatch first responders to the location as a precautionary measure.
Understanding Alarm Verification
Alarm verification is a critical step in the process, as it helps prevent unnecessary dispatches and ensures emergency services are available for genuine emergencies. Verified alarms often receive a higher priority from emergency dispatch centers.
Methods of Verification:
- Direct Call: ADT agents will call the phone numbers on your emergency contact list.
- Two-Way Voice: Some ADT systems include a two-way voice feature, allowing the monitoring agent to directly communicate with someone on your property through the control panel.
- Video Verification: For systems equipped with cameras, agents may be able to view live video feeds to visually confirm the nature of the alarm.
The Role of Emergency Contacts
Your designated emergency contacts play a crucial role in ADT's response. They are individuals you've authorized ADT to contact in your absence or if you cannot be reached. These contacts can help verify an alarm or provide valuable information to ADT agents, facilitating a quicker and more accurate response. Ensure your contact list is always up-to-date with current phone numbers and responsible individuals.
Summary of ADT's Dispatch Process
The table below provides a simplified overview of how ADT handles alarm signals, leading to the potential dispatch of police or other emergency services:
Stage | Action by ADT Monitoring Center | Outcome/Goal |
---|---|---|
Alarm Triggered | Receives signal from your security system (e.g., intrusion, fire, medical). | Initial alert of a potential incident. |
Verification | Attempts to contact you and your designated emergency contacts via phone/messaging for verification. | Confirm the nature of the alarm and reduce false alarms. |
911 Notification | If the alarm is verified, sends detailed alarm information to the 911 center for dispatch. | Initiates dispatch of police, fire, or medical responders. |
No Response | If contact attempts fail or session expires, calls remaining emergency contacts. If still no response, dispatches first responders. | Ensures emergency services are sent even without direct contact with you. |
Practical Tips for ADT Customers
- Keep Contact Information Updated: Always ensure your emergency contact list with ADT is current. This includes phone numbers and the order of contacts.
- Understand Your System: Familiarize yourself with how your ADT system works, including arming/disarming procedures and how to cancel a false alarm.
- Educate Others: Make sure anyone with access to your home (family members, pet sitters, housekeepers) understands how to operate your alarm system and what to do if it triggers.
- Respond to Verification Calls: If ADT calls you after an alarm, answer promptly to help them verify the situation and ensure the correct action is taken.
ADT's structured approach ensures that when your alarm system is triggered, a professional monitoring team is ready to act, effectively connecting you to emergency services, including the police, when necessary.