False alarms have been a thorn in the side of the security industry for decades. Studies show that 90–99% of intrusion alarms in the U.S. are false, often triggered by user error, accidental trips, or outdated equipment. The cost? Nearly $1.8 billion annually in wasted resources, fines, and unnecessary police dispatches.
It’s no surprise that law enforcement agencies are becoming more selective, with many cities now requiring verified evidence before dispatching officers. For dealers, this shift represents both a challenge and an opportunity.
What Is AVS-01?
The Alarm Verification Scoring Standard (AVS-01), developed by The Monitoring Association (TMA), provides a consistent framework for categorizing alarms into five levels, from Level 0 (no service call) to Level 4 (confirmed threat to life).
By requiring monitoring stations to score alarms based on verification inputs like video, audio, or eyewitness accounts, AVS-01 helps police prioritize true emergencies while reducing wasted response time. Many monitoring centers in the U.S. already use it, and major organizations like the International Association of Chiefs of Police and the National Sheriffs’ Association support its adoption.
Why This Matters for Dealers
AVS-01 isn’t just another standard, it’s a tool you can use to differentiate your offerings and win more business. Key benefits include:
- Reduced false alarms: Minimize fines and customer frustration by delivering more reliable monitoring.
- Faster police response: Verified threats receive priority dispatch, giving your customers greater peace of mind.
- Cost savings and ROI: Fewer false alarms lower costs for businesses, while verified monitoring creates new opportunities for recurring revenue.
- Accountability and trust: Standardized verification builds confidence with both customers and law enforcement.
Bringing It to Customers
For homeowners, AVS-01-backed systems provide reassurance that their alarms will be taken seriously. For commercial clients, the cost savings and operational continuity are major selling points. As a dealer, you can position AVS-01 as both a compliance measure and a competitive advantage.
“Your video partner should be a thought leader helping to guide you through things like this, not just a vendor selling hardware.
AVS-01 is gaining traction throughout the country, and it is important that our Dealer Partners are aware of what’s coming, and not just what’s here.
AVS-01 provides a framework for Central Stations to better assess the probability of a real alarm versus a false alarm. This is going to help reduce false alarms and enhance police dispatch accuracy.”
-Dave Williams
Senior Director of Sales, Speco Technologies
Learn More
AVS-01 represents the future of alarm monitoring and an opportunity for dealers to expand their value to customers while creating new revenue streams.
Click here to read more about how AVS-01 can reduce false alarms and drive new revenue opportunities.