Banham Security and ECHO (Electronic Call Handling Operations Ltd), the not-for-profit industry backed alarms handling operator, have announced Banham Security as their launch customer – the first UK Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC) to be ECHO-connected, fast tracking alarm signals to the Police. ECHO is set to transform intruder and hold-up alarm signal handling to the Police when ‘every second counts’, and Banham is at the forefront of this initiative to deter crime and facilitate a faster police response.

By switching from traditional telephone communication between individual ARCs and Police Control Rooms, to an ECHO-connected process, police response times can be improved by as much as 4 minutes, a more efficient and effective deployment of Police resources to alarmed premises. 

All approved ARCs in the UK are now able to get ECHO-connected and help improve police response times for the certificated alarm systems they monitor. Robust connectivity to ECHO is being provided by BT Redcare and CSL networks. A key component of ECHO ARC eligibility criteria is Cyber Essentials/Plus certification, demonstrating ongoing commitment to cyber security.

Domestic and commercial users of NSI and SSAIB approved installers and their professionally installed alarm systems, can benefit from ECHO as Police Forces and ARCs around the UK get ECHO-connected during 2021.

Martin Herbert, Managing Director, Banham Security said “Banham is delighted to be the first ECHO-connected Alarm Receiving Centre in the UK. This is an exciting moment, not only for Banham, but for the entire UK security industry. ECHO’s new technology has allowed us to transform the way our industry responds to alarm activations by rapidly reducing response times, providing support for the Police and giving additional peace of mind to our customers. It has been a privilege to have worked in partnership with ECHO in achieving successful end to end testing of this ground-breaking technology at our in-house Alarm Receiving Centre in South West London.

Having remained at the forefront of burglary prevention for over 95 years, Banham are proud to have worked with ECHO in setting a new benchmark for security innovation and alarm monitoring for the industry.”

Richard Jenkins, Chief Executive at NSI observed,” Approved alarm installers across the

UK will, during the course of 2021, be able to offer ECHO-connected alarm systems as Police Forces in turn adopt ECHO-connected alarm handling. This marks a significant additional degree of assurance for homeowners and businesses operating police response alarm systems.

Martin Harvey, Director, ECHO, commented “We are incredibly grateful to Banham for their support and assistance in the development of the ECHO concept over the last 3 or more years and welcome them as the first ECHO-connected UK Alarm Receiving Centre. The ECHO initiative is a shining example of how collaboration between the Police and the professional private security industry, when motivated to work together, can deliver significant and tangible benefits for all.”