On October 7, 2024, METCAD 9-1-1 Center became the 148th Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) in the United States and the 2nd PSAP in the State of Illinois to implement the Automated Secure Alarm Protocol (ASAP to PSAP).
ASAP to PSAP creates a direct connection between alarm monitoring companies and Champaign County’s 9-1-1 telecommunicators. Previously, alarm companies would manually call the dispatch center over the telephone when an emergency medical, police, or fire alarm was activated and a response was needed. With ASAP to PSAP, alarm details are sent directly to METCAD’s dispatch software and alerts dispatch staff so they can immediately summon emergency services in a matter of seconds.
METCAD 9-1-1’s Deputy Director Jeff Wooten said, “By sending the alarm signal over ASAP, information like the customer’s name, address, alarm type, and other details can be instantly transmitted without the need for the information exchange to occur during a telephone call. That translates to valuable seconds being shaved off the time it takes to get first responders dispatched.”
METCAD 9-1-1 receives and processes approximately 5,000 alarm calls annually. It is anticipated that about 80% of these calls will now be processed through ASAP to PSAP rather than over the telephone.
The following alarm companies are currently participating in the ASAP program: Rapid Response Monitoring, ADT, Affiliated Monitoring, Brinks Home Security Protection, Dynamark, Guardian Protection, National Monitoring Center, Protection One/Everon, Quick Response, Security Central, Securitas (Stanley Division), Tyco (Johnson Controls), United Central Control, Vector Security, and Vivint.