TMA-AVS-01 Alarm Validation Scoring Standard
TMA-AVS-01 Alarm Validation Scoring Standard History
The idea for an alarm classification process originated at PPVAR, driven by the evolving needs of law enforcement, emergency communications centers, the alarm and monitoring industries, and rapidly advancing technology. Recognizing the need to enhance alarm response for greater efficiency, safety and security, PPVAR began collaborating with The Monitoring Association (TMA) to create an intrusion alarm classification ANSI standard. As an ANSI Accredited Standards Development Organization, TMA often serves as the lead organization for the development of various standards impacting the security monitoring industry.
Invitations were sent to join the TMA Alarm Validation Scoring Standard (AVS-01) committee, which resulted in the inclusion of stakeholders from Public Safety, Law Enforcement, Emergency Communications, the Electronic Security and Monitoring Industries, Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratories and consultants to these fields.
After approximately two years of work by this diverse group of stakeholders and internal and public comment required by the ANSI process, the AVS-01 Standard received ANSI approval in January 2023,
Click here for the approved ANSI TMA-AVS -01 Alarm Validation Scoring Standard TMA-AVS-01-2024-Revision-2
Implementing the AVS-01 Alarm Validation Scoring Standard for your company READ HERE: TMA AVS-01 White Paper Executive Summary_FINAL
Training for AVS-01 is provided Free of charge and is suitable for Alarm Monitoring Center Operators, ECC Telecommunicators and anyone interested in understanding this important standard.
UL Solutions (Underwriters Laboratories) has created an AVS-01 Certification for Alarm Monitoring companies. UL Solutions also has a method to report concerns about UL certified products. If a report is received, UL will investigate and take appropriate action to resolve the concerns.
The TMA AVS-01 Alarm Validation Scoring Standard is reviewed periodically. Requests to modify this standard are welcome at any time from any party. Requests must be in writing. Contact https://tma.us/.
COMING SOON: ATN-01 Standard (Active Threat Notification)
Draft Document: TMA-ATN-01-2024-Rev-1-N-as of 4-1-2025
For more information visit: TMA ATN-01 webpage
Other Resources
The AVS-01 postcard contains a short explanation of the Alarm Validation Scoring standard and is a quick reference, with color coding, of the five Alarm Levels. A QR code directs your members to this informational page and resources. Good to print and hand-out or send electronically.
About the TMA-AVS-01 Alarm Validation Scoring Standard
AVS (Alarm Validation Scoring) is an intrusion alarm classification standard. The standard defines intrusion alarms based on various threat levels and the process to determine the alarm level. This process can be done manually by a central station operator or can be adapted by automation providers or other parties for automated processing. It also includes language on communicating these classified or scored alarms to Public Safety through Emergency Communication centers (ECCs/911) as well as language regarding compliance for alarm monitoring centers.
There are five alarm levels:
No call for police response
Police response request with no or limited additional information
Police response request with confirmed or ‘highly probable’ human presence with unknown intent
Police response request with confirmed threat to property
Police response request with confirmed threat to life
Prior to AVS-01, video, as well as other verification technologies, played a large role in better situational awareness for law enforcement. If an Alarm Monitoring Center were to inform an ECC/911 operator there was video of the onsite presence of an unknown, or unauthorized person, police would likely respond with a higher sense of urgency, certainly with a different enhanced and informed awareness.
Following AVS-01, the key difference is that information will be passed along in a standardized format. Simply, if an unknown person that was unable to be verified by the call list is determined to be on site, that will always be reported as an Alarm Level 2. That report will include whatever added information is available that the central station operator is observing or had observed.
The benefit to the Central Stations is standardization of the observe and report elements as identified in the standard elements.
The benefit to Public Safety—including the ECCs/911 centers, and law enforcement—is improved information that can be applied to determining the levels of and logistics of response. Instead of an alarm notification that is generic without more detailed information, the AVS-01 scoring standard creates a scaled metric of observations for reporting. This process heightens what public safety refers to as actionable information. This further enhances greater credibility and confidence.
PPVAR Moving Forward
THE NEXT STEP FOR AVS-01.
PPVAR continues to participate in any updates needed to the standard. This game changing ANSI Standard will benefit the alarm industry, law enforcement and consumers.
PPVAR Education Support Campaign
PPVAR plays a pivotal role in supporting public safety by producing and distributing comprehensive educational and resource materials—completely free of charge—for Emergency Communication Center dispatchers and Law Enforcement First Responders. These resources are specifically designed to ensure that first responders understand how to effectively utilize the AVS-01 Alarm Verification Scoring Standard and integrate it seamlessly into their daily workflows and operational procedures.
We Need Your Help! PPVAR created a campaign to raise funds to support the development and maintenance of AVS-01 education and training. Be a part of this revolutionary initiative by supporting this essential education and awareness program with your donation.
For more information, contact PPVAR at Communications@ppvar.org
AVS-01 Standard Video Storyboard
