Video Verification

What Is Video Verification?

Video verification is a service where, instead of automatically dispatching police when your alarm triggers, the central station operator first reviews a live camera feed or a short pre-alarm video clip to confirm that an actual intrusion is occurring (rather than a pet, a family member, or a false alarm from a vibration or environmental trigger).

If the footage shows a real intruder: immediate dispatch, often with higher police priority because it’s confirmed. If the footage shows no intrusion: the agent cancels the dispatch before it happens.

Why It Matters

The false-alarm problem in home security is significant. In many US cities, over 90% of alarm activations that generate police response are false alarms. Many municipalities have implemented:

False-alarm fines: $50-$500 per false dispatch after the first few
Permit requirements: Annual alarm permits that are revoked if you exceed false-alarm limits
Response deprioritisation: Police departments in some cities deprioritise unverified alarm calls

Video verification reduces false dispatches by approximately 60% (industry figure, sourced from Alarm.com and UL data). This means fewer fines, faster confirmed-intrusion response, and better standing with local police departments.

Which Systems Offer Video Verification

SimpliSafe Pro ($29.99/mo): Includes video verification via 24/7 live camera access for the central station
Ring Alarm (selected Plus/Pro plans): Rapid Response video monitoring available on Ring Protect Pro plan with Ring Alarm Pro
ADT: Video verification available on select premium plans — check with your local ADT provider
Vivint: Includes Smart Deter video monitoring (similar concept, AI-flagged before human review)