To identify true "live monitoring," ask these key questions: 1) Do you watch cameras proactively or only after an alarm? 2) Can you perform a live voice-down? 3) Is your monitoring station local? 4) Do you verify every event before calling police? The answers will distinguish between active prevention and passive alarm response.
"Live monitoring" is one of the most widely used—and misused—terms in the security industry. Many companies use it to describe a simple, automated alarm response service, which is fundamentally different from the proactive, preventative protection that true live monitoring provides. As a business owner, knowing the right questions to ask is the key to cutting through the marketing jargon and ensuring you're investing in a service that actually stops crime, rather than one that just reports it. Our live video monitoring and AI-powered detection provide true proactive protection.
It's important to understand the spectrum of services. On one end is a passive model, and on the other is a truly proactive one.
An operator waits for an automated signal from a door sensor or motion detector. They do not watch your cameras. Their job is to call a contact list after your property has already been breached. This is a purely reactive service.
Trained operators, assisted by AI, actively watch video feeds to detect threats before a breach. Their job is to intervene and prevent the incident from ever happening. This is a truly proactive service.
Ask any potential security provider these five questions. Their answers will tell you everything you need to know.
Why it matters: This is the most important question. An answer of "only after an alarm" means they offer a reactive service that will not prevent crime. A true live monitoring service is always watching.
Why it matters: Prevention is impossible without intervention. If they can't talk to an intruder, they can't stop them. The ability to perform a live voice-down is the defining feature of a proactive system.
Why it matters: A local command centre understands the jurisdictions of Metro Vancouver police and RCMP detachments. This builds trust and leads to faster, more effective dispatches. A massive, out-of-province call centre doesn't have this crucial local knowledge.
Why it matters: This separates professional services from those that contribute to the false alarm problem. A "yes" means you will avoid false alarm fines and receive a priority police response. A "no" is a major red flag.
Why it matters: You want to know if your security is in the hands of a licensed, trained security professional or a basic call centre agent. Proper training in threat assessment and emergency communication is non-negotiable.
Choosing a security partner is a critical decision. By asking these questions, you can cut through the sales pitches and identify a provider who offers a truly effective, proactive solution. We're confident in our answers and invite you to put us to the test.
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