Johnston County, N.C., is the latest municipality to go live with Automated Secure Alarm Protocol (ASAP), a technology that automates communication between alarm monitoring central stations and 911 centers, resulting in improved accuracy and speed of emergency response.

Transmitting data electronically speeds up alarm notification delivery and reduces the number of phone calls and processing times at emergency response centers, Vector Security reported in a press release. It also eliminates human error and miscommunication between operators; all pertinent data goes directly to first responders within seconds.

In areas where it is used, ASAP delivers alarm notification information from central stations directly to public safety answering points via computer rather than by phone, eliminating the need for communication between monitoring center operators and 911 operators.

ASAP was created in partnership with the Central Station Alarm Association and the Association of Public Safety Communications Officials, with Vector Security President and CEO Pam Petrow co-chairing the steering committee. Vector Security was the first alarm company to use ASAP in the City of Richmond, Va., in 2012. Vector Security assisted with implementation in Johnston County by helping to perform extensive testing prior to the system going live.

“There are a number of Vector Security customers in Johnston County who will benefit from this implementation,” said Anita Ostrowski, vice president of central station services, Vector Security. “We hope the positive impact that ASAP will bring to Johnston County will encourage other agencies to adopt this technology. As security provider, we seek ways to promote ASAP’s value to municipalities and public agencies, and help other alarm companies implement it for the greater good of the industry and the safety of our communities.”

Johnston County is home to 11 towns including Clayton, Smithfield, Selma, Benson, Archer Lodge, Kenly, Four Oaks, Pine Level, Princeton, Wilson’s Mills and Micro.

Other municipalities that have implemented ASAP include Houston; Washington, D.C.; James City County, York County and Henrico County, Va.; Tempe and Chandler, Ariz.; Boca Raton, Fla.; Cary and Guilford County, N.C.; Kernersville and Durham County, N.C.; Denton County and Grand Prairie, Texas; Morgan County, Ala.; and Delaware County, Ohio.