Home alarm and surveillance
 

I've been considering getting an alarm/surveillance system for my home and wondering if anyone has any experience or feedback. I have several options

1) purchase a wireless home security system myself and install sensors to my windows/doors. If a sensor is triggered, it will call my cell so it's "self monitored"
2) go with an alarm company (alarm force, protectron, acme) where they will install the sensors and then a monthly monitoring fee around $25-40/month. If a sensor is triggered, I believe how it works is that they will still call me and ask if they need to send police over. Does anyone have experience with these companies and if they are any good?

My thinking is that with either option, I'm the one who's going to get notified and it's up to me to take the next course of action. So why would I need a company to "monitor" it for me. Unless I'm missing something, would like to hear some pros/cons.

Thanks for your advice.

the monitoring company sends police directly if they can't get ahold of you

With the AlarmForce system, when the alarm goes off, it calls the monitoring station and opens a "speakerphone" setup in their panel, so they can immediately listen to what's happening and talk to whoever is there.

We used them when we were renting a townhouse and were substantially "poorer". It was great that we didn't have to lay out the $1000 or so it would have cost for an installed system. Their "free" package (at the time anyway) included one door contact and one motion detector, but because of our layout and needs, the installer was nice enough to add a window contact instead of the motion. Their customer service was always outstanding as well.

Alarm companies can send police first without contacting you, but if it is a false alarm, enjoy paying false alarm fees to the city.

Some companies can dispatch guards as well. I believe that charge would be less than false alarm fees. Companies with a large guard presence like Paladin Security may have officers consistently in your area which may improve your odds of a quick response. I've also heard Provident may be able to guarantee a response time, depending on your area. I cannot confirm this is true but may be worth a call.

If you're in town, you can be first call. When you travel, advise the monitoring station and they will change protocol as you wish.

Pros would be discounted home insurance and the possibility of catching thieves in the act and keeping your valuables. The latter does not happen too often, as I'm sure you're aware.