Type A vs Type B Home Security Systems: Which Guarantees a Police Response?

Beware of companies that use over-the-top sales tactics - especially when it involves something as serious as your home security.

The TV and direct mail campaigns are full of advertising from one company especially, which is making a big push in the domestic intruder alarm market In their adverts, they make out that following an alarm activation, they have access to some fast-track, preferential system, which will immediately alert the police to attend the scene. You might be abroad on holiday - but don’t worry, they’ll be able to handle everything in your absence, so you can stay glued to the sun-lounger.

In reality, this is DEFINITELY NOT what happens.

What they actually do - in fact, all that they are allowed to do - is call the Police on the normal telephone line, just like you or I would, if we see a crime. Their customers do not receive any preferential treatment and the company itself is not even accredited.

This has brought into sharp focus the clear distinction between a Type A NPCC compliant alarm system, which Justice Fire and Security install and Type B home security systems, which are non-compliant and marketed by non-accredited companies.

As a consumer, would you actually realise the difference? Probably not, which is why we are bringing this to your attention - because we feel it is of utmost importance.

Key Takeaways about Type A and Type B Home Security Systems

• Beware of companies who fit Type B systems while claiming you will be guaranteed an immediate police response if there is an alarm activation - this is simply not true.
• The National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC) guidelines confirm that only homes fitted with Type A security systems - which are professionally installed, monitored, and NPCC compliant - can guarantee immediate police attendance.
• Type B Security systems do not comply with necessary UK regulatory standards and are fitted by non-accredited companies.
• Justice Fire & Security only fit Type A police registered intruder alarm systems that comply with the NPCC Security Systems Policy and the highest British Standards.
• Clarifying these distinctions helps homeowners like you choose systems that offer genuine, high-level protection for your family home.

What Has Led the Police to Issue New Guidance on Type A and Type B Security Systems?

The 2025/2026 NPCC Update (See Page 19, 3.7 Police Attendance) has resulted from a rising number of incidents connected to intruder alarm activations - some genuine, some false.

The Police warn that the security systems industry has seen a rise in the use of Type B alarms. Often these are sold and purchased with the misguided expectation that whenever their Type B intruder alarm system is activated, it will automatically trigger a police response - when this isn’t necessarily the case.

The Police have been inundated with calls and have been forced to issue strict guidance on what should trigger an “Automatic Police Dispatch”. The Policy Update makes it clear that only Type A systems provide assurance of rapid intervention, clarifying that homes fitted with Type B systems do not qualify for an immediate response.

What is the Difference Between a Type A and Type B Security Alarm?

Type A intruder alarms are designed to highest official UK installation and monitoring standardsand are installed by approved and accredited installers, like Justice Fire & Security.

If you are looking for a trusted monitored burglar alarm in Birmingham or across the Midlands, these installations must comply with NPCC guidance and national standards BS 8243/PD 6662, requiring that professional wired or wireless alarm equipment is fitted by certified engineers.

A Type A system will ensure you receive priority, immediate, and verified police attendance in the event of an activation.

Type B alarms are limited in a number of ways. They are typically self-monitored or app-based and can be installed by non-accredited providers. They rely on internal monitoring and keyholder notifications, which do not guarantee police attendance.

Response will depend on additional verification, usually from someone on site, which is not always possible if your property is empty at the time. And even if someone is there, any police intervention would be significantly slower. Furthermore, monitoring centres covering Type B systems only notify keyholders of an alert, not the Police.

What is a Police URN?

When a Type A security system is installed by an accredited installer like Justice Fire & Security, we register your security alarm and give you a Unique Reference Number (URN).

This Unique Reference Number (URN) is a unique identifier issued directly by the police force, which ensures the system complies with the NPCC Security Systems Policyand British Standards such as BS EN 50131 and PD 6662.

It will be registered with the local Force and administered by us. It is primarily used to verify that the alarm system meets required standards and to ensure the police will immediately respond if the alarm is triggered.

Are Type A Systems Monitored Remotely?

Yes. The Justice Fire & Security Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC) acts as an official channel that communicates directly with police control rooms, prompting a Level 1 Police Response (an urgent priority dispatch).

In addition, all keyholders are immediately notified. Frequent system maintenance is required to retain compliance and preserve your priority police response status.

Here’s Why Police Do Not Guarantee Attendance for Type B Security Systems

Type B systems do not comply with NPCC requirements, and therefore the police will not issue a URN for an immediate response. This is for the following key reasons:

1. The system’s equipment may not comply with British or European standards.
2. The security company personnel will not have been vetted for criminal convictions by the police.
3. The installation and monitoring company may not be certificated by a United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) accredited certification body.
4. The company will not be listed on an official police compliance database.

The Police also emphasise that processing and response times for Type B systems will be significantly slower than for Type A systems.

If I Have CCTV, Will This Promote My Type B System to Type A?

No. The addition of electronic means (e.g., CCTV) to non-compliant systems will not promote such systems to Type A in order to achieve police response.

What Do Justice Fire & Security’s Type A Security Systems Include?

Justice Fire & Security are accredited NSI Gold installers, and all our home security systems are classified as Type A systems.

These include a comprehensive range of security equipment, encompassing burglar alarms and intruder detection; high-resolution CCTV cameras with night vision; portable or remote access for monitoring via a smartphone or computer; integration of fire detection and access control, where required; and 24/7 monitoring and rapid response services.

Type A Versus Type B Burglar Alarms - In Summary

The latest guidance by the NPCC highlights clear distinctions between Type A and Type B security systems. This has been necessary to:

• Prevent misunderstandings around automatic police response claims.
• Stop the need to explain the differences between compliant Type A systems and non-compliant Type B systems.
• Help reduce the number of false alarms and ensure optimal use of police resources.
• Ensure reliable and prompt protection for high-risk premises.

If you have a Type A home security system, you will receive an immediate police response. If you have a Type B system, don’t be misled into thinking it will be a top police priority – because IT WON’T!

About Justice Fire & Security

For the last four decades, Justice Fire & Security have been dedicated to the design and installation of a comprehensive range of affordable residential security systems for clients across the Greater Midlands, including intruder alarms, CCTV, and access control.

We generally operate within a 60-mile radius of our Birmingham HQ, extending out to major towns and cities including Wolverhampton, Bromsgrove, Solihull, Sutton Coldfield, Coventry, Lichfield, Cannock, Telford, and Stoke.

For all residential security enquiries, including organising a free home survey, contact the Justice Fire & Security main switchboard on 0345 468 0927.

For further information visit NPCC Police Requirements for Security Systems 2026 Updated 0626.docx and see Page 19, 3.7 Police Attendance