RALEIGH, N.C. – Chuck Harrelson, president of Sonitrol Security Systems of the Triangle, has been elected president of the Sonitrol National Dealers Association (SNDA).
The SNDA, based in Orlando, Fla., represents a national network of Sonitrol dealers who market and service the company’s fully integrated, verified electronic security solutions. Sonitrol’s unique verified audio intrusion detection technology and its video intrusion systems give law enforcement real-time certainty that a crime is underway, with details to help ensure police officers’ safety, such as the number and location of perpetrators.
According to Harrelson, a key SNDA goal under his leadership will be educating the public to the many benefits of verified detection technologies. “Offering reliable intelligence on what is actually occurring during an event helps protect law enforcement responders, reduces nuisance false alarms for business owners – and significantly increases the chance of catching criminals,” Harrelson explained.
Sonitrol, which marks its 50th anniversary this year, provides tailored local service in approximately 180 cities throughout the U.S. and Canada. “With approximately 200,000 apprehensions, Sonitrol has been the pioneer and leader in verified detection,” Harrelson added. “We’re glad to see the wider industry is beginning to discover the benefits as well.”
Around the country, more than 90 percent of alarm activations are false alarms, and verified response has emerged as a vital tool for municipalities focused on conserving resources. Numerous cities have enacted verified response laws in recent years, which provide that police will only respond – or will give priority response – to alarms that are verified through audio or video monitoring, or confirmed by an eyewitness.
Harrelson previously served as vice president and as a regional director of SNDA, and was president of the organization in 2003. He founded Raleigh-based Sonitrol of the Triangle in 1998, and his franchise has won numerous sales and operations awards within the Sonitrol Network.
He earned his B.A. in Business Administration degree from Appalachian State University in Boone, N.C., and is a state-licensed electrical contractor in addition to certification in Fire Alarm Systems from the . National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET). A leader in the community, Harrelson has served on the Board of the Triangle YMCA, among other civic activities, and his Sonitrol dealership is a major sponsor of the Miracle League of the Triangle.
