Johnson Controls monitoring facility receives CSAA Five Diamond certification

MILWAUKEE – January 11, 2012 – Johnson Controls, the global leader in delivering solutions for energy efficiency in buildings, today announced its Milwaukee-based alarm monitoring facility has achieved the prestigious Five Diamond Certification from the Central Station Alarm Association (CSAA).

This certification assures that 100 percent of Johnson Controls' central station operators have achieved proficiency and certification by passing the CSAA Central Station On-Line Operator Training Course. These courses cover virtually all phases of central station communications with customers, law enforcement, fire and emergency services communications centers. This critical area of communications is the life-saving link between the residential or business properties and the law enforcement, fire and emergency services in local areas.

In order to achieve the certification each and every operator must have not only passed the course, but demonstrated:

- Proficiency in alarm verification, which helps reduce false alarms.

- Proficiency in communications with the public service answering points, such as the emergency 911 centers.

- Knowledge of electronic communications equipment, including radio;

- An understanding of the codes and standards of such organizations as Underwriters Laboratories, Factory Mutual, the National Fire Protection Association and others.

- Proficiency in the area of emergency preparedness under a wide scenario of possibilities.

In addition, Johnson Controls has demonstrated an exceptionally high degree of responsibility to its community and customers through the investment of time, money and commitment to 100 percent quality operator training.

"This prestigious certification reflects the dedication and determination our central station operators bring to the job to help protect the many corporate customers we monitor every day in the U.S.," said Paul Pisarski, manager, field support and remote operations, Building Efficiency, for Johnson Controls.

There are about 2,700 central stations in the United States, which communicate and interact with the law enforcement, fire and emergency services agencies. Of this group, fewer than one hundred fifty central stations have achieved the Five Diamond Certified status.