Pinnacle Security Denied Peddler's License in Kenosha, WI

Pinnacle Security applied for the license, but has been denied a license to sell home security systems door-to-door. The reason for denial was that Pinnacle Security has received 10 complaints statewide. This could be bad news if other cities follow suit and have the same requirements for receiving licenses. This wasn't 10 complaints in Kenosha, it was 10 complaints in the state. Looks like Vigilon Security aka the other name for Pinnacle Security may have to come to Kenosha.

From what I have found, there have been at least 4 cities that have denied or revoked licenses for door-to-door alarm companies.

If there were to be a pattern applied, it would be that cities are getting more stringent with door-to-door alarm companies than more lenient. If cities liked the product, they would be increasingly more open, not the other way, increasingly more closed. I mean, it only makes sense. Cities do not like to have to take on an added work load and get paid nothing for it, especially when they are barely scrapping by on their current budget.

For example, if an alarm company comes to a town like Kenosha, sells 100 or so security systems, they make a good chunk of that money. The things Pinnacle, or any security company for that matter has to do to uphold their end of the bargain for the customer is:

1. Install the alarm.
2. Monitor the alarm.
   
3. Obtain licensing, if needed, but not the license a customer may need to have a burglar alarm. That is still a cost paid for by the home owner.
   

That's it. Who pays the cost to have a police officer respond to a call at the homeowners residence? The alarm company surely does not pay, the city does. About 97% of all alarm calls to police are false alarms. Even with 2-way voice, alarm.com, etc, 97% of all alarm calls are false alarms. That is a lot! It's like the little boy who cried wolf, 97 out of 100 times it wasn't a wolf. If you were a city who had to pay a policeman to go out to that house 97 times to find that the cat set off the alarm, would you be upset?

Now, say an alarm company wanted to come into the city and sell alarms.

Here are the downsides for any given community:

1. Residents complain about any door-to-door activity, not just alarms. Add in the fact that some of these salesmen don't take no for an answer when no is the only thing available. How would the police feel about that?
   
2. Increased alarm calls due to increased alarm systems. Even with the best technology available, people who buy an alarm from a door-to-door salesman guaranteed will not be the group that will decrease the alarm calls to police.
   
3. Alarm company is not a local company. It adds nothing more than an increased usage in gas purchases, red bull purchases, and fast food purchases. If a permanent temporary office is set up, the apartment communities will add a little. However, no jobs are created, no taxes are contributed, and money is leaving the community.
4. Local alarm companies are affected. Some say it is good competition, some say it's bad. I say it's bad WHEN the local alarm company has accounts taken due to dishonest sales tactics. Those companies, bad or good, do add to the local economy.
   
5. If the company neglects to get a license, it is a double slap in the face to the local police department. Not paying to get the license and add in the previous four topics you get a not so pleasant situation with the local community.Want the ultimate situation? Not being a local company,
   

Want the ultimate situation to create ill will with the police? Not being a local company, going door-to-door citing false crime statistics, not being licensed, and claiming you are working with the local police department. If you are a company, do that and it will guarantee issues with local authorities.

Overall, more police time is needed to patrol calls and they are receiving no extra money to do it. They aren't big fans of that and thus they don't issue permits.

Now, for the upsides of having an alarm:

1. Increased in perceived safety for residents in community. Even though it is not a local company that it may be bought from, the positive effect could well be worth it.
2. More competition for local company hopefully means better product from local company.

If you can think of more, let me know. I think both of those can be accomplished through other measures, but they are still beneficial if done correctly. If the company gets the proper licensing, does a great and honest sale, gives a little back to the local community and actually takes interest in community, then it could be a beneficial situation.

Otherwise, patters will continue and more and more cities will opt to deny permits.