The task force was formed to study and recommend methods of reducing false alarms. Its members consist of representatives from professional organizations including the British Alarm Association, Detroit Police Department, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Underwriters Laboratories. The task force was presented information based on industry and Canadian Security and Alarm Association studies which indicated that four false alarm categories exist. The categories are customer-caused, equipment-caused, unknown, and 'other', which includes telephone line problems, weather, central station operators' errors, and similar causes. Because customer error is responsible for most false alarms, customer education programs that provide for extensive training are recommended. The task force encourages each alarm company to assign a staff member to plan, organize, direct, coordinate, and control a company-based false alarm reduction program. Additionally, while the task force is opposed to Federal regulation of alarm companies, it does support the establishment of State Alarm Industry Review and Licensing Boards in every State. It also supports professional training programs as well as alarm company employee proficiency testing and certification. The task force recommends uniform product testing for false alarm performance, endorses manufacturer-supplied audiovisual training aids for all products, and supports user-friendly equipment. Finally, a revision of police dispatch policies is urged and the Alarm Efficiency Reporting Organization Program is endorsed.