How I Use My System: Jorgia McAfee

Jorgia McAfee, VP of development with Gainesville, Fla.-based Crime Prevention Security Systems, has worked with the company for almost 20 years. “My family started this business in 1975 and I've been working here since I was in high school,” she said. McAfee has worked in “virtually every department, the only thing I haven't done is work out in the field as a technician.” Now, her role focuses on major projects and acquisitions. Security Systems News asked her about the system she uses at home.

What kind of system do you have?

The system I have at home is an Interlogix Concord 4 with Alarm.com. [Crime Prevention has] an AES Intellinet network, and I live in an area that helps us to junction to other areas, kind of out in the country. So, I have a radio out at my house as well—plus it adds an additional level of redundancy for communication. … All of our exterior doors and windows are sensed. We have interior zones as well, including glass break detectors, smoke detectors on each level, and then a carbon monoxide detector.

Why this particular setup?

Since we have four locations [at Crime Prevention], I travel pretty extensively, so it's pretty important that I have remote access to my home. The convenience factor is a huge part of the system design, but it's also really important to me that my home and family are protected.

What is one aspect of your security system that you wouldn't want to live without?

Monitored smoke detectors. I know that with all the latest and greatest technology that's out there … monitored smoke detectors seem really mundane, but, I'm only able to sleep well at night because I know that they're there, and that they're protecting my home and family.

Where do you see security going next? What are some big trends?

The two big trends that I see really gaining momentum, and neither of them is particularly new, but they definitely are gaining a lot more consumer recognition, are automation and cameras. People want to be connected to their homes, their business—so, more and more things are being automated or integrated into the security system. … Then, [with] cameras, I think people really want to be able to see what's going on, in and around their home.