SDS Gunshot Detection Powered by Alarm.com for Commercial Buildings
BTI installs and supports Alarm.com for Business for commercial clients only. We do not serve homes or residential customers.
SDS Powered by Alarm.com is an indoor gunshot detection system from Shooter Detection Systems (SDS) that sends alerts through the Alarm.com for Business platform. BTI designs SDS gunshot detection working with SDS's advisors, installs it and supports it for schools, offices, healthcare facilities and other commercial buildings across Los Angeles, Chicago and Phoenix.
Book a free consultationRequest a quoteAsk About 3.99% Financing For qualified buyers, subject to credit approval.
Call: Los Angeles 562-298-5000 | Chicago 312-432-5300 | Phoenix 602-733-6807
- Over 40 years in business
- Alarm.com dealer
- Licensed Alarm Company Operator
How SDS gunshot detection works
When an SDS sensor detects a gunshot, the signal goes to Alarm.com's cloud platform. According to Alarm.com, that starts two processes at once:
- Monitoring alert: the central station is alerted and can use visual verification to understand the situation.
- Occupant notification: local alarms plus text and app push notifications can alert people in and around the building.
Alarm.com also states the system can share real-time location details with police and trigger other life safety technologies you have set up. How alerts route at your building is designed with your team.
SDS sensor specifications (manufacturer figures)
The figures below are stated by SDS and Alarm.com on Alarm.com's SDS page. They are manufacturer specifications, not BTI test results, and no detection system can promise to detect every event.
| Specification | Manufacturer figure |
|---|---|
| Detection time | About 0.5 seconds |
| Accuracy | Greater than 99.9% accuracy rate |
| Coverage per sensor | About 2,500 square feet with 180 degrees of coverage |
| Line of sight | Not required to the firearm |
| Sensing | Two acoustic sensors for the sound and two infrared sensors for the muzzle flash |
| Range of firearms | Low caliber handguns (.22 caliber) through semi-automatic and automatic rifles |
| Mounting | About a 4 inch by 4 inch footprint, wall or ceiling mounted at 9 to 12 feet |
| Power and backup | Power over Ethernet, with cellular backup through the Alarm.com platform |
Source: SDS Powered by Alarm.com. BTI confirms current specifications with SDS during design.
Video: Shooter Detection Systems (Alarm.com)
Where gunshot detection fits
Alarm.com lists applications that include:
- Schools and campuses
- Government facilities
- Healthcare facilities and clinics
- Offices and commercial buildings
- Banks, gas stations, liquor and convenience stores
- Places of worship, theaters and indoor venues
How BTI delivers SDS gunshot detection
Quote and design. Every building is different. BTI designs SDS gunshot detection working with SDS's advisors, mapping sensor placement room by room and hallway by hallway, and planning how alerts reach your team, your monitoring and the people in the building. Request a quote or book a free consultation to start.
Sales. BTI recommends gunshot detection as part of a broader safety plan that can include access control, video and mass notification. See workplace safety.
Installation. BTI technicians install sensors and PoE cabling, connect the system to Alarm.com for Business and test alert routing with your team.
Licensing. SDS powered by Alarm.com runs through an Alarm.com service plan provided through your dealer. BTI explains the plan when we quote.
Monitoring. Gunshot alerts can be forwarded to monitoring. Alarm signals on BTI systems are monitored by BTI staff and BTI's central stations. Police response is decided by local agencies, and BTI does not promise response times.
Service and support. BTI's local technicians handle sensor service, system checks and changes as your building changes.
Connect gunshot detection to the rest of your security
SDS alerts run in the same Alarm.com app as access control, commercial video and intrusion detection. For multi-campus organizations, see multi-location management.
BTI's view: gunshot detection is one part of a safety plan
Gunshot detection gives people information faster. It works best when the rest of the plan is ready to use that information:
- Decide what happens on an alert. Who is notified, what occupants hear and see, and which doors should lock are decisions to make with your safety team before installation.
- Coordinate with your access control and video. Alerts that show location and camera views help responders understand the situation.
- Train and drill. Technology supports people. Staff who know the plan act faster.
- Review it every year. Buildings change. BTI can review sensor coverage and alert routing as rooms and uses change.
Gunshot detection near you
- Los Angeles: SDS gunshot detection design and installation across Los Angeles County, Orange County and the Inland Empire. Call 562-298-5000.
- Chicago: SDS gunshot detection across Chicagoland. Call 312-432-5300.
- Phoenix: SDS gunshot detection across the Phoenix metro. Call 602-733-6807. Tucson projects are served through contractors working with BTI.
Plan gunshot detection for your building
Tell us about your building and your safety goals. A BTI security engineer will reply with next steps.
Book a free consultationRequest a quoteAsk About 3.99% Financing For qualified buyers, subject to credit approval.
Back to Alarm.com for Business
Locations we serve
BTI Communications Group serves businesses and commercial properties only, from three regional offices. SDS gunshot detection projects are designed, installed and supported by the local BTI team.
BTI Los Angeles
12155 Mora Drive, Suites 1 & 2
Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670
Call: 562-298-5000
Service area: Los Angeles County, Orange County, the Inland Empire and the rest of Southern California.
BTI Chicagoland
1441 Branding Ave, Suite 200
Downers Grove, IL 60515
Call: 312-432-5300
Service area: Chicago, Cook County, DuPage County and the rest of Chicagoland.
BTI Phoenix / Tucson
615 N 48th St, Suite 1048
Phoenix, AZ 85008
Call: 602-733-6807
Service area: Greater Phoenix, including Scottsdale, Tempe, Mesa and Chandler. Tucson projects are served through contractors working with BTI.
Frequently asked questions
What is SDS gunshot detection powered by Alarm.com?
It is an indoor gunshot detection system from Shooter Detection Systems that sends alerts through the Alarm.com for Business platform to monitoring and to building occupants.
Does BTI install Alarm.com for homes?
No. BTI works only with businesses and commercial properties, including schools, offices and healthcare facilities. We do not install gunshot detection or any Alarm.com product in homes or for residential customers.
How fast does SDS detect a gunshot?
SDS and Alarm.com state detection in about 0.5 seconds. That is a manufacturer figure, not a BTI test result.
How accurate is SDS gunshot detection?
SDS and Alarm.com state an accuracy rate greater than 99.9%. No detection system can promise to detect every event.
Does the sensor need line of sight to the firearm?
According to Alarm.com, no. Each sensor uses acoustic and infrared sensing and covers about 2,500 square feet with 180 degrees of coverage.
Does gunshot detection guarantee a police response?
No. The system sends alerts to monitoring and occupants. Police response is decided by local agencies, and BTI does not promise response times.
Who designs the SDS system for my building?
BTI designs SDS gunshot detection systems working with SDS's advisors, then installs and supports them.
How do I get a quote for gunshot detection?
Request a quote or book a free consultation. BTI reviews your building and designs sensor placement with SDS's advisors.
How is SDS gunshot detection licensed?
It runs through an Alarm.com service plan provided through your dealer. BTI explains the plan when we quote.
What types of buildings use gunshot detection?
Alarm.com lists schools, government and healthcare facilities, offices, banks, retail stores, places of worship and indoor venues.