Recent news out of Massachusetts provides a good opportunity to emphasize the importance of appropriate licensing and qualifications for electronic security professionals.

The Massachusetts Systems Contractors Association (MCSA), a trade association for systems installers, is taking Verizon and Comcast to court in attempt to ban the companies from selling, installing or monitoring security systems in that state.

MCSA contends that the two companies don’t meet appropriate licensing requirements. MCSA members who do security systems work have a state electrical license, have passed criminal background checks, and work for companies that are licensed by the Department of Public Safety.

Comcast maintains that it is exempt from licensure laws, since its Xfinity Home system involves wireless connections and no electrical installation. Verizon says its Home Monitoring and Control service is a do-it-yourself system, and that customers ultimately are responsible for installing the plug-in equipment.

Arguments originally scheduled in late August in U.S. District Court in Boston have been delayed until issues are decided in two related municipal cases. But legal wrangling aside, this much is clear: Reputable companies in the electronic security industry should be appropriately licensed and registered in compliance with all applicable laws, ordinances and regulations.

Over the years, ESA has worked on numerous fronts – from lobbying to training – to promote the use of licensed, well-trained technicians to perform the important work of installing and servicing alarm systems. This builds customer confidence in our companies, increases our professionalism, and ultimately contributes to the long-term success of our members.

That’s something everyone in our industry should support.