What Bay Alarm does

Bay Alarm is the largest independently owned security company in the United States, founded in 1946 by Marj and Everett Westphal in Oakland, California, and currently led by third-generation family owner Tim Westphal as CEO. Headquartered in Concord, California, the company provides integrated commercial and residential security solutions—including burglar alarms, fire alarms, access control, AI-powered video surveillance, live video monitoring, solar-powered mobile security units, and on-site security guard services—serving more than 155,000 businesses and homes across California, Arizona, and Washington through 18 local branch locations.

The core technical platform combines AI-driven computer vision with a 24/7 in-house UL-listed monitoring center staffed by 5 Diamond Certified agents. The system uses anomaly detection to distinguish genuine threats from false alarms (e.g., differentiating a plastic bag from a trespasser), deploys virtual-fence technology, and triggers automated loudspeaker deterrence when threats are confirmed. Cloud-based storage retains footage for up to 30 days, and remote management is delivered through two purpose-built applications: Bay Alarm Link for multi-site managers and Bay Alarm Vision for end-customers. Mobile Security Units extend the platform to unpowered or remote sites via solar-powered self-sufficient trailers with AI-equipped 360-degree cameras.

Bay Alarm's revenue model is dominated by recurring subscription monitoring fees for installed alarm, video, access control, and fire systems, supplemented by hardware sales (including a flat $60 panel-battery replacement fee plus tax) and professional services such as on-site security guards and alarm response agents. Pricing is custom quote-based and not publicly disclosed. Go-to-market is sales-led: direct field sales for enterprise and multi-site accounts, inside sales for SMB and residential, and 18 physical branches that anchor local service. The company segments customers across four pillars—Business & Commercial (retail, hospitality, healthcare, cannabis, property management), Outdoor Operations (construction, auto lots, warehouses, agriculture), Education & Government (K-12, higher education, courthouses, municipal buildings), and Residential—and holds named enterprise accounts including Sherwin Williams, Americas Tire, Pilot Freight, and Skywest.

Name

Bay Alarm

Legal name

Bay Alarm Company

Website

https://bayalarm.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1946

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1,001–5,000 employees

Short description

Bay Alarm is a third-generation, family-owned security company providing AI-powered video surveillance, burglar and fire alarms, access control, and 24/7 professional monitoring to over 155,000 businesses and homes across California, Arizona, and Washington.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Security Services

NAICS

Security Systems Services (except Locksmiths) (561621), Security Systems Services (56162), Security Guards and Patrol Services (561612)

SIC

Services-Detective, Guard & Armored Car Services (7381)

akta.pro primary industry

Commercial & Industrial Alarm Monitoring (BPAKAFAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Fire Alarm Monitoring & Dispatch (BPAKAFAC), Professional Monitoring (Burglar/Intrusion) (HSAHAAAA), Fire Alarm Systems (Inspection/Testing/Monitoring/Service) (IMAIAJAC), Intrusion Detection & Burglar Alarm Systems Integration (BPAKAGAC)

Keywords

• Commercial security systems
• Video surveillance monitoring
• Access control solutions
• Fire alarm systems
• Home security monitoring

Headquarters

HQ city

Concord

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices18 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Security Systems & Monitoring Services: Recurring monitoring fees for burglar alarms, fire alarms, access control, and video security systems. Professional monitoring services with 24/7 coverage from in-house UL-listed monitoring center.
2. Video Security Services: AI-powered live video monitoring, event-based video monitoring, and alarm video verification services with professional monitoring by security specialists.
3. Security Agent Services: On-site security guards, perimeter protection, and alarm response agents. Services include agent response for emergency verification and professional security patrol.
4. Fire Alarm Systems: Custom fire prevention systems with professional monitoring, inspection services, and sprinkler inspection for compliance.
5. Access Control Systems: Cutting-edge access control systems managed through easy-to-use mobile app with real-time authorization and restrictions.
6. Equipment Sales & Replacement Parts: Sale of security equipment including panel batteries ($60 flat fee plus tax) and replacement parts shipped to customers.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Bay Alarm provides professionally installed and monitored security systems for commercial and residential customers, including burglar alarms, fire alarms, access control, video surveillance, live video monitoring, and mobile security units. Services are backed by an in-house UL-listed 24/7 monitoring center staffed by 5 Diamond Certified agents, with custom security assessments, professional installation, and remote management via mobile apps.

Product overview

Bay Alarm is a third-generation family-owned security company offering a comprehensive portfolio of commercial and residential security solutions. The core offering combines live video monitoring, burglar alarms, fire alarms, access control, and 24/7 professional monitoring through an in-house UL-listed monitoring center with 5 Diamond Certified agents. The product ecosystem includes AI-powered surveillance systems with threat detection, mobile security units with solar-powered cameras, and security agent services. Remote management is enabled through Bay Alarm Link (manager app) and Bay Alarm Vision (customer app). Services are organized by sector: Business & Commercial (including retail, healthcare, cannabis, enterprise), Outdoor Operations (construction, auto lots, warehouses), Education & Government, and Residential. The company operates 18 local branches across California, Arizona, and Washington, serving over 155,000 businesses and homes since 1946.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Live Video Monitoring AI-powered surveillance with 24/7 professional monitoring from Bay Alarm agents in Concord, California. Combines AI analytics with human verification for proactive crime deterrence and faster police response.
• 24/7 Monitoring In-house UL-listed monitoring center with 5 Diamond Certified agents providing verified alarm response, AI-powered threat detection, and insurance premium discounts for monitored customers.
• Business & Commercial Security Comprehensive security solutions for businesses of all sizes including small business, multi-site, enterprise, retail, hospitality, healthcare, cannabis, property management, and multi-family residential sectors.
• Outdoor Operations Security Security solutions for outdoor assets including construction sites, auto lots and fleets, warehouses, agriculture, industrial equipment, and waste management facilities.
• Education & Government Security Security services for K-12 schools, colleges and universities, and government facilities with people-first comprehensive services and emergency response coordination.
• Video Security Systems Professional video surveillance with traditional, smart video, event-based monitoring, and alarm video verification options. Cloud storage up to 30 days with AI-powered object differentiation.
• Mobile Security Units Solar-powered self-sufficient surveillance trailers with AI-enhanced 360-degree cameras, virtual fence technology, automated loudspeakers, and no data restrictions for remote or temporary sites.
• Burglar Alarms & Monitoring Custom perimeter protection with 24/7 monitoring, motion detectors, remote system arming/disarming, and professional installation for businesses.
• Fire Alarms & Monitoring Custom fire prevention systems with professional monitoring, design, installation, inspection services, compliance expertise (NFPA 72, NFPA 25), and cellular communicator technology.
• Access Control Modern key card systems with user-friendly interface, insightful reporting, integrations with other security systems, and streamlined multi-site management via mobile app.
• Security Agent Services On-site guards, perimeter protection, and alarm response agents for layered physical security. Includes agent response and security patrol services.
• Residential Home Security Custom home security systems with professional installation, 24/7 monitoring, touch screen keypad, door contacts, motion sensors, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, water leak detectors, and mobile app control.

Quantifiable outcome

• 98% of incidents prevented with live video monitoring
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability9 records

Feature6 records

Partnerships

Four partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Local Law Enforcement AgenciescoreOthersBay Alarm has established strong relationships with local law enforcement to assist when needed and enable verified alarm response protocols for priority police dispatch.
• Local Fire DepartmentscoreOthersPartnerships with fire departments enable coordinated emergency response for fire alarm monitoring and life safety services.
• City AgenciesminorOthersEstablished relationships with local city agencies to assist when needed and ensure compliance with municipal regulations.
• Sheriff's Charities of Contra Costa CountyminorOthersBay Alarm's CRO Eric Taylor serves on the board of Sheriff's Charities of Contra Costa County.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Emerging players

• Ring (Amazon): Ring, owned by Amazon, sells DIY video doorbells, cameras, and alarm systems with optional professional monitoring at low monthly fees. It is a primary disruptor of the traditional professionally installed residential alarm market that Bay Alarm serves, particularly with budget-conscious consumers.
• SimpliSafe: SimpliSafe is a leading DIY home security company offering self-installed, no-contract intrusion and video monitoring at low price points. It competes with Bay Alarm in the residential segment and represents the disruptive, low-cost alternative to Bay Alarm's professionally installed and contract-based residential offering.

Broad incumbents

• ADT: ADT is the largest national security alarm and monitoring provider with ~6 million customers, offering residential and commercial intrusion, fire, video, and smart-home solutions. It is a broad incumbent competitor that overlaps with Bay Alarm's core offering but operates at vastly greater national scale, often serving multi-site enterprises that Bay Alarm cannot cover outside CA/AZ/WA.
• Brinks Home: Brinks Home is a national monitored security provider offering intrusion, fire, video, and home automation with professionally installed equipment. It competes directly with Bay Alarm in residential and small-business monitoring, with the advantage of a nationwide footprint but typically less local service density.
• Allied Universal: Allied Universal is the largest North American security guarding services provider, also offering electronic security, monitoring, and risk consulting. It competes with Bay Alarm in commercial guarding and integrated security, but at much greater scale and with a national footprint spanning all 50 states.
• Vivint Smart Home: Vivint is a national smart-home and security provider combining professionally installed intrusion, video, access control, and energy management. Like Bay Alarm, it emphasizes professionally installed and monitored systems, but operates at significantly larger scale with a national footprint and smart-home platform orientation.

Direct peers

• Vector Security: Vector Security is a leading independent regional security provider serving the eastern US with intrusion, fire, video, access control, and guard services across residential and commercial markets. It is closely comparable to Bay Alarm as a multi-state, multi-product independent alarm dealer with a similar business model and customer segments.
• CPI Security: CPI Security is a regional independently owned security provider across the southeastern US offering professionally installed intrusion, fire, video, and medical alert systems with its own monitoring center. It is a strong comparable to Bay Alarm in business model, vertical breadth, and independent-ownership positioning.
• Guardian Protection: Guardian Protection is a regional monitored security company offering intrusion, fire, video surveillance, and medical alert services for homes and businesses across the eastern and midwestern US. It mirrors Bay Alarm's mix of residential and commercial monitored services and competes in the same independent-dealer category.

Regional players

• Pye-Barker Fire & Safety: Pye-Barker is a PE-backed national roll-up of fire and life safety companies offering fire alarm, sprinkler, suppression, and security services across multiple US regions. It overlaps with Bay Alarm's fire alarm and life safety services and represents the kind of scaled, capital-backed acquirer that could consolidate regional players like Bay Alarm.

Market position

Strengths3 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks2 records

Key highlights1 record

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/bayalarmcompany
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UC2-FS9IVPTEVsli9lBtvxsQ
• Facebookfacebook.com/BayAlarm
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/bay-alarm-company
• Instagraminstagram.com/bayalarm

Compliance4 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles7 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A2 records

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Bay Alarm