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                                                                   EXHIBIT 10.21

                              EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

          THIS AGREEMENT is entered into as of the 8th day of August, 2001 by
and between Protection One Alarm Monitoring, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the
"Company"), and Mack Sands ("Executive").

                               W I T N E S S E T H

          WHEREAS, the Board (as defined in Section 1(a)) has determined that it
is in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders to secure
Executive's services; and

          WHEREAS, the Board has authorized the Company to enter into this
Agreement;

          NOW, THEREFORE, for and in consideration of the premises and the
mutual covenants and agreements herein contained, the Company and Executive
hereby agree as follows:

          1. DEFINITIONS. As used in this Agreement, the following terms shall
have the respective meanings set forth below:

             (a) "Board" means the Board of Directors of the Company.

             (b) "Cause" means (i) Executive's conviction of a felony or crime
     involving moral turpitude, (ii) Executive's commission of a willful act of
     fraud or dishonesty with respect to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries
     or affiliated entities that materially and adversely affects the Company or
     any of its Subsidiaries or affiliated entities, (iii) Executive's willful
     misconduct or gross negligence with respect to the Company or any of its
     Subsidiaries or affiliated entities, (iv) Executive's material breach of
     this Agreement, other than by reason of physical or mental illness, injury
     or condition, that is not cured within 14 days after delivery of written
     notice thereof to Executive, (v) Executive's substantial and repeated
     failure to perform material duties reasonably demanded by the Company,
     other than by reason of physical or mental illness, injury or condition,
     that is not cured within 14 days after delivery of written notice thereof
     to Executive, or (vi) Executive's breach of his fiduciary responsibilities

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     to the Company, any of its Subsidiaries or affiliated entities or their
     respective shareholders.

             (c) "Change in Control" means the occurrence of any one of the
     following events:

                   (i) individuals who, on the date of this Agreement,
          constitute the Board of Directors of Protection One, Inc. (the
          "Incumbent Directors") cease for any reason to constitute at least a
          majority of the Board of Directors of Protection One, Inc., provided
          that any person becoming a director subsequent to the date of this
          Agreement, whose election or nomination for election was approved by a
          vote of at least two-thirds of the Incumbent Directors then on the
          Board of Directors of Protection One, Inc. (either by a specific vote
          or by approval of the proxy statement of Protection One, Inc. in which
          such person is named as a nominee for director, without written
          objection to such nomination) shall be an Incumbent Director;
          PROVIDED, however, that no individual initially elected or nominated
          as a director of Protection One, Inc. as a result of an actual or
          threatened election contest with respect to directors or as a result
          of any other actual or threatened solicitation of proxies or consents
          by or on behalf of any person other than the Board of Directors of
          Protection One, Inc. shall be deemed to be an Incumbent Director;
          PROVIDED, FURTHER, that if any individual is appointed to the Board of
          Directors of Protection One, Inc. with the consent of Westar at such
          time as Westar is the direct or indirect beneficial owner or has
          direct or indirect control over the voting of 40% or more of the
          voting securities of Protection One, Inc., that individual shall be
          deemed to be an Incumbent Director;

                   (ii) any "person" (as such term is defined in Section 3(a)(9)
          of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act") and as
          used in Sections 13(d)(3) and 14(d)(2) of the Exchange Act) is or
          becomes a "beneficial owner" (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the
          Exchange

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          Act), directly or indirectly, of securities of Protection One, Inc.
          representing more than 40% of the combined voting power of the then
          outstanding securities of Protection One, Inc. eligible to vote for
          the election of the Board of Directors of Protection One, Inc. (the
          "P-One Voting Securities"); PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that the event
          described in this paragraph (ii) shall not be deemed to be a Change in
          Control by virtue of any of the following acquisitions: (A) by
          Protection One, Inc., Westar, or any of their subsidiaries, (B) by any
          employee benefit plan (or related trust) sponsored or maintained by
          Protection One, Inc., Westar, or any of their subsidiaries, (C) by any
          underwriter temporarily holding securities pursuant to an offering of
          such securities, (D) pursuant to a Non-Qualifying Transaction (as
          defined in paragraph (iii)), (E) pursuant to any acquisition by
          Executive or any group of persons including Executive (or any entity
          controlled by Executive or any group of persons including Executive),
          or (F) any event in which Westar continues to be directly or
          indirectly the beneficial owner of a greater number of shares of
          Protection One, Inc. than that held by any person as a result of the
          event described in this paragraph (ii) or has the right to direct the
          vote of a greater number of voting securities for directors (or the
          equivalent) of Protection One, Inc. than any person as a result of the
          event described in this paragraph (ii);

                   (iii) the consummation of a merger, consolidation, statutory
          share exchange or similar form of corporate transaction involving the
          Company or Protection One, Inc. (a "Business Combination"), unless
          immediately following such Business Combination: (A) more than 40% of
          the total voting power of (x) the corporation resulting from such
          Business Combination (the "Surviving Corporation"), or (y) if
          applicable, the ultimate parent corporation that directly or
          indirectly has beneficial ownership of 100% of the voting securities
          eligible to elect directors (or the equivalent) of the Surviving
          Corporation (the "Parent Corporation"), is represented by P-One Voting
          Securities that

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          were outstanding immediately prior to such Business Combination (or,
          if applicable, is represented by shares into which such P-One, Inc.
          Voting Securities were converted pursuant to such Business
          Combination), and such voting power among the holders thereof is in
          substantially the same proportion as the voting power of such P-One
          Voting Securities among the holders thereof immediately prior to the
          Business Combination; (B) no person (other than Westar or any employee
          benefit plan (or related trust) sponsored or maintained by Westar, the
          Surviving Corporation or the Parent Corporation) is or becomes the
          beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of more than 40% or more of
          the total voting power of the outstanding voting securities eligible
          to elect directors (or the equivalent) of the Parent Corporation (or,
          if there is no Parent Corporation, the Surviving Corporation); and (C)
          at least a majority of the members of the board of directors of the
          Parent Corporation (or, if there is no Parent Corporation, the
          Surviving Corporation) following the consummation of the Business
          Combination were Incumbent Directors at the time of the approval by
          the Board of Directors of Protection One, Inc. of the execution of the
          initial agreement providing for such Business Combination (any
          Business Combination which satisfies all of the criteria specified in
          (A), (B) and (C) above shall be deemed to be a "Non-Qualifying
          Transaction");

                   (iv) the stockholders of Protection One, Inc. approve a plan
          of complete liquidation or dissolution of Protection One, Inc. or
          consummation of a sale of all or substantially all of the assets of
          Protection One, Inc.; or

                   (v) a "Change in Control" as that term is defined in this
          Agreement occurs at Westar Industries, Inc. (treating Westar
          Industries, Inc. as if it were Protection One, Inc. for purposes of
          such definition), provided that any spin-off, split-off or other
          distribution of Westar Industries, Inc. shall not be a Change in
          Control.

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             (d) "Date of Termination" means (i) if Executive's employment is to
     be terminated for Disability, 30 days after Notice of Termination is given
     (provided that Executive shall not have returned to the performance of
     Executive's duties on a full-time basis during such 30 day period); (ii) if
     Executive's employment is to be terminated by the Company for Cause, the
     date specified in the Notice of Termination; (iii) if Executive's
     employment is to be terminated by the Company for any reason other than
     Cause or Disability, the date specified in the Notice of Termination, which
     shall be 90 days after the Notice of Termination is given, unless an
     earlier date has been expressly agreed to by Executive in writing; (iv) if
     Executive's employment terminates by reason of death, the date of death of
     Executive; or (v) if Executive's employment is terminated by Executive, the
     date specified in Executive's Notice of Termination, but not more than 30
     days after the Notice of Termination is given, unless expressly agreed to
     by the Company in writing.

             (e) "Disability" means termination of Executive's employment by the
     Company due to Executive's failure to substantially perform his duties with
     the Company on a full-time basis for at least one hundred twenty
     (120)consecutive days as a result of Executive's incapacity due to physical
     or mental illness, unless within 30 days after Notice of Termination is
     given to Executive following such absence Executive shall have returned to
     the full-time performance of Executive's duties.

             (f) "Non-Qualifying Termination" means a termination of Executive's
     employment prior to the end of the Term of this Agreement under any
     circumstances not qualifying as a Qualifying Termination, including without
     limitation any termination by the Company for Cause, any termination by
     Executive other than upon the date of a Change in Control, or any
     termination on account of death or Disability.

             (g) "Notice of Termination" means a written notice of termination
     of employment given by one party to the other party pursuant to Section
     15(b).

             (h) "Qualifying Termination" means a termination of Executive's
     employment prior to the end of the Term of this Agreement (i) by the
     Company other

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     than for Cause or (ii) upon the date of a Change in Control. Termination of
     Executive's employment on account of death or Disability shall not be
     treated as a Qualifying Termination.

             (i) "Subsidiary" means any corporation or other entity in which the
     Company has a direct or indirect ownership interest of 50% or more of the
     total combined voting power of the then outstanding securities or interests
     of such corporation or other entity entitled to vote generally in the
     election of directors or in which the Company has the right to receive 50%
     or more of the distribution or profits or 50% or more of the assets upon
     liquidation or dissolution.

             (j) "Westar" means Westar Industries, Inc., a Kansas corporation,
     or any parent entity, or any of their majority owned subsidiaries.

          2. EMPLOYMENT AND DUTIES.

             (a) TERM OF EMPLOYMENT. The Company agrees to employ Executive, and
     Executive agrees to enter into employment with the Company, in accordance
     with the terms and provisions of this Agreement beginning on the Start Date
     (as defined in Section 3) and for the remainder of the Term of this
     Agreement, unless such employment is sooner terminated by the Company or
     Executive in a Qualifying Termination or Non-Qualifying Termination.

             (b) DUTIES. During the period of Executive's employment under this
     Agreement, Executive shall serve as Executive Vice President and Chief
     Operating Officer of the Company. Executive shall devote Executive's full
     business time and attention to the affairs of the Company and his duties as
     its Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. Executive shall
     have such duties as are appropriate to Executive's position as Executive
     Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, and shall have such authority
     as required to enable Executive to perform these duties. Consistent with
     the foregoing, Executive shall comply with all reasonable instructions of
     the Board of Directors and the Chief Executive Officer of the Company.
     Executive shall report directly to the Chief Executive Officer of the
     Company.

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             (c) LOCATION. Executive shall be based at the Company's offices in
     Wichita, Kansas. Executive acknowledges that he will be expected to travel
     from time to time to the Company's headquarters and to branch operations
     and to make such other trips as may be necessary in furtherance of his
     duties herewith.

          3. TERM OF AGREEMENT. This Agreement shall continue for a period of
three (3) years from August 27, 2001 (the "Start Date"); provided, however, that
Executive's employment under this Agreement (and his obligation to perform
services) may terminate prior to the expiration of the Term as set forth in this
Agreement and certain obligations and benefits shall survive the expiration of
the Term as set forth in Section 18.

          4. BASE SALARY AND BENEFITS.

             (a) BASE SALARY. During the period of Executive's employment under
     this Agreement, the Company shall pay Executive an annual base salary at an
     annual rate equal to no less than $300,000, which shall be reviewed
     annually by the Compensation Committee of the Board for the purpose of
     considering increases thereof. Executive's base salary shall be paid in
     accordance with the standard practices for other senior corporate
     executives of the Company.

             (b) SIGNING BONUS. The Company shall pay Executive a signing bonus
     in the amount of $150,000 within ten (10) days after the Start Date. In
     addition, Executive shall be entitled to an additional bonus in the amount
     of $50,000 payable on the first anniversary of the Start Date if he
     continues in employment with the Company through such first anniversary.

             (c) INCENTIVE BONUSES. Beginning with calendar year 2002, Executive
     shall be eligible to receive annually or otherwise any bonus awards,
     whether payable in cash, shares of common stock of the Company or
     otherwise, which the Company, the Compensation Committee of the Board or
     such other authorized committee of the Board determines to award or grant
     under the Company's Short Term Incentive Plan or any other bonus or
     incentive plan of the Company.

             (d) STOCK OPTIONS. There shall be granted to Executive on the Start
     Date, pursuant to action of the Compensation Committee of the Board of
     Directors of

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     Protection One, Inc., an option under the Protection One, Inc. 1997
     Long-Term Incentive Plan (the "LTIP") to purchase 500,000 shares of the
     common stock of Protection One, Inc. at an exercise price per share equal
     to the closing price of the common stock of Protection One, Inc. as quoted
     on the New York Stock Exchange on the date of this Agreement. Such option
     shall become exercisable as follows: (i) 1/3 on the first anniversary of
     the date of grant if Executive is employed by the Company on that
     anniversary date, (ii) an additional 1/3 on the second anniversary of the
     date of grant if Executive is employed by the Company on that anniversary
     date, and (iii) the remaining 1/3 on the third anniversary of the date of
     grant if Executive's employment has not terminated prior to the last day of
     the Term of this Agreement, provided, however, that the exercisability of
     such option shall be accelerated in the event a Change in Control of
     Protection One, Inc. occurs during the Term of this Agreement. Such option
     shall have a term of 10 years from the date of grant, subject to earlier
     termination in the event of termination of Executive's employment.

             (e) BENEFIT PROGRAMS. During the period of Executive's employment
     under this Agreement, Executive shall be eligible to participate in all
     employee benefit plans and programs of the Company from time to time in
     effect for the benefit of senior executives of the Company (subject to
     meeting generally applicable participation requirements under the
     applicable plan or program), including, but not limited to, 401(k) plans,
     group life insurance, hospitalization and surgical and major medical
     coverages, paid time off, employee stock purchase plans, car allowances,
     vacations and holidays, long-term disability, and such other benefits as
     are or may be made available from time to time to senior executives of the
     Company. If Executive elects COBRA continuation coverage under a prior
     employer's medical plan for the period prior to his becoming eligible to
     participate in the Company's medical plan, the Company shall reimburse
     Executive for the lesser of: (i) the amount payable by Executive for such
     COBRA continuation coverage or (ii) the amount of the premiums that the
     Company would have paid (net of any required employee contributions) for
     the benefits Executive would have received under the Company's medical plan
     if Executive had been covered by the Company's medical plan. The paid time
     off available to Executive under the Company's

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     paid time off policy shall in no event be less than 20 days per annum.

             (f) BUSINESS EXPENSES AND PERQUISITES. Executive shall be
     reimbursed for all reasonable expenses incurred by Executive in connection
     with the conduct of the business of the Company, provided Executive
     properly accounts therefor in accordance with the Company's policies.
     During the period of Executive's employment under this Agreement, Executive
     shall also be entitled to such other perquisites as are customary for
     senior executives of the Company.

             (g) OFFICE AND SERVICES FURNISHED. During the period of Executive's
     employment under this Agreement, the Company shall provide Executive with
     office space, secretarial assistance and such other facilities and services
     as shall be suitable to Executive's position and adequate for the
     performance of Executive's duties hereunder.

             (h) TEMPORARY HOUSING, CAR. During the first 6 months of
     Executive's employment under this Agreement, the Company will reimburse
     Executive for the costs of temporary housing for himself and his immediate
     family in Wichita, Kansas but not in excess of $1,000 per month. In
     addition, during the period of Executive's employment under this Agreement,
     the Company will make available to Executive a Company car for his use in
     Wichita, Kansas.

          5. PAYMENTS UPON TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT.

             (a) QUALIFYING TERMINATION. If the employment of Executive shall
     terminate pursuant to a Qualifying Termination, then:

                   (i) the Company shall provide to Executive his base salary as
          described in Section 4(a) of this Agreement for the balance of the
          Term of this Agreement at the times such salary would have been
          payable if his employment had not terminated; and

                   (ii) the Company shall continue for the balance of the Term
          of this Agreement to provide Executive (and Executive's dependents, if
          applicable) with the same level of medical

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          benefits upon substantially the same terms and conditions as Executive
          would have been entitled to receive if he had continued in employment;
          PROVIDED, THAT, if Executive cannot continue to participate in the
          Company medical plans, the Company shall otherwise provide such
          benefits on the same basis as if continued participation had been
          permitted. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event Executive
          becomes reemployed with another employer and becomes eligible to
          receive medical benefits from such employer, the benefits described
          herein shall be secondary to such benefits during the period of
          Executive's eligibility, but only to the extent that the Company
          reimburses Executive for any increased cost and provides any
          additional benefits necessary to give Executive the benefits provided
          hereunder.

     Executive shall not be entitled to participate in the Company's Short Term
     Incentive Plan or in any other employee benefit plan or receive any other
     compensation or benefits except as set forth in (i) or (ii) above following
     such Qualifying Termination.

             (b) NON-QUALIFYING TERMINATION. If during the Term of this
     Agreement the employment of Executive shall terminate in a Non-Qualifying
     Termination, then the Company shall pay to Executive within ten (10) days
     following the Date of Termination, a lump-sum cash amount equal to the sum
     of (1) Executive's base salary through the Date of Termination and (2) any
     accrued vacation pay and accumulated sick leave, in each case to the extent
     not theretofore paid. Executive shall not be entitled to participate in any
     employee benefit plan or receive any compensation or benefits except as set
     forth in (1) and (2) above following such Non-Qualifying Termination.

          6. NON-COMPETITION. Executive hereby acknowledges that the services
which he will perform for the Company are of a special and unique nature, and
that the Company would find it extremely difficult or impossible to replace
Executive. Accordingly, Executive agrees that, in consideration of this
Agreement and the payments to be received by him hereunder, from and after the
date hereof through the period during which Executive continues to be employed
by the Company and following termination of Executive's employment for any
reason until the

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later of (i) the second anniversary of such termination of employment or (ii)
the last day through which base salary is payable to Executive pursuant to
Section 5(a)(i) or 5(b), whichever is applicable (the "Non-Competition Period"),
Executive shall not, directly or indirectly, own, manage, operate, join, control
or participate in the ownership, management, operation or control of, or be
connected as a director, officer, employee, partner, lender, consultant or
otherwise ("Participate" or a "Participation") with any Competitor (as
hereinafter defined), except with the Company's prior written consent. For
purposes of this Agreement, the term "Competitor" shall mean ADT Security
Services or SimplexGrinnel (or any subsidiary of Tyco that provides monitored
security services), Brinks Home Security, Inc., Honeywell Inc. and their
respective subsidiaries, affiliates and successors. Nothing in this paragraph
shall prohibit Executive from owning for investment purposes an aggregate of up
to 3% of the publicly traded securities of any corporation listed on the New
York or American Stock Exchange or whose securities are quoted on the NASDAQ
National Market. Notwithstanding anything which may be to the contrary herein,
Executive shall not be required to cease Participation in any business or
organization which begins to compete with the Company subsequent to the time
when Executive commences such Participation, provided that such business or
organization began to compete with the Company through no action, assistance, or
plan of Executive.

          It is the desire and intent of the parties that the provisions of this
Section 6 shall be enforced under the laws and public policies applied in each
jurisdiction in which enforcement is sought. Accordingly, if any particular
provision of this Section 6 is adjudicated to be invalid or unenforceable or
shall for any reason be held to be excessively broad as to duration, geographic
scope, activity or subject, it shall be construed by limiting and reducing it,
so as to be enforceable to the extent compatible with applicable law and such
provision shall be deemed modified and amended to the extent necessary to render
such provision enforceable in such jurisdiction.

          If Executive challenges the enforceability of the provisions of this
Section 6 in whole or in part as to any Competitors, Executive shall,
immediately upon such challenge, forfeit any right to any payments and benefits
under Section 5(a) that he has not already received.

          7. CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION. Executive acknowledges that: (i) the
business of the Company and its Subsidiaries and affiliates is intensely
competitive and that Executive's

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engagement by the Company requires that Executive have access to and knowledge
of confidential information of the Company and its Subsidiaries and affiliates,
including, but not limited to, the identify of customers, the identity of the
representatives of customers with whom the Company and its Subsidiaries and
affiliates have dealt, the kinds of services provided by the Company and its
Subsidiaries and affiliates to customers and offered to be performed for
potential customers, the manner in which such services are performed or offered
to be performed, the service needs of actual or prospective customers, pricing
information, information concerning the creation, acquisition or disposition of
products and services, customer maintenance listings, computer software
applications and other programs, personnel information and other trade secrets
(the "Confidential Information"); (ii) the direct or indirect disclosure of such
Confidential Information to existing or potential competitors of the Company and
its Subsidiaries and affiliates would place the Company and its Subsidiaries and
affiliates at a competitive disadvantage and would do damage, monetary or
otherwise, to the business of the Company and its Subsidiaries and affiliates;
and (iii) the engaging by Executive in any of the activities prohibited by this
Section 7 may constitute improper appropriation and/or use of such information
and trade secrets. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Confidential Information shall
not include information which (x) is or becomes part of the public domain
through a source other than Executive, (y) is or becomes available to Executive
from a source independent of the Company and its Subsidiaries and affiliates, or
(z) constitutes general industry knowledge possessed by Executive by virtue of
Executive's employment with the Company. Executive expressly acknowledges the
trade secret status of the Confidential Information and that the Confidential
Information constitutes a protectable business interest of the Company and its
Subsidiaries and affiliates. Accordingly, the Company and Executive agree as
follows:

             (a) During the Non-Competition Period, Executive shall not,
     directly or indirectly, whether individually, as a director, stockholder,
     owner, partner, employee, principal or agent of any business, or in any
     other capacity, make known, disclose, furnish, make available or use any of
     the Confidential Information, other than in the proper performance of the
     duties contemplated herein or as required by law or by a court of competent
     jurisdiction or other administrative or legislative body; provided,
     however, that prior to disclosing any of the Confidential Information to a
     court or other administrative or legislative body, Executive

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     shall promptly notify the Company so that the Company may seek a protective
     order or other appropriate remedy.

             (b) Executive agrees to return all Confidential Information,
     including all photocopies, extracts and summaries thereof, and any such
     information stored electronically on tapes, computer disks or in any other
     manner to the Company at anytime upon request of the Chairman of the Board
     of the Company and upon the termination of Executive's employment for any
     reason.

          8. NONSOLICITATION. During the Non-Competition Period, Executive shall
not, directly or indirectly, solicit, interfere with, hire, offer to hire or
induce any person who is an employee of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries
or affiliates and whose salary is in excess of $50,000 to discontinue his or her
relationship with the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or affiliates and
accept employment by, or enter into a business relationship with, Executive or
any other person or entity.

          9. ANTIDISPARAGEMENT.

             (a) Unless otherwise required by a court of competent jurisdiction,
     pursuant to any recognized subpoena power or by any applicable law, rule or
     regulation, Executive agrees and promises that Executive shall not make any
     oral or written statements or reveal any information to any person, company
     or agency which (i) is materially negative, disparaging or damaging to the
     name, reputation or business of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or
     affiliates, or any of their shareholders, directors, officers or employees,
     or (ii) has or would have a negative financial impact, whether directly or
     indirectly, on the Company or any of its Subsidiaries and affiliates, or
     any of their shareholders, directors, officers or employees.

             (b) Unless otherwise required by a court of competent jurisdiction,
     pursuant to any recognized subpoena power or by any applicable law, rule or
     regulation, the Company agrees and promises that neither it nor any of its
     Subsidiaries and affiliates shall make any oral or written statements or
     reveal any information to any person, company or agency which (i) is
     materially negative, disparaging or damaging to the name, reputation or
     business of Executive or (ii) has or

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     would have a negative financial impact, whether directly or indirectly, on
     Executive.

          10. INJUNCTIVE RELIEF.

             (a) Executive acknowledges that a breach of the undertakings in
     Sections 6, 7, 8, or 9(a) of this Agreement would cause irreparable damage
     to the Company and its Subsidiaries and affiliates, the exact amount of
     which shall be difficult to ascertain, and that remedies at law for any
     such breach would be inadequate. Executive agrees that, if Executive
     breaches or attempts or threatens to breach any of the undertakings in
     Sections 6, 7, 8, or 9(a) of this Agreement, then the Company shall be
     entitled to injunctive relief without posting bond or other security, in
     addition to any other remedy or remedies available to the Company at law or
     in equity.

             (b) The Company acknowledges that a breach of the undertakings in
     Section 9(b) of this Agreement would cause irreparable damage to Executive,
     the exact amount of which shall be difficult to ascertain, and that
     remedies at law for any such breach would be inadequate. The Company agrees
     that, if the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or affiliates breaches or
     attempts or threatens to breach any of the undertakings in Section 9(b) of
     this Agreement, then Executive shall be entitled to injunctive relief,
     without posting bond or other security, in addition to any other remedy or
     remedies available to Executive at law or in equity.

          11. WITHHOLDING TAXES. The Company may withhold from all payments due
to Executive (or his beneficiary or estate) hereunder all taxes which, by
applicable federal, state, local or other law, the Company is required to
withhold therefrom.

          12. DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS INSURANCE. The Company shall take all steps
necessary to ensure that Executive is covered under any directors and officers
liability insurance policy in effect from time to time for current and former
directors and officers of the Company.

          13. SCOPE OF AGREEMENT. Nothing in this Agreement shall be deemed to
entitle Executive to continued employment with the Company or its Subsidiaries
or shall require Executive to continue the employment relationship against his
wishes;

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PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that any termination of Executive's employment during the
Term of this Agreement shall be subject to all of the provisions of this
Agreement as provided in Section 18.

          14. SUCCESSORS; BINDING AGREEMENT. (a) This Agreement shall not be
terminated by any sale, merger or other business combination. In the event of
any such sale, merger or other business combination, the provisions of this
Agreement shall be binding upon the surviving corporation, and such surviving
corporation shall be treated as the Company hereunder.

          (b) This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by
Executive's personal or legal representatives, executors, administrators,
successors, heirs, distributees, devisees and legatees. If Executive shall die
while any amounts would be payable to Executive hereunder had Executive
continued to live, all such amounts, unless otherwise provided herein, shall be
paid in accordance with the terms of this Agreement to such person or persons
appointed in writing by Executive to receive such amounts or, if no person is so
appointed, to Executive's estate.

          15. NOTICE. (a) For purposes of this Agreement, all notices and other
communications required or permitted hereunder shall be in writing and shall be
deemed to have been duly given when delivered or five (5) days after deposit in
the United States mail, certified and return receipt requested, postage prepaid,
addressed as follows:

          If to the Executive:

           Mack Sands

          If to the Company:
           Protection One Alarm Monitoring, Inc.
           818 S. Kansas Avenue
           Topeka, Kansas 66612
           Attention:  Chairman of the Board

or to such other address as either party may have furnished to the other in
writing in accordance herewith, except that notices of change of address shall
be effective only upon receipt.

          (b) A written notice of Executive's Date of Termination by the Company
or Executive, as the case may be, to the

<Page>
                                      -16-

other, shall (i) indicate the specific termination provision in this Agreement
relied upon, (ii) to the extent applicable, set forth in reasonable detail the
facts and circumstances claimed to provide a basis for termination of
Executive's employment under the provision so indicated, and (iii) specify the
Date of Termination. The failure by the Company to set forth in such notice any
fact or circumstance which contributes to a showing of Cause shall not waive any
right of the Company hereunder or preclude the Company from asserting such fact
or circumstance in enforcing the Company's rights hereunder.

          16. FULL SETTLEMENT; RESOLUTION OF DISPUTES. The Company's obligation
to make any payments provided for in this Agreement and otherwise to perform its
obligations hereunder shall be in lieu and in full settlement of all other
severance payments to Executive under any other severance or employment
agreement between Executive and the Company, and any severance plan of the
Company. In no event shall Executive be obligated to seek other employment or
take other action by way of mitigation of the amounts payable to Executive under
any of the provisions of this Agreement and except as otherwise provided in
Section 5(a)(ii), such amounts shall not be reduced whether or not Executive
obtains other employment. Any dispute or controversy arising under or in
connection with this Agreement shall be settled exclusively by arbitration in
Topeka, Kansas by three arbitrators in accordance with the rules of the American
Arbitration Association then in effect. Judgment may be entered on the
arbitrators' award in any court having jurisdiction. The arbitrators shall
determine the allocation of the costs and expenses arising in connection with
any arbitration proceeding pursuant to this Section based on the arbitrators'
assessment of the merits of the positions of the parties.

          17. EMPLOYMENT WITH SUBSIDIARIES. Employment with the Company for
purposes of this Agreement shall include employment with any Subsidiary.

          18. SURVIVAL. The respective obligations and benefits afforded to the
Company and Executive as provided in Sections 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 16,
19 and 21 shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

          19. GOVERNING LAW; VALIDITY. THE INTERPRETATION, CONSTRUCTION AND
PERFORMANCE OF THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED AND ENFORCED IN
ACCORDANCE WITH THE INTERNAL LAWS OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE WITHOUT REGARD TO THE
PRINCIPLE OF CONFLICTS OF LAWS. THE INVALIDITY OR UNENFORCEABILITY OF ANY
PROVISION OF THIS AGREEMENT SHALL NOT

<Page>
                                      -17-

AFFECT THE VALIDITY OR ENFORCEABILITY OF ANY OTHER PROVISION OF THIS AGREEMENT,
WHICH OTHER PROVISIONS SHALL REMAIN IN FULL FORCE AND EFFECT.

          20. COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each
of which shall be deemed to be an original and all of which together shall
constitute one and the same instrument.

          21. MISCELLANEOUS. No provision of this Agreement may be modified or
waived unless such modification or waiver is agreed to in writing and signed by
Executive and by a duly authorized officer of the Company. No waiver by either
party hereto at anytime of any breach by the other party hereto of, or
compliance with, any condition or provision of this Agreement to be performed by
such other party shall be deemed a waiver of similar or dissimilar provisions or
conditions at the same or at any prior or subsequent time. Failure by Executive
or the Company to insist upon strict compliance with any provision of this
Agreement or to assert any right Executive or the Company may have hereunder
shall not be deemed to be a waiver of such provision or right or any other
provision or right of this Agreement. Except as otherwise specifically provided
herein, the rights of, and benefits payable to, Executive, his estate or his
beneficiaries pursuant to this Agreement are in addition to any rights of, or
benefits payable to, Executive, his estate or his beneficiaries under any other
employee benefit plan or compensation program of the Company.

          IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this Agreement to be
executed by a duly authorized officer of the Company and Executive has executed
this Agreement as of the day and year first above written.

                         PROTECTION ONE ALARM MONITORING, INC.

                         By: /s/ Richard Ginsburg
                             --------------------

/s/ Mack Sands
--------------
Mack Sands<Page>
                                                                   Exhibit 10.22

                              EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

         THIS AGREEMENT is entered into as of the 1st day of August, 2001 by
and between Protection One, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), and
Darius G. Nevin ("Executive").

                               W I T N E S S E T H

         WHEREAS, the Board (as defined in Section 1) has determined that it is
in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders to secure Executive's
services; and

         WHEREAS, the Company also recognizes that the possibility of a change
in control could arise which may result in the distraction of Executive to the
detriment of the Company and its shareholders, and it is important that
Executive be able to advise the Board whether a proposed change in control would
be in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders and to take action
regarding such proposal as the Board directs, without being influenced by the
uncertainties of Executive's own situation; and

         WHEREAS, the Board has authorized the Company to enter into this
Agreement;

         NOW, THEREFORE, for and in consideration of the premises and the mutual
covenants and agreements herein contained, the Company and Executive hereby
agree as follows:

         1.       DEFINITIONS. As used in this Agreement, the following terms
shall have the respective meanings set forth below:

                  (a)      "Board" means the Board of Directors of the Company.

                  (b)      "Cause" means (i) the willful and continued failure
of Executive to perform substantially his duties with the Company (other than
any such failure resulting from Executive's incapacity due to physical or mental
illness or any such failure subsequent to Executive being delivered a Notice of
Termination without Cause by the Company or Executive delivering a Notice of
Termination for Good Reason to the Company) that is not remedied within 30 days
after a written demand for substantial performance is delivered to Execu-

<Page>
                                      -2-

tive by the Chairman of the Board which specifically identifies the manner in
which Executive has not substantially performed Executive's duties, or (ii) the
willful engaging by Executive in illegal conduct which is demonstrably and
materially injurious to the Company. For purposes of this paragraph (b), no act
or failure to act by Executive shall be considered "willful" unless done or
omitted to be done by Executive in bad faith and without reasonable belief that
Executive's action or omission was in, or not opposed to, the best interests of
the Company.

                  (c)      "Change in Control" means the occurrence of any one
of the following events:

                           (i)      individuals who, on August 1, 2001,
         constitute the Board (the "Incumbent Directors") cease for any reason
         to constitute at least a majority of the Board, provided that any
         person becoming a director subsequent to August 1, 2001, whose election
         or nomination for election was approved by a vote of at least
         two-thirds of the Incumbent Directors then on the Board (either by a
         specific vote or by approval of the proxy statement of the Company in
         which such person is named as a nominee for director, without written
         objection to such nomination) shall be an Incumbent Director; PROVIDED,
         HOWEVER, that no individual initially elected or nominated as a
         director of the Company as a result of an actual or threatened election
         contest with respect to directors or as a result of any other actual or
         threatened solicitation of proxies or consents by or on behalf of any
         person other than the Board shall be deemed to be an Incumbent
         Director; PROVIDED, FURTHER, that if any individual is appointed to the
         Board with the consent of Westar at such time as Westar is the direct
         or indirect beneficial owner or has direct or indirect control over the
         voting of 40% or more of the Company voting securities, that individual
         shall be deemed to be an Incumbent Director;

                           (ii)     any "person" (as such term is defined in
         Section 3(a)(9) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange
         Act") and as used in Sections 13(d)(3) and 14(d)(2) of

<Page>
                                       3

         the Exchange Act) is or becomes a "beneficial owner" (as defined in
         Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of
         securities of the Company representing more than 40% of the combined
         voting power of the Company's then outstanding securities eligible to
         vote for the election of the Board (the "Company Voting Securities");
         PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that the event described in this paragraph (ii)
         shall not be deemed to be a Change in Control by virtue of any of the
         following acquisitions: (A) by the Company, Westar, or any of their
         subsidiaries, (B) by any employee benefit plan (or related trust)
         sponsored or maintained by the Company, Westar, or any of their
         subsidiaries, (C) by any underwriter temporarily holding securities
         pursuant to an offering of such securities, (D) pursuant to a
         Non-Qualifying Transaction (as defined in paragraph (iii)), (E)
         pursuant to any acquisition by Executive or any group of persons
         including Executive (or any entity controlled by Executive or any group
         of persons including Executive), or (F) any event in which Westar
         continues to be directly or indirectly the beneficial owner of a
         greater number of shares of the Company than that held by any person as
         a result of the event described in this paragraph (ii) or has the right
         to direct the vote of a greater number of voting securities for
         directors (or the equivalent) of the Company than any person as a
         result of the event described in this paragraph (ii);

                           (iii)    the consummation of a merger, consolidation,
         statutory share exchange or similar form of corporate transaction
         involving the Company or Protection One Alarm Monitoring, Inc. (a
         "Business Combination"), unless immediately following such Business
         Combination: (A) more than 40% of the total voting power of (x) the
         corporation resulting from such Business Combination (the "Surviving
         Corporation"), or (y) if applicable, the ultimate parent corporation
         that directly or indirectly has beneficial ownership of 100% of the
         voting securities eligible to elect directors (or the equivalent) of
         the Surviving Corporation (the

<Page>
                                      -4-

         "Parent Corporation"), is represented by Company Voting Securities that
         were outstanding immediately prior to such Business Combination (or, if
         applicable, is represented by shares into which such Company Voting
         Securities were converted pursuant to such Business Combination), and
         such voting power among the holders thereof is in substantially the
         same proportion as the voting power of such Company Voting Securities
         among the holders thereof immediately prior to the Business
         Combination; (B) no person (other than Westar or any employee benefit
         plan (or related trust) sponsored or maintained by Westar, the
         Surviving Corporation or the Parent Corporation) is or becomes the
         beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of more than 40% or more of
         the total voting power of the outstanding voting securities eligible to
         elect directors (or the equivalent) of the Parent Corporation (or, if
         there is no Parent Corporation, the Surviving Corporation); and (C) at
         least a majority of the members of the board of directors of the Parent
         Corporation (or, if there is no Parent Corporation, the Surviving
         Corporation) following the consummation of the Business Combination
         were Incumbent Directors at the time of the Board's approval of the
         execution of the initial agreement providing for such Business
         Combination (any Business Combination which satisfies all of the
         criteria specified in (A), (B) and (C) above shall be deemed to be a
         "Non-Qualifying Transaction");

                           (iv)     a "Change in Control" as that term is
         defined in this Agreement occurs at Westar Industries, Inc. (treating
         Westar Industries, Inc. as if it were the "Company" for purposes of
         such definition), provided that any spin-off, split-off or other
         distribution of Westar Industries, Inc. shall not be a Change in
         Control.

                  (d)      "Date of Termination" means (i) if Executive's
employment is to be terminated for Disability, 30 days after Notice of
Termination is given (provided that Executive shall not have returned to the
performance of Executive's duties on a full-time basis

<Page>
                                      -5-

during such 30 day period); (ii) if Executive's employment is to be terminated
by the Company for Cause or by Executive for Good Reason, the date specified in
the Notice of Termination; (iii) if Executive's employment is to be terminated
by the Company for any reason other than Cause, the date specified in the Notice
of Termination, which shall be 90 days after the Notice of Termination is given,
unless an earlier date has been expressly agreed to by Executive in writing;
(iv) if Executive's employment terminates by reason of death, the date of death
of Executive; (v) if Executive's employment is terminated by Executive in a
Non-Qualifying Termination, the date specified in Executive's Notice of
Termination, but not more than 30 days after the Notice of Termination is given,
unless expressly agreed to by the Company in writing; or (vi) in the event of a
Change in Control, the date of the Change in Control.

                  (e)      "Disability" means termination of Executive's
employment by the Company due to Executive's absence from Executive's duties
with the Company on a full-time basis for at least one hundred eighty
(180)consecutive days as a result of Executive's incapacity due to physical or
mental illness, unless within 30 days after Notice of Termination is given to
Executive following such absence Executive shall have returned to the full-time
performance of Executive's duties.

                  (f)      "Good Reason" shall mean termination based on any of
the following events:

                           (i)      any change in the duties or responsibilities
                  (including reporting responsibilities) of Executive that is
                  inconsistent in any material and adverse respect (which may be
                  cumulative) with Executive's position(s), duties,
                  responsibilities or status with the Company (including any
                  adverse diminution of such duties or responsibilities),
                  PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that Good Reason shall not be deemed to
                  occur upon a change in duties or responsibilities (other than
                  reporting responsibilities) that is solely and directly due to
                  the Company no longer being a publicly traded entity as a
                  result of a purchase of the Company's publicly traded
                  securities by Westar if no other event set forth in this
                  paragraph (f) has occurred;

<Page>
                                      -6-

                           (ii)     the failure to reappoint or reelect
                  Executive to any position held by Executive without
                  Executive's consent;

                           (iii)    a reduction by the Company in Executive's
                  base salary;

                           (iv)     the appointment by the Board of a Chief
                  Operating Officer, Chief Financial Officer or President of the
                  Company over Executive's written objection; or

                           (v)      the Company's ceasing to be a publicly
                  traded entity (other than as a result of a purchase of the
                  Company's publicly traded shares by Westar).

                  Executive must provide notice of termination of employment
                  within one hundred eighty (180) days following Executive's
                  knowledge of an event or facts constituting Good Reason (or
                  the last of such events or facts if cumulative) or such event
                  or facts shall not constitute Good Reason under this
                  Agreement.

                           (g)      "Non-Qualifying Termination" means a
         termination of Executive's employment prior to the end of the Term of
         this Agreement under any circumstances not qualifying as a Qualifying
         Termination, including without limitation any termination by the
         Company for Cause, any termination by Executive without Good Reason or
         for no reason at all or any termination on account of death, Disability
         or Retirement.

                           (h)      "Notice of Termination" means a written
         notice of termination of employment given by one party to the other
         party pursuant to Section 15(b).

                           (i)      "Qualifying Termination" means a termination
         of Executive's employment prior to the end of the Term of this
         Agreement (i) by the Company other than for Cause; (ii) by Executive
         for Good Reason; or (iii) upon the date of a Change in Control.
         Termination of Executive's employment on account of death, Disability
         or Retirement shall not be treated as a Qualifying Termination.

<Page>
                                      -7-

                           (j)      "Retirement" means Executive's termination
         of his employment on or after his attainment of age 65.

                           (k)      "Subsidiary" means any corporation or other
         entity in which the Company has a direct or indirect ownership interest
         of 50% or more of the total combined voting power of the then
         outstanding securities or interests of such corporation or other entity
         entitled to vote generally in the election of directors or in which the
         Company has the right to receive 50% or more of the distribution or
         profits or 50% or more of the assets upon liquidation or dissolution.

                           (l)      "Westar" means Westar Industries, Inc., a
         Kansas corporation, or any parent entity, or any of their majority
         owned subsidiaries.

                           2.       EMPLOYMENT AND DUTIES.

                           (a)      TERM OF EMPLOYMENT. The Company agrees to
         employ Executive, and Executive agrees to enter into employment with
         the Company, in accordance with the terms and provisions of this
         Agreement, for the Term of this Agreement, unless such employment is
         sooner terminated by the Company or Executive in a Qualifying
         Termination or Non-Qualifying Termination. In the event that there is a
         Change in Control during the Term of this Agreement, Executive's
         employment under this Agreement shall terminate on the date of such
         Change in Control. Upon termination of Executive's employment
         (regardless of whether such termination constitutes a Qualifying or
         Non-Qualifying Termination), Executive shall be relieved of any
         obligation to continue to perform the duties described in Section 2(b)
         effective as of the Date of Termination. The termination of the
         employment relationship by either party for any reason or for no reason
         at all shall not constitute a breach of this Agreement, but certain
         obligations and benefits shall survive such termination of employment
         as set forth in Section 18.

                           (b)      DUTIES. During the period of Executive's
         employment under this Agreement, Executive shall serve as Executive
         Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company. Executive
         shall devote Executive's full business time and attention to the
         affairs of the Company and his duties as its Executive Vice President
         and Chief Financial Officer. Executive shall have such duties as are
         appropriate to Executive's position as Executive Vice

<Page>
                                      -7-

         President and Chief Financial Officer, and shall have such authority as
         required to enable Executive to perform these duties. Consistent with
         the foregoing, Executive shall comply with all reasonable instructions
         of the Board of Directors of the Company. Executive shall report
         directly to the Chief Executive Officer. Executive may continue to
         reside in the State of Florida or in any location that he wishes as
         long as he is able to effectively carry out the duties contemplated by
         this Agreement. During the period of Executive's employment under this
         Agreement, Executive shall serve as an officer and/or director of a
         Subsidiary or Subsidiaries if requested to do so by the Board.

                  3.       TERM OF AGREEMENT. This Agreement shall continue
until terminated by the Company or Executive in a Qualifying or Non-Qualifying
Termination. Certain obligations and benefits shall survive the expiration of
the Term as set forth in Section 18.

                  4.       BASE SALARY AND BENEFITS.

                           (a)      BASE SALARY. During the period of
         Executive's employment under this Agreement, the Company shall pay
         Executive an annual base salary at an annual rate equal to no less than
         $220,000, which shall be reviewed annually by the Compensation
         Committee of the Board for the purpose of considering increases
         thereof. Executive's base salary shall be paid in accordance with the
         standard practices for other senior corporate executives of the
         Company.

                           (b)      BONUSES. Beginning with calendar year 2001,
         Executive shall be eligible to receive annually or otherwise any bonus
         awards, whether payable in cash, shares of common stock of the Company
         or otherwise, which the Company, the Compensation Committee of the
         Board or such other authorized committee of the Board determines to
         award or grant.

<Page>
                                       9

                           (c)      STOCK OPTIONS. There shall be granted to
         Executive on the date of this Agreement, pursuant to action of the
         Compensation Committee of the Board, an option under the Company's 1997
         Long-Term Incentive Plan (the "LTIP") to purchase 220,000 shares of the
         Company's common stock at an exercise price per share equal to the
         average of the closing prices of the Company's common stock as quoted
         on the New York Stock Exchange over the period of 5 trading days ending
         on the grant date. Such option shall become exercisable as follows: (i)
         1/3 on the first anniversary of the date of grant if Executive is
         employed by the Company on that anniversary date, (ii) an additional
         1/3 on the second anniversary of the date of grant if Executive is
         employed by the Company on that anniversary date, and (iii) the
         remaining 1/3 on the third anniversary of the date of grant if
         Executive's employment has not terminated prior to the last day of the
         Term of this Agreement, provided, however, that the exercisability of
         such option shall be accelerated in the event of a Qualifying
         Termination as described in Section 5(a)(iii) or in the event of an
         acquisition of Company Voting Securities by Executive or any group of
         persons including Executive (or any entity controlled by Executive or
         any group of persons including Executive) that would have been a
         "Change in Control" pursuant to Section 1(c)(ii) but for the exclusion
         set forth in Section 1(c)(ii)(E). Such option shall have a term of 10
         years from the date of grant, subject to earlier termination in the
         event of termination of Executive's employment. The provisions of
         Executive's option dealing with termination of employment shall be
         those set forth in Sections. 1.5 through 1.8 of the form of option
         agreement attached hereto as Exhibit A.

                           (d)      BENEFIT PROGRAMS. During the period of
         Executive's employment under this Agreement, Executive shall be
         eligible to participate in all employee benefit plans and programs of
         the Company from time to time in effect for the benefit of senior
         executives of the Company (subject to meeting generally applicable
         participation requirements under the applicable plan or program),
         including, but not limited to, 401(k) plans, group life insurance,
         hospitalization and surgical and major medical coverages, sick leave,
         employee stock purchase plans, car allowances, vacations and holidays,
         long-term disability, and such other benefits as are or may be made
         available from time to time to senior ex-

<Page>
                                      -10-

         ecutives of the Company. If Executive elects not to be covered by the
         Company's medical plan by reason of COBRA continuation coverage under a
         prior employer's medical plan, the Company shall reimburse Executive
         for the lesser of: (i) the amount payable by Executive for such COBRA
         continuation coverage or (ii) the amount of the premiums that the
         Company would have paid (net of any required employee contributions)
         for the benefits Executive would have received under the Company's
         medical plan if Executive had not elected not to be covered.

                           (e)      BUSINESS EXPENSES AND PERQUISITES. Executive
         shall be reimbursed for all reasonable expenses incurred by Executive
         in connection with the conduct of the business of the Company, provided
         Executive properly accounts therefor in accordance with the Company's
         policies. The parties hereto acknowledge that Executive's employment
         will entail substantial travel away from Executive's residence and that
         Executive's reimbursable business expenses will include reasonable
         travel expenses, including without limitation reasonable costs of air
         travel (including use of American Airlines AAirpass or equivalent),
         weekly travel to and from Florida, parking, rental cars, and hotel
         accommodations incurred in travel to and from his residence and other
         travel associated with the performance of his duties hereunder. During
         the period of Executive's employment under this Agreement, Executive
         shall also be entitled to such other perquisites as are customary for
         senior executives of the Company.

                           (f)      OFFICE AND SERVICES FURNISHED. During the
         period of Executive's employment under this Agreement, the Company
         shall make available to Executive office space at the Company's
         headquarters in Topeka, Kansas (to the extent needed while he is at the
         Company's headquarters), secretarial assistance and such other
         facilities and services as shall be suitable to Executive's position
         and adequate for the performance of Executive's duties hereunder.

                           (g)      TEMPORARY HOUSING, CAR. For a period of up
         to 6 months following the date of this Agreement, the Company will make
         available to Executive temporary housing in Topeka, Kansas at the
         Company's expense. Executive shall not be required to be in Topeka,
         Kansas except as he may determine necessary for him to effec-

<Page>
                                       -11-

         tively carry out the duties contemplated by this Agreement. In
         addition, the Company will make available to Executive temporary use of
         a Company car for periods while he is working in Topeka, Kansas.

                  5.       PAYMENTS UPON TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT.

                           (a)      QUALIFYING TERMINATION. If the employment of
         Executive shall terminate pursuant to a Qualifying Termination, then:

                                    (i)      the Company shall provide to
                  Executive his base salary as described in Section 4(a) of this
                  Agreement for the balance of the Term of this Agreement at the
                  times such salary would have been payable if his employment
                  had not terminated;

                                    (ii)     the Company shall continue for
                  twelve (12) months after the Date of Termination to provide
                  Executive (and Executive's dependents, if applicable) with the
                  same level of medical, dental, and life insurance benefits
                  upon substantially the same terms and conditions as Executive
                  would have been entitled to receive if he had continued in
                  employment; PROVIDED, THAT, if Executive cannot continue to
                  participate in the Company plans providing such benefits, the
                  Company shall otherwise provide such benefits on the same
                  basis as if continued participation had been permitted.
                  Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event Executive becomes
                  reemployed with another employer and becomes eligible to
                  receive benefits from such employer, the benefits described
                  herein shall be secondary to such benefits during the period
                  of Executive's eligibility, but only to the extent that the
                  Company reimburses Executive for any increased cost and
                  provides any additional benefits necessary to give Executive
                  the benefits provided hereunder; and

                                    (iii)    the stock options granted to
                  Executive pursuant to Section 4(c) shall become fully vested
                  and immediately exercisable.

                           (b)      NON-QUALIFYING TERMINATION. If during the
         Term of this Agreement the employment of Executive

<Page>
                                      -12-

         shall terminate in a Non-Qualifying Termination, then the Company shall
         pay to Executive within ten (10) days following the Date of
         Termination, a lump-sum cash amount equal to the sum of (1) Executive's
         base salary through the Date of Termination and (2) any accrued
         vacation pay and accumulated sick leave, in each case to the extent not
         theretofore paid. The Company may make such additional payments, and
         provide such additional benefits, to Executive as the Company and
         Executive may agree in writing. Executive shall not be in breach of
         this Agreement by reason of his terminating employment in a
         Non-Qualifying Termination, provided that Executive will remain subject
         to the obligations set forth in Sections 6, 7, 8 and 9.

                  6.       NON-COMPETITION. Executive hereby acknowledges that
the services which he will perform for the Company are of a special and unique
nature, and that the Company would find it extremely difficult or impossible to
replace Executive. Accordingly, Executive agrees that, in consideration of this
Agreement and the payments to be received by him hereunder, from and after the
date hereof through the period during which Executive continues to be employed
by the Company and following termination of Executive's employment for any
reason until the later of (i) the second anniversary of such termination of
employment or (ii) the last day through which base salary is payable to
Executive pursuant to Section 5(a)(i) or 5(b), whichever is applicable (the
"Non-Competition Period"), Executive shall not, directly or indirectly, own,
manage, operate, join, control or participate in the ownership, management,
operation or control of, or be connected as a director, officer, employee,
partner, lender, consultant or otherwise ("Participate" or a "Participation")
with any Competitor (as hereinafter defined), except with the Company's prior
written consent. For purposes of this Agreement, the term "Competitor" shall
mean ADT Security Services, Brinks Home Security, Inc., Honeywell Inc. and their
respective subsidiaries, affiliates and successors. Nothing in this paragraph
shall prohibit Executive from owning for investment purposes an aggregate of up
to 3% of the publicly traded securities of any corporation listed on the New
York or American Stock Exchange or whose securities are quoted on the NASDAQ
National Market. Notwithstanding anything which may be to the contrary herein,
(i) Executive shall not be required to cease Participation in any business or
organization which begins to compete with the Company subsequent to the time
when Executive commences such Participation, provided that such business or
organization began to compete with the Company through no action, assistance, or
plan of Executive, (ii) Ex-

<Page>
                                      -13-

ecutive may continue to serve as a member of the Board of Directors of Guardian
International, Inc. and may continue to hold shares in Guardian International,
Inc., and (iii) following termination of Executive's employment with the Company
for any reason, none of the restrictions in this Section 6 shall apply to
Executive's Participation in any capacity with Guardian International, Inc.

         It is the desire and intent of the parties that the provisions of this
Section 6 shall be enforced under the laws and public policies applied in each
jurisdiction in which enforcement is sought. Accordingly, if any particular
provision of this Section 6 is adjudicated to be invalid or unenforceable or
shall for any reason be held to be excessively broad as to duration, geographic
scope, activity or subject, it shall be construed by limiting and reducing it,
so as to be enforceable to the extent compatible with applicable law and such
provision shall be deemed modified and amended to the extent necessary to render
such provision enforceable in such jurisdiction.

         If Executive challenges the enforceability of the provisions of this
Section 6 in whole or in part as to any Competitors, Executive shall,
immediately upon such challenge, forfeit any right to any payments and benefits
under Section 5(a) that he has not already received.

         7.       CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION. Executive acknowledges that: (i) the
business of the Company and its Subsidiaries and affiliates is intensely
competitive and that Executive's engagement by the Company requires that
Executive have access to and knowledge of confidential information of the
Company and its Subsidiaries and affiliates, including, but not limited to, the
identify of customers, the identity of the representatives of customers with
whom the Company and its Subsidiaries and affiliates have dealt, the kinds of
services provided by the Company and its Subsidiaries and affiliates to
customers and offered to be performed for potential customers, the manner in
which such services are performed or offered to be performed, the service needs
of actual or prospective customers, pricing information, information concerning
the creation, acquisition or disposition of products and services, customer
maintenance listings, computer software applications and other programs,
personnel information and other trade secrets (the "Confidential Information");
(ii) the direct or indirect disclosure of such Confidential Information to
existing or potential competitors of the Company and its Subsidiaries and
affiliates would place the Company and its Subsidiaries and affiliates at a
competitive disadvantage and would do damage,

<Page>
                                      -14-

monetary or otherwise, to the business of the Company and its Subsidiaries and
affiliates; and (iii) the engaging by Executive in any of the activities
prohibited by this Section 7 may constitute improper appropriation and/or use of
such information and trade secrets. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Confidential
Information shall not include information which (x) is or becomes part of the
public domain through a source other than Executive, (y) is or becomes available
to Executive from a source independent of the Company and its Subsidiaries and
affiliates, or (z) constitutes general industry knowledge possessed by Executive
by virtue of Executive's employment with the Company. Executive expressly
acknowledges the trade secret status of the Confidential Information and that
the Confidential Information constitutes a protectable business interest of the
Company and its Subsidiaries and affiliates. Accordingly, the Company and
Executive agree as follows:

                           (a)      During the Non-Competition Period, Executive
         shall not, directly or indirectly, whether individually, as a director,
         stockholder, owner, partner, employee, principal or agent of any
         business, or in any other capacity, make known, disclose, furnish, make
         available or use any of the Confidential Information, other than in the
         proper performance of the duties contemplated herein or as required by
         law or by a court of competent jurisdiction or other administrative or
         legislative body; provided, however, that prior to disclosing any of
         the Confidential Information to a court or other administrative or
         legislative body, Executive shall promptly notify the Company so that
         the Company may seek a protective order or other appropriate remedy.
         The provisions of this subsection (a) do not apply to Executive's
         Participation (as defined in Section 6) in any capacity with Guardian
         International, Inc.

                           (b)      Executive agrees to return all Confidential
         Information, including all photocopies, extracts and summaries thereof,
         and any such information stored electronically on tapes, computer disks
         or in any other manner to the Company at anytime upon request of the
         Chairman of the Board of the Company and upon the termination of
         Executive's employment for any reason.

                  8.       NONSOLICITATION. During the Non-Competition Period,
Executive shall not, directly or indirectly, solicit, interfere with, hire,
offer to hire or induce any person who is an employee of the Company or any of
its Subsidiaries or affiliates and whose salary is in excess of $50,000 to
discontinue his or her relationship with the Company or any of its Subsidiaries
or af-

<Page>
                                      -15-

filiates and accept employment by, or enter into a business relationship with,
Executive or any other person or entity; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that this provision
shall not apply to solicitation of any person who was an employee of Guardian
International, Inc. as of the date of this Agreement and who becomes an employee
of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or affiliates during the period of
Executive's employment under this Agreement.

                  9.       ANTIDISPARAGEMENT.

                           (a)      Unless otherwise required by a court of
         competent jurisdiction, pursuant to any recognized subpoena power or by
         any applicable law, rule or regulation, Executive agrees and promises
         that Executive shall not make any oral or written statements or reveal
         any information to any person, company or agency which (i) is
         materially negative, disparaging or damaging to the name, reputation or
         business of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or affiliates, or
         any of their shareholders, directors, officers or employees, or (ii)
         has or would have a materially negative financial impact, whether
         directly or indirectly, on the Company or any of its Subsidiaries and
         affiliates, or any of their shareholders, directors, officers or
         employees; provided that this subsection (ii) shall not be deemed to
         have been violated by statements or releases of information by
         Executive during the period of his employment under this Agreement
         which Executive believes to be truthful and which are made in the
         performance of his duties under this Agreement.

                           (b)      Unless otherwise required by a court of
         competent jurisdiction, pursuant to any recognized subpoena power or by
         any applicable law, rule or regulation, the Company agrees and promises
         that neither it nor any of its Subsidiaries and affiliates shall make
         any oral or written statements or reveal any information to any person,
         company or agency which (i) is materially negative, disparaging or
         damaging to the name, reputation or business of Executive or (ii) has
         or would have a negative financial impact, whether directly or
         indirectly, on Executive.

                  10.      INJUNCTIVE RELIEF.

<Page>
                                      -16-

                           (a)      Executive acknowledges that a breach of the
         undertakings in Sections 6, 7, 8, or 9(a) of this Agreement would cause
         irreparable damage to the Company and its Subsidiaries and affiliates,
         the exact amount of which shall be difficult to ascertain, and that
         remedies at law for any such breach would be inadequate. Executive
         agrees that, if Executive breaches or attempts or threatens to breach
         any of the undertakings in Sections 6, 7, 8, or 9(a) of this Agreement,
         then the Company shall be entitled to injunctive relief without posting
         bond or other security, in addition to any other remedy or remedies
         available to the Company at law or in equity.

                           (b)      The Company acknowledges that a breach of
         the undertakings in Section 9(b) of this Agreement would cause
         irreparable damage to Executive, the exact amount of which shall be
         difficult to ascertain, and that remedies at law for any such breach
         would be inadequate. The Company agrees that, if the Company or any of
         its Subsidiaries or affiliates breaches or attempts or threatens to
         breach any of the undertakings in Section 9(b) of this Agreement, then
         Executive shall be entitled to injunctive relief, without posting bond
         or other security, in addition to any other remedy or remedies
         available to Executive at law or in equity.

                  11.      WITHHOLDING TAXES. The Company may withhold from all
payments due to Executive (or his beneficiary or estate) hereunder all taxes
which, by applicable federal, state, local or other law, the Company is required
to withhold therefrom. Executive has represented that he is and will continue to
be a resident of the State of Florida for all purposes.

                  12.      DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS INSURANCE; INDEMNITY. The
Company shall take all steps necessary to ensure that Executive is covered under
any directors and officers liability insurance policy in effect from time to
time for current and former directors and officers of the Company. In addition,
the Company shall hold harmless and indemnify Executive against any and all
expenses (including attorneys' fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in
settlement actually and reasonably incurred by Executive in connection with any
threatened, pending, or completed action, suit, or proceeding whether civil,
criminal, administrative, or investigative (including an action by or in the
right of the corporation) to which Executive is, was, or at anytime becomes a
party, or is threatened to be made a party, by reason of the fact that Executive
is, was, or at anytime be

<Page>
                                      -17-

comes a director, officer, employee, or agent of the Company, or is, or was
serving, or at anytime serves at the request of the Company as a director,
officer, employee, or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture,
trust, or other enterprise; or otherwise to the fullest extent as may be
provided to Executive by the Company under the provisions of Article IX of the
Bylaws of the Company and Article VII of The Articles of Incorporation of the
Company and Delaware law.

                  13.      SCOPE OF AGREEMENT. Nothing in this Agreement shall
be deemed to entitle Executive to continued employment with the Company or its
Subsidiaries or shall require Executive to continue the employment relationship
against his wishes; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that any termination of Executive's
employment during the Term of this Agreement shall be subject to all of the
provisions of this Agreement as provided in Section 18.

                  14.      SUCCESSORS; BINDING AGREEMENT. (a) This Agreement
shall not be terminated by any sale, merger or other business combination. In
the event of any such sale, merger or other business combination, the provisions
of this Agreement shall be binding upon the surviving corporation, and such
surviving corporation shall be treated as the Company hereunder.

                  (b)      This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be
enforceable by Executive's personal or legal representatives, executors,
administrators, successors, heirs, distributees, devisees and legatees. If
Executive shall die while any amounts would be payable to Executive hereunder
had Executive continued to live, all such amounts, unless otherwise provided
herein, shall be paid in accordance with the terms of this Agreement to such
person or persons appointed in writing by Executive to receive such amounts or,
if no person is so appointed, to Executive's estate.

                  15.      NOTICE. (a) For purposes of this Agreement, all
notices and other communications required or permitted hereunder shall be in
writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given when delivered or five (5)
days after deposit in the United States mail, certified and return receipt
requested, postage prepaid, addressed as follows:

                  If to the Executive:

                     Darius G. Nevin
                     1410 Palancia Avenue
                     Coral Gables, Florida 33146

<Page>
                                      -18-

                  If to the Company:
                     Protection One, Inc.
                     818 S. Kansas Avenue
                     Topeka, Kansas 66612
                     Attention:  Chairman of the Board

or to such other address as either party may have furnished to the other in
writing in accordance herewith, except that notices of change of address shall
be effective only upon receipt.

                  (b)      A written notice of Executive's Date of Termination
by the Company or Executive, as the case may be, to the other, shall (i)
indicate the specific termination provision in this Agreement relied upon, (ii)
to the extent applicable, set forth in reasonable detail the facts and
circumstances claimed to provide a basis for termination of Executive's
employment under the provision so indicated, and (iii) specify the Date of
Termination. The failure by Executive or the Company to set forth in such notice
any fact or circumstance which contributes to a showing of Good Reason or Cause
shall not waive any right of Executive or the Company hereunder or preclude
Executive or the Company from asserting such fact or circumstance in enforcing
Executive's or the Company's rights hereunder.

                  16.      FULL SETTLEMENT; RESOLUTION OF DISPUTES. The
Company's obligation to make any payments provided for in this Agreement and
otherwise to perform its obligations hereunder shall be in lieu and in full
settlement of all other severance payments to Executive under any other
severance or employment agreement between Executive and the Company, and any
severance plan of the Company. In no event shall Executive be obligated to seek
other employment or take other action by way of mitigation of the amounts
payable to Executive under any of the provisions of this Agreement and except as
otherwise provided in Section 5(a)(ii), such amounts shall not be reduced
whether or not Executive obtains other employment. Any dispute or controversy
arising under or in connection with this Agreement shall be settled exclusively
by arbitration in Wilmington, Delaware by three arbitrators in accordance with
the rules of the American Arbitration Association then in effect. Judgment may
be entered on the arbitrators' award in any court having jurisdiction. The
arbitrators shall determine the allocation of the costs and expenses arising in
connection with any arbitration proceeding pursuant to this Section based on the
arbitrators' assessment of the merits of the positions of the parties.

<Page>
                                      -19-

                  17.      EMPLOYMENT WITH SUBSIDIARIES. Employment with the
Company for purposes of this Agreement shall include employment with any
Subsidiary.

                  18.      SURVIVAL. The respective obligations and benefits
afforded to the Company and Executive as provided in Sections 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10,
11, 12, 14, 16, 19 and 21 shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

                  19.      GOVERNING LAW; VALIDITY. THE INTERPRETATION,
CONSTRUCTION AND PERFORMANCE OF THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND
CONSTRUED AND ENFORCED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE INTERNAL LAWS OF THE STATE OF
DELAWARE WITHOUT REGARD TO THE PRINCIPLE OF CONFLICTS OF LAWS. THE INVALIDITY OR
UNENFORCEABILITY OF ANY PROVISION OF THIS AGREEMENT SHALL NOT AFFECT THE
VALIDITY OR ENFORCEABILITY OF ANY OTHER PROVISION OF THIS AGREEMENT, WHICH OTHER
PROVISIONS SHALL REMAIN IN FULL FORCE AND EFFECT.

                  20.      COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be executed in
counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original and all of which
together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

                  21.      MISCELLANEOUS. No provision of this Agreement may be
modified or waived unless such modification or waiver is agreed to in writing
and signed by Executive and by a duly authorized officer of the Company. No
waiver by either party hereto at anytime of any breach by the other party hereto
of, or compliance with, any condition or provision of this Agreement to be
performed by such other party shall be deemed a waiver of similar or dissimilar
provisions or conditions at the same or at any prior or subsequent time. Failure
by Executive or the Company to insist upon strict compliance with any provision
of this Agreement or to assert any right Executive or the Company may have
hereunder, including without limitation, the right of Executive to terminate
employment for Good Reason, shall not be deemed to be a waiver of such provision
or right or any other provision or right of this Agreement. Except as otherwise
specifically provided herein, the rights of, and benefits payable to, Executive,
his estate or his beneficiaries pursuant to this Agreement are in addition to
any rights of, or benefits payable to, Executive, his estate or his
beneficiaries under any other employee benefit plan or compensation program of
the Company.

<Page>
                                      -20-

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this Agreement to be
executed by a duly authorized officer of the Company and Executive has executed
this Agreement as of the day and year first above written.

                                                     PROTECTION ONE, INC.

                                                     By: /s/ Richard Ginsburg
                                                     ---------------------------

/s/ Darius G. Nevin
----------------------
Darius G. Nevin

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