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                                                                  EXHIBIT 99.3



                        CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS



We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" and to the
use of our report dated March 22, 1997 with respect to the financial statements
of Centennial Security Holdings, Inc. included in this Proxy Statement of
Protection One, Inc. to be filed on November 7, 1997 and incorporated by
reference in the following Registration Statements of Protection One, Inc.:

  - Registration Statement on Form S-1 as amended by Post-Effective
    Amendment No. 1 on Form S-3 (Registration Statement No. 33-83494)

  - Registration Statement on Form S-8 (Registration Statement No. 33-97502)

  - Registration Statement on Form S-8 (Registration Statement No. 33-97542)

  - Registration Statement on Form S-3 (Registration Statement No. 33-99220)

  - Registration Statement on Form S-8 (Registration Statement No. 333-02892)

  - Registration Statement on Form S-3 (Registration Statement No. 333-09401)

  - Registration Statement on Form S-3 (Registration Statement No. 333-13733)

  - Registration Statement on Form S-3 (Registration Statement No. 333-18159)

  - Registration Statement on Form S-8 (Registration Statement No. 333-20245)

  - Registration Statement on Form S-8 (Registration Statement No. 333-24493)


                                                        /s/ Ernst & Young LLP
                                                        ---------------------
                                                            Ernst & Young LLP
                                                       

Cincinnati, Ohio
November 7, 1997