False Alarm Fees
It is the responsibility of the property owner to ensure that the alarm system is in proper working order at all times. False alarms are a substantial drain on police services and are subject to fines according to the following schedule:
(Per Permit Year)
- 1st - 2nd False Alarms: No Charge*
- 3rd False Alarm: $55.00 Each
- 4th False Alarm: $155.00 Each
- 5th - Every One Thereafter: $231.00 Each
*The first two false alarms are not billed if a current permit is on file, otherwise the first two false alarms are billed at $55.00 each. The "Notice of False Alarm" left by the officer who responds to a false alarm is considered your notification of police response.
A late fee of $28 will be added after 60 days past due.
Appeals
Alarm users my submit a written request for a hearing to the Alarm Coordinator to protest fees charged for false alarms or action taken by the Chief of Police to impose restrictions and conditions or the revocation of a permit. Request for appeal hearings must received within ten days of receipt of notification of action taken by the Chief of Police.
The hearing shall be before the City Manager, and the alarm user shall have the right to present written and oral evidence, subject to the right of cross-examination. The City Manager shall issue written findings in regard to the hearing results.
Alarm users who have more than ten false alarms in a permit year may have their permit reviewed by the Chief of Police. The Chief of Police may revoke their permit or impose reasonable restrictions and conditions upon the user if he deems necessary. Notification of any action taken by the Chief of Police will be by certified mail to the permit holder.
What can you do to reduce false alarms?
- Make sure those operating your alarm are familiar with alarm system operations.
- Secure doors and windows before turning on system.
- Beware of changes in the environment (i.e., new animals, design changes, seasonal decorations, plants, etc).
- Notify monitoring facility of any and all changes (i.e., houseguests, name changes, change in phone number or contact information, new employees, termination of employees, etc).
- Equipment should be routinely inspected and maintained by qualified personnel.
What are the most frequent human errors that cause false alarms?
- Use of incorrect keypad codes.
- Failure to train other authorized users.
- Failure to secure doors and windows before turning on alarm.
- Failure to notify monitoring facility of unscheduled openings or closings (for businesses using set schedules).
- Failure to update authorized personnel list with monitoring facility.
What are the most frequent equipment problems that cause false alarms?
- Improper application or installation of interior motion detectors.
- Improper application or installation of outdoor beams.
- Improper charging or checking of batteries.
- Faulty equipment (i.e., panels, detectors, key pads, etc).