False Alarms on the Rise
When an alarm rings, it is just like calling 9-1-1. Police have to assume that the alarm is a real emergency like a robbery or burglary in progress. But more often times than not, the "emergency" is nothing more than just another false alarm.
The evidence is clear that a professionally installed and monitored security system is a proven way to deter crime. By purchasing an alarm system and having it monitored, home and business owners are investing in peace of mind while protecting their loved ones and property.
Both Sheriffs deputies and security company personnel spend a significant amount of time and resources reacting to false alarms. Responding to alarm calls is expensive! It costs the city almost $70 for each alarm call, whether real or false. This is why most cities have enacted false alarm ordinances in an attempt to deal with the false alarm problem. Ordinances vary from city to city. Some cities require a permit and most issue fines after two or three false alarms in a consecutive one year period.
What you can do to reduce False Alarms
- Make sure everyone is familiar with the operation of the alarm system
- Know how to cancel a false alarm. Have your alarm companys phone number handy and know your user code and password needed to cancel a false alarm
- Secure doors and windows before activating the system
- Beware of changes in the environment (i.e. new animals, design changes, seasonal decorations, plants, etc.)
- Dont block motion detectors. Partially blocked motions can become overly sensitive and cause false alarms
- Be sure there is no motion in areas protected by motion detectors. Balloons, moving signs and falling boxes can all cause false alarms.
- Notify the monitoring station of any and all changes (i.e. house guests, name changes, new employees, termination of employees, etc.)
- Treat your alarm system with care. Wiring and detection devices can be accidentally damaged, and false alarms can result. Notify you alarm company immediately of any damage.
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What is a False Alarm?
A false alarm is an alarm to which the responding officer finds no evidence or situation requiring a response by a police officer. A false alarm includes a site where one or more doors or windows are found unsecured and there is no evidence of unlawful entry. Alarms that are activated due to power outage are also considered false.
Common Causes of False Alarms
- Use of incorrect user codes
- Failure to train other authorized users (i.e. employees, janitors, delivery personnel, relatives, visitors, etc.)
- Failure to secure doors and windows before activating the alarm
- Failure to notify the monitoring station of unscheduled openings and closings (for businesses with set schedules)
- Failure to update responsible party list
- Equipment malfunction including faulty door contacts, and improper charging of batteries
- Animals setting off motion detectors
- Ventilation systems triggering motion detectors
Call your alarm monitoring company immediately if they do not call you first. If you cannot enter the disarm code on the keypad or recite the abort code correctly over the phone, then the police will be dispatched! It is recommended that you wait for the officers in front of the property in plain view. Remember that the officers responding probably do not know who you are, so be prepared to offer some form of identification which establishes your legal presence at your home or business.
If you activate the duress code on your keypad, the alarm company will not call you first before dispatching. If a police dispatcher calls your home or business, do exactly as you are told. Remember that responding to alarms is serious business for officers. Until proven otherwise, police officers must assume they are dealing with a crime in progress. Keep this in mind when your alarm is accidentally set off.
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