False Alarm Ordinance
The City’s goal is to reduce the number of false alarm calls, thus allowing the Sheriff’s Department to focus on other calls. A False Alarm Ordinance was adopted by the City Council on October 15, 1997, to help reduce the number of false alarms received each year. This program affects both residential and business alarm owners. Owners of alarm systems are urged to become familiar with their alarm systems and stay in close contact with their alarm company.
How does the City’s False Alarm Ordinance Work?
For the first and second false alarms, there will be no charge. For the third false alarm, and any subsequent false alarms in a calendar year, the owner will be charged a fee equal to the cost of responding to the false alarm. The City may notify the owner of a false alarm incident in writing, as a courtesy, following each separate alarm incident.
How did the City arrive at a False Alarm Response Fee?
The City conducted a cost analysis to determine the cost of providing services. In this study, all costs associated with responding to false alarms were accounted for, including dispatching the alarm call, deputy response, investigating, and deputy time.
What if you accidently set off your alarm?
Do not call 911 to cancel an alarm.
First: Don’t Panic. Carefully enter your disarm code to reset your system.
Second: Wait for your alarm company to call and give you a password or ID number.
Third: Do not leave your home or business until you have talked with your alarm monitoring station! If they don’t call you, call them to cancel the alarm dispatch. You must call your alarm monitoring station!
