16.070 - Responding to Monitored Alarms

Effective Date: 05/07/2019

16.070-POL

This section applies to alarms monitored by an alarm company. This does not include Voice-Activated Radio-Dispatched Alarms (VARDA), vehicle alarms, or mobile security devices.

1. The False Alarm Detail Will Oversee Alarm Systems Ordinance Enforcement

Officers will route all reports concerning alarm activation to the False Alarm Detail.

Officers who have questions or concerns regarding an alarm may contact the False Alarm Detail.

2. Officers Will not Grant Warnings or Waive the False Alarm Fee

Under certain circumstances, the alarm owner may be granted a waiver, but the owner’s alarm company must contact the False Alarm Detail to obtain the waiver.

3. Officers Will Determine if an Alarm Activation is Valid or False Based on Physical Evidence

If responding officers discover physical evidence of a crime, attempted crime, or emergency situation, the alarm is considered valid.

If no physical evidence is found, or physical evidence is not documented, the alarm is considered false and the alarm company will be fined.

4. Officers Will Document Valid Alarm Activations and Physical Evidence in a Report.

Clear the call with the situation-appropriate Final Type Code, such as for “Burglary” or “Robbery”, and an “A” (Physical arrest made), “C” (Report submitted), or “D” (Evidence submitted) designation.

5. When Officers Determine an Alarm Activation is False, They Will Document Their Investigatory Actions on the Call Log

Clear False Alarm incidents with the appropriate “False Alarm” final type and an “M” (False complaint/unfounded) designation.

6. Officers May Leave Notice of a False Alarm

In the case of a false alarm, a Notice of False Alarm (Form 7.27) may be left for the owner or subscriber of the premises.

Cross out any specific fine amount listed on the notice.