False Alarms & Fines

Residential and commercial alarms can deter burglars, but false alarms are common.

Alarm users with a valid permit are allowed two “free” false alarm calls per calendar year and one extra free alarm call if the alarm occurs within 45 days after installing a new system and/or taking over an existing one.

Each alarm activation police respond to is reviewed for type, cause and known circumstances. These findings and any applicable fees are mailed to permit holders. Chargeable false alarms may be appealed by notifying the alarm coordinator’s office within 15 calendar days after receiving a false alarm notice.

Alarm users can cancel police responses only by contacting their alarm monitoring station (Keep this phone number readily accessible, and you must provide the monitoring station with a proper code when you call). Police responses to panic, hold-up or duress alarms cannot be cancelled.

Alarm Stats

*Valid calls: Calls involved actual or attempted criminal activity.