False Alarm Prevention Program Offered by the Phoenix Police Department Provides reasons for false alarm activations and ways to prevent them Refer to section 10-76.01 of the Phoenix City Code regarding the False alarm prevention program and its limitations. YOU MUST R.S.V.P. FOR ANY CLASS. For more information call the Code Enforcement Unit at (602) 534-0322 This document is available in alternate formats upon request. Please call 602-534-6613 or TTY City Relay at 602-534-5500.

DON'T Be Part of the False Alarm

FALSE ALARM TIPS OF THE MONTH!

·            Don’t leave balloons in a room with motion detectors! ·        Before calling an alarm company for service on your system, be sure and check our list of licensed and lawful alarm companies! ·        Check all door and window contacts to make sure the summer heat has not loosened them! Help us out and have ZERO false alarms!

Help us out and have ZERO false alarms! AVOID FALSE ALARMS

Alarms were originally designed to protect lives and property. Properly installed, used, and maintained, alarms are a real asset. When misused, they become a liability. Each year false alarms cost all of us millions of dollars and thousands of wasted man hours. The Phoenix Police Department, as well as the security companies, must spend a significant amount of time and money responding to false alarms. You as the system user may also experience the inconvenience of false alarms and the assessment of fines. False alarms must concern each of us. They do not reduce crime and can cause a certain level of complacency among all concerned parties. They also increase the liability and endanger the safety and welfare of the public, responsible parties, and responding agencies. The following links provide Alarm Ordinance Information and Alarm Permit Information.

• Phoenix City Code on Alarm Systems, click here for details.
• Alarm Subscriber / Proprietor Alarm Permit Application (Adobe Acrobat - .pdf format)
• Alarm Subscriber / Proprietor Alarm Permit Application (Microsoft Word - .DOC format)
             

What is a False Alarm?

A False Alarm is any alarm caused by human error or equipment problems requiring police response, with no evidence of an actual crime having been committed.

What are the most frequent human errors that cause alarms?

Residential

• Use of incorrect key pad codes
• Failure to train other authorized users (i.e., sitters, relatives, children, visitors, etc.)
• Failure to secure doors and windows before turning on alarm.
• Fail to cancel alarm with monitoring facility.

Commercial

• Use of incorrect key pad codes
•  Failure to train other authorized users (i.e., employees, janitors, delivery personnel, etc.)
• Failure to cancel alarm with monitoring facility.
• Failure to notify monitoring facility of unscheduled openings or closings (for businesses using set schedules)
• Failure to update authorized personnel list with monitoring facility
• Failure to secure doors and windows before turning on alarm

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.)

What can you do to reduce false alarms?

• Make sure everyone is familiar with alarm system operations
• Secure doors and windows before turning on system
• Be aware 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., house guests, name changes, new employees, termination of employees, etc.)
• Equipment should be routinely inspected, and maintained by qualified personnel

City of phoenix alarm system ordinance

Within the City of Phoenix, a permit is required for alarm systems monitored by an alarm company as well as those that are not. You may be subject to an assessment of $85.00 for each alarm activation that the police respond to if you do not have the required permit.

You can also be assessed if your alarm system generates excessive false alarms. If you have more than two false alarms within a consecutive 365 day period, subsequent incidents can cost you $85.00 for each false alarm.

If you need an alarm subscriber permit application or if you have any questions about the City of Phoenix Alarm System Ordinance, call the Phoenix Police Department Code Enforcement Unit at (602) 534-0322.

The Phoenix Police Department offers a False Alarm Prevention Program for alarm system users. The program provides reasons for false alarm activation and ways to prevent them. It also includes educational information for alarm system users and a certificate for waiver of a $85.00 False Alarm Assessment. For more information call the Phoenix Police Department Code Enforcement Unit at (602) 534-0322.

The Arizona Burglar & Fire Alarm Association, and the Phoenix Police Department developed the information for this web page. It is our sincere desire to provide the public with this information to reduce false alarms to an acceptable level. A reduction in false alarms allows your local law enforcement and security personnel to more effectively serve and protect you. Your comments and cooperation are essential to the success of this program and we welcome your involvement. Working together, we will continue to have a safe and secure place to live.