FALSE ALARMS
REDUCING FALSE ALARMS
The department is dispatched to a large number of security alarms that cost time and resources. Consider the following tips to help reduce the number of false alarms:
How You Can Help:
- Select a quality alarm system that fits your needs.
- Select a professional to install your alarm system who can explain the use of the system to you and those persons who will be using the system on a daily basis.
- Ensure that everyone who will have access to the alarm system has a full understanding of what they must do should the alarm activate.
- Arrange to have a competent professional conduct an annual preventative maintenance checkup of your alarm system.
- Periodically review alarm system procedures with those persons who will be using the alarm system.
Alarm Activation - Registration Laws
Pennsylvania Crimes Code: Sec: 7511 (c) False Alarms:
A person that owns uses or possesses an alarm device or automatic dialing device may not, after causing or permitting three false alarms to occur in a consecutive 12-month period, cause or permit a subsequent false alarm to occur in the same consecutive 12-month period. A person that violates this paragraph commits a summary offense and shall be required, upon conviction, to pay a fine of not more than $300.
Township of Lower Moreland, PA - Township Ordinances
A. Any alarm system, as that term is defined in this chapter, which has three or more false alarms within a permit year shall be subject to permit revocation as provided herein.
B. If the Police Department or Fire Department records three or more false alarms within a permit year for any alarm system:
- The Police Department shall notify the alarm user and/or the alarm business providing service or inspection to the user by first-class mail or by hand delivery of such fact and direct that the user submit a report to the Police Department within 15 days of receipt of the notice describing actions taken or to be taken to discover and correct the cause of the false alarms.
- If no report is submitted, the Police Department shall give notice by first-class mail or hand delivery to the user that the permit will be revoked without further notice and the user shall disconnect the alarm, automatic protection device or any other kind of direct or indirect connection with the Police Department or Fire Department and shall discontinue using the services of any intermediaries.
- Any alarm user whose permit has been revoked may have his permit reinstated if the Chief of Police is satisfied that the user's system has been properly serviced and its deficiencies corrected.
