False alarms face fines in Fremont

The Fremont, Calif., police department responds to more than 10,000 calls from home and business security systems each year. However, 98 percent of those calls turn out to be false alarms, costing the department approximately $350,000 and 6,500 hours annually.

Most security systems are programmed to call police when the alarm sounds and is not shut off within a certain time period, supposedly indicating that an unauthorized person has entered the home or business. But the department has learned that alarms can be set off because of mechanical failure, malfunction, improper installation or maintenance, or owner negligence, causing police to respond even if there is no emergency.

To bring the problem under control, the city council has adopted a false alarm ordinance. The ruling allows for alarm activations by natural causes, such as tornadoes or earthquakes, but otherwise fines home and business owners for false alarms that prompt police response.

The ordinance, which became effective in April, requires alarm owners to have permits for their security systems. The permit provides contact information for three people who can respond to the premises within 35 minutes to turn off the alarm in a non-emergency situation.

Initially, the permit costs $40 and is renewed every two years at a cost of $20. The revenue generated helps defray the cost of equipment and personnel to administer the ordinance and to train alarm owners to repair and maintain their alarms. Residents who do not have permits and engage police response to false alarms will be fined $60 for the first offense, $120 for the second offense and $300 for each additional response.

For alarm owners with permits, two false alarms in a 12-month period will be responded to without charge. A citation is issued after the second false alarm, and, after three false alarms, the alarm user can be billed for excessive police service.

When there have been four false alarms within a 180-day period or five responses by the police in a 12-month period, the alarm owner’s permit can be revoked. For more information on the Fremont false alarm ordinance, contact Community Service Officer Diana Cabrera at (510) 790-6755.