False Alarm Program

An alarm is false when, upon inspection by the police department, evidence indicates that no unauthorized entry, robbery or other such crime was committed or attempted in or on the premises which would have activated a properly functioning alarm system. On Sept. 1, 2004, the false alarm ordinance went into effect.

When is an Alarm not considered False

An alarm will not be considered false if it is determined that the alarm was caused by:

• A natural or man-made catastrophe, or other "Act of God" such as tornadoes, floods, earthquakes, or other similarly violent conditions.
• Vandalism causing physical damage to the property.
• Attempted entry of a location causing visible, physical, or other evidence of damage to the location which has caused the alarm to sound.
• Severe weather or failure of electrical power not caused by the subscriber.
• The test of a local alarm system by an authorized alarm agent or alarm company employee who is present at the premise inspecting, servicing, repairing, or installing the alarm.

If cancellation of the alarm dispatch is requested by the alarm company prior to the time the responding officer reaches the alarm site, this dispatch will not be considered a false alarm call and no fines will be assessed.

Fine for a False Alarm

The alarm user will be fined for each false alarm call beginning with the second occurring in a fiscal year period (July-June).

Payments must be received within thirty (30) days or a twenty-five dollar ($25.00) late fee will be added to the account. Failure to pay civil penalties within sixty (60) days may result in the suspension of police or public safety response to the alarm user because of alarm activation. If payment is not received within ninety (90) days, the account will be turned over to the collection agency.

Payments may be made in the following ways:

• By mail-Invoice and return envelope included in false alarm notice
• By phone-To pay via Visa or Mastercard, call at 919-781-7550
• In person-Avery C Upchurch Municipal Complex (1st Floor Revenue Services Lobby)
  222 W Hargett Street
  Hours: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  Phone: 919-996-3200

How to Appeal a Fine

The alarm user can file a written appeal to the alarm administrator by setting forth the reasons for the appeal within ten (10) days after receipt of notification of a false alarm. The filing of an appeal with the alarm administrator stays the assessment of the fine and suspension until the alarm administrator makes a final decision. The written appeal may be mailed, faxed (919-996-7007) or e-mailed to Dee Dee Smith.

Mission Statement

To maximize public awareness of false alarm issues and their impact on our local emergency response personnel (Police, Fire and Emergency Medical Services).

To develop and promote programs which will: address abuse and waste of emergency resources; reduce unnecessary safety risks posed to City emergency response personnel and citizens during false alarm responses; and reduce the numbers of false alarm dispatches within the City of Raleigh.