If you're a home or business owner with a professionally monitored alarm system, Buckeye Police Department has an important item for your to-do list.
BPD last year received 1,829 calls from emergency alarm systems. Only 244 of those calls were actual emergencies.
In an effort to reduce unnecessary dispatch for these misplaced alerts, the department created its False Alarm Reduction Program. Following the 2014 alarm regulation adoptions to city code, home and business owners who utilize professionally monitored alarm systems must register their system. Previously, the city partnered with Cry Wolf for that registration. However, BPD announced Aug. 16 that it has shifted that partnership to PM AM Corporation, requiring residents and business owners to now re-register their systems with the new provider.
"A majority of alarm calls that come into Buckeye police dispatch are determined to be false alarms, meaning there is no emergency, threat or crime occurring at the location," said BPD spokesperson Carissa Planalp. "This program encourages our community to be a part of the solution in taking measures to prevent false alarms and maintain critical police resources."
Planalp said the department found PM AM to be "more responsive to customers who may have questions or need assistance," prompting the partnership switch.
False alarm calls become costly for home and business owners. While no fee applies to the first false alarm, the cost increases with each incident: $50 for the second offense, $200 for the third, $300 for the fourth and $500 for the fifth and all additional calls. If a false alarm is canceled prior to dispatch, no fee is applied, Planalp said.
Registration for new alarm systems is required within 30 days of installation and each location in which a system is in place must be registered separately. New and current system users may register HERE through the city's online portal. Users who do not register are fined $50 for violating the city ordinance.
According to the city's website, false alarms can be prevented in the following ways:
- Educate all home residents or employees on how the system operates.
- Ensure doors and windows are secure and locked.
- Keep moving items away from motion sensor areas.
- Rehearse how to cancel a call promptly should a false alarm occur.
More information on the False Alarm Reduction Program is available on the city's website here.
