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1. What is a false alarm?

A false alarm is any alarm activation caused by human error or equipment malfunction requiring a police response, with no evidence of an actual crime having been committed.

2. What is a false alarm dispatch?

The activation of any alarm system that results in a response by a member of the police department where no evidence of a problem requiring their response is found after an investigation at the alarm site. An alarm dispatch request canceled by the alarm company prior to the time the responding police officer reaches the alarm site shall not be considered a false/accidental alarm dispatch.

3. What are the most frequent human errors that cause false alarms?

Residential:
* Incorrect key pad procedures.
* Failure to train other authorized users (i.e., sitters, relatives, children, house guests, etc.).
* Failure to secure doors and windows before arming your alarm.
Commercial:
* Use of incorrect key pad codes.
* Failure to train other authorized users (i.e., employees, custodial workers, delivery
personnel, etc.).
* Failure to notify your monitoring facility of unscheduled openings or closings (for businesses
using a set schedule).
* Failure to update authorized personnel list with your monitoring facility.
* Failure to secure doors and windows before arming your alarm.

4. What are the most frequent equipment malfunctions that cause false alarms?

* Improper application or installation of interior motion sensors.
* Improper application or installation of outdoor beams.
* Improper charging or checking of batteries.
* Faulty equipment (i.e., panels, detectors, keypads, etc.).
* Failure to secure windows and doors before arming your alarm.

5. What can you do to reduce false alarms?

* Insure authorized users are familiar with your alarm system's operation.
* Secure all doors and windows prior to arming your alarm.
* Be aware of changes in the environment (i.e., new animals, design changes, seasonal
decorations, plants, etc.) that might have an impact on your alarm.
* Notify your monitoring facility of any changes (i.e., house guests, name changes, new
employees, employee terminations, etc.