Why is the City charging a fee for false alarms?

Everett Police responds to about 5,000 alarm activations every year. More than 90% of them are found to be false. Additionally, many alarm sites generate repeated false alarms due to poor maintenance or improper use.

Alarm responses are a high priority for police and preempt many other 911 calls for service. When the alarm turns out to be false, it wastes time and valuable public resources, and can also delay responses to other important calls. By charging a fee, the police department expects to see a meaningful reduction in the number of false alarms, improved service delivery and enhanced public safety.

Show All Answers

1. What is considered a false alarm?
2. Why is the City charging a fee for false alarms?
3. What is the fee for a false alarm?
4. Is my first false alarm occurrence free?
5. Is there a discounted fee for seniors or the disabled?
6. How is the false alarm fee invoiced?
7. Can an alarm company pass along the fee to the customer?
8. Why doesn’t the City charge the fee directly to the customer?
9. Is a false alarm fee charged if the police response is cancelled prior to police officers being sent to the call?
10. How do I dispute a false alarm fee?
11. How can I obtain more information regarding the false alarm incident?
12. Do Everett residences or businesses need an alarm permit or license for their alarm system?
13. Do alarm companies need an alarm license?
14. How do I pay a false alarm response fee?