Alarm Registration
Security Alarm By-Law Registration Kit
Registration Information
All alarm systems shall be registered with the Alarm Coordinator
within five (5) business days of installation or takeover. No refund of
a registration or renewal fee will be made. (the registration form is
available for download see below)
Downloads
The registration fee is $36.00 for monitored and non-monitored
residential and business alarm systems. There is NO charge for
applicant's aged 65 plus. The fee covers a three (3) year period
beginning the month of registration and includes two (2) non-chargeable
false alarms during each twelve-month period.
An alarm registration may not be transferred to another person. An
alarm registration may be transferred to another alarm site, however the
records pertaining to any false alarms during that time period will also
transfer with the registrant.
An alarm user shall be subject to warnings, administrative fees and
suspension of Police response depending on the number of false alarms
emitted from an alarm system within each one (1) year period from the
date of registration or renewal based upon the following schedule:
| # Of False Alarms |
Fee |
| 1 |
$0.00 |
| 2 |
$0.00 |
| 3 |
$100.00 |
| 4 |
$100.00 + Suspension of Police response for a period
of one (1) year. |
In addition, an alarm user whose alarm system causes a request for
police response to a false alarm to a non-registered alarm site (whether
suspended or never acquired) will be subject to an administrative fee of
$200.00, in addition to any other administrative fees.
Suspension of Police Response
Police response will be suspended to alarm dispatch requests if it is
determined that:
- The alarm user has four (4) or more false alarms in a one (1)
year period; or
- There is a false statement of material fact in the application
for registration; or
- The alarm user has failed to make timely payment of a fee
assessed pursuant to the provisions of this bylaw
The Police will respond if there is separate indication that there is
a crime in progress.
Notification
The Alarm Coordinator shall notify the alarm user in writing after
the first, second and third false alarm incidents within a one (1) year
period.
The Alarm Coordinator shall notify the alarm user and the Alarm
Company in writing after the fourth false alarm that alarm response has
been suspended.
Appeal Process
An alarm user may appeal the assessment of an administrative fee,
suspension, or request reinstatement to the Alarm Coordinator. The alarm
user shall file a written appeal to the Alarm Coordinator by setting
forth the reasons for the appeal within ten (10) days after receipt of
the notice of the administrative fee assessment or suspension.
Why are false alarms an issue?
The number of false alarms in Chatham-Kent has been identified as
consuming a significant quantity of police service resources, which
could be better utilized to enhance police presence in the Municipality.
The registration of security alarm systems is an integral part of the
strategy to reduce the number of false alarms in Chatham-Kent, to
promote education and discipline of alarm users and alarm companies, and
to enhance officer safety.
Alarms were originally designed to protect lives and property.
Properly installed, used and maintained, alarms are an asset. When
misused, they become a liability. Reacting to false alarms costs the
taxpayers thousands of dollars in police time and equipment. The system
users also experience the inconvenience of false alarms and the
assessment of fines.
- A false alarm can endanger responding officers and the whole
community and it may delay an officer from responding to an
emergency.
- False alarms can lead neighbours to ignore your alarm when it
goes off making your system less reliable and less credible.
- False alarms make you reluctant to arm your system, exposing
your home or business to undetected theft or damage.
- False alarms can cost you fines, and in some instances,
suspension of police response.
What can I do to reduce the number of false alarms?
- Equipment should be routinely inspected, and maintained
- Ensure all users have been trained on the proper use of the
alarm systems operation
- Secure doors and windows before turning on the system
- Be aware of changes in the environment (i.e. New animals, design
changes, seasonal decorations, plants, etc.)
What is a false alarm?
False alarm means an alarm dispatch request to the Police Service,
when the responding officer finds no evidence of a criminal offence or
attempted criminal offence after having completed a timely investigation
of the alarm site.
An alarm is considered false when it is activated unnecessarily,
improperly or for a purpose other than that for which it was installed,
including:
- Mechanical failure
- Unauthorized testing
- Atmospheric conditions (i.e. weather)
- Excessive vibrations
- Power failure
- and User Error
If you have any questions about The Security Alarm Bylaw please
contact:
Chatham-Kent Police Service
Alarm Coordinator
P.O. Box 366
24 Third St
Chatham ON N7M 5K5
Tel: (519) 436-6600 x228
Fax: (519) 436 - 6643
CKpolice@chatham-kent.ca
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