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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 plus
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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