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Main > LPD > LPD Support Services
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Per City of Lakeland Alarm System Ordinance (Chapter 34; Article II; Section 26), a "false alarm" is defined as the activation of an alarm system through mechanical failure, malfunction, improper installation or maintenance or due to the negligent or intentional misuse of the system by the owner, lessee, occupant, or manager of the premises where the alarm in installed or due to negligence or misuse of the system by an employee, servant or agent of such person or any other activation of the alarm system not caused by forced entry, attempted forced entry or robbery; or not caused by fire, heat or smoke; provided, however, false alarm does not include alarms caused by acts of God. In simpler terms, a false alarm is a notification of an alarm to the Police or Fire Department when the responding authority finds no evidence of criminal offense or attempted criminal offense.In 2003, the City of Lakeland amended the alarm system ordinance to reflect that false alarm fees would be included in the utility statements received monthly by the residents residing within the incorporated city limits. It is the purpose of the alarm system ordinance to serve as a tool in the reduction of the number of false alarms within the City of Lakeland. The City of Lakeland's Alarm System Ordinance may be viewed online at www.lakelandgov.net |
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False Alarm Fee Schedule
Note: Fee accrual is based on a 12-month "sliding" calendar; not a calendar year.
- First alarm in a 12 month period - $0.00
- Second alarm in a 12 month period - $0.00
- Third alarm in a 12 month period - $35.00
- Fourth alarm in a 12 month period
- Fifth alarm in a 12 month period - $70.00
- All alarms over five in a 12 month period are $70.00 each.
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How to Reduce False Alarms
RESIDENTIAL FALSE ALARMS
- Did you know that the three (3) major causes of false alarms are:
- User errors
- Installation or service errors
- Equipment Failure
- Did you know that more than 80% of false alarms are related to preventable user error?
- Did you know that 20% of alarm users cause 80% of all false alarms?
- Do you think you are at greater risk when police, accustomed to responding to chronic false alarms, respond to a real emergency at your location?
The reality is that police resources are limited and should never be wasted. Thousands of police patrol hours are spent investigating alarm reports that turn out to be "False Alarms."
Alarm companies and alarm users must be responsible for the use and maintenance of alarm systems to help ensure prompt police response when an emergency really does exist.
The False Alarm Reduction Association [FARA], working with National Burglar & Fire Alarm Association [NBFAA] and other state and national alarm associations, has been studying the false alarm problem and solutions for some time. Working with law enforcment, businesses and the community, there is documented proof that response to false alarms can be dramatically reduced.
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Pets can be one of many causes of false alarms |
Common Causes of False Alarms
- Inadequate training of people permitted access to your security system (children, neighbors, cleaning personnel, real estate agents, guests, relatives, babysitters, serice and delivery personnel, etc.)
- Weak system batteries
- Open, unlocked or loose fitting doors and windows.
- Drafts from heaters and air conditioning systems that move plants, curtains, balloons, etc.
- Wandering pets.
False Alarms
- Take Police and Fire Fighters away from real emergencies. This embarrassing situation endangers responding authorities and the whole community by needlessly diverting public safety resources.
- Desensitizes communities to actual incidnts of crime and fire and can lead to neighbors ignoring your alarm when it goes off.
- Make your security system less reliable and credible.
- May make you reluctant to arm your system, exposing your home and property to undetected theft or fire.
- Cost citizens time, personal security and money, as many jurisdictions assess costly fines for excessive false alarms.
Installing & Activating An Alarm System
- When purchasing an alarm system you must remember that you are a vital part of the alarm function. You must completely understand how the system works, what it does and does not do, and what you must do to keep it in proper operating condition.
- Ensure all users of your system are provided adequate and thorough instruction on using and testing the system. Ask your alarm company to provide you with written instructions as well as a physical demonstration.
- Ensure outside audible alarms are set to sound for no more than 15 minutes before resetting.
How Can You Prevent Residential False Alarms? You can use the following check list to assist you in reducing false alarms:
Are you and others who use the system fully educated on its proper operation?
Does everyone with a key to your home know how to operate your security system?
Do you take care to eliminate possible causes of false alarms?
Have you rehearsed alarm cancellation procedures with all who use your system to cancel accidental alarm activations?
Do you communicate with your security company regularly, advising of schedule changes, problem areas or maintenance needs?
Do you notify your local Alarm Coordinator when phone numbers or situations change?
Do you have your security system istruction book and alarm company names and telephone mumbers readily available in order to call and cancel accidental alarm activations?How Can You Prevent Business False Alarms? You can use the following check list to assist you in reducing false alarms: - Be sure all employees are thoroughly trained before attempting to use the alarm system. Hold regular training sessions to ensure alarm users are aware of:
- any changes to the system
- the importance of careful pre-arming checks
- designated entry/exit doors
- proper opening and closing procedures
- correct pass codes and arming codes
- and finally, rehearse how to cancel accidental activations
- Watch out for holiday-related false alarms
- Look for items that can move withing the "view" of your motion detector, causing false alarms (i.e. fans, heaters, hanging signs, seasonal decorations, balloons, curtains, plants, pets, etc.)
- Discuss with your alarm provider whether your location's environment requires specially desgined and installed motion detectors that will not false due to birds, wildlife, rodents, cats, etc.
- Ensure all doors and windows are secured before arming your system
- Don't change pass codes without first advising your alarm central monitoring station
- Train users thoroughly, notifying your monitoring station of new authorized users
- If you believe your alarm system is not working properly, immediately contact your alarm provider
- Service and maintain your system (including batteries) regulary before false alarms occur
- Upgrade old alarm systems to current equipment conforming to Security Industry Association (SIA) false alarm prevention standards, further reducing false alarms.
For additional false alarm reduction information, contact:
False Alarm Reduction Association(FARA)10024 Vanderbilt Circle, #4, Rockville, MD 20850
Phone: 301-519-9237 / Fax: 301-519-9508
www.faraonline.org
For information regarding incurred false alarm fees, please contact the False Alarm Unit at the Lakeland Police Department:
Phone: 863-834-8912 or 834-6948
Fax: 863-834-3912
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