Full Text
Alarm Systems in the City of Kennewick By definition a false alarm is any alarm that is activated by any means other than a commission of a crime. When Kennewick Police is dispatched to your alarm re- sponding officers will look for evidence of an intrusion or attempted intrusion. The wind or someone pulling on a door should not cause your alarm to activate. If it does the door should be secured to re- duce the amount of movement. Make sure that your doors and windows fit snugly and that alarm contacts are firmly in place. A properly maintained battery and surge protector will also help reduce false alarms as well. What is a False Alarm? Kennewick Police Department Stop False Alarms Wind and power outages should not cause your alarm to activate. Phone: (509) 582-1330 Fax: (509) 585-2239 E-mail: [EMAIL REDACTED] PO Box 6108 211 W 6th Ave Kennewick WA 99336 Kennewick Police Department Crime Prevention Alarm Licenses Kennewick requires all security systems to be licensed and the license expires each year on December 31st. You will be sent a renewal each year and there is No Charge to renew your license as long as you return the renewal application by March 1st of that year. If you don’t return the renewal your alarm license expires and you will need to apply for a new license. Alarm license’s are $40. If an alarm goes off and your license is not current you are subject to additional penalties. ---PAGE BREAK--- Congratulations. You purchased your new security system to give you and your family a greater sense of security. With the pur- chase comes some additional responsibili- ties. You need to make sure your system works correctly and you know how it works. False Alarms are costly as they stretch already limited resources. The City of Ken- newick does charge for false alarms. A false alarm is defined as an alarm that is activated for any reason other than a com- mission of a crime. False Alarm Charges 1st False Alarm within 6 Months = No Charge. 2nd False Alarm within 6 months = $50.00 3rd False Alarm within 6 Months = $75.00. 4th or More False Alarms within 6 Months $100.00 each. (KMC 6.60.060) What if You Have an Alarm? Should your alarm go off and you know it’s a false alarm, contact your alarm company and let them know. Kennewick, like most communi- ties, has a mandatory call back requirement for alarm companies. The alarm company is re- quired to call the alarm location prior to calling police. This is not required for medical or fire alarms, just intrusion alarms. They must also make a second call to an off site or cell number if they cannot reach your residence. This rule is in place to reduce false alarm calls. Over 99% of all alarm calls are false. Most alarm calls are a result of either a resi- dent or employee error or equipment malfunc- tion. After calling your alarm company you can also call the non emergency dispatch number (509) 628-0333. Do not call 911 to cancel an alarm call. Make Your Alarm Work For You • Keep your instruction manual handy. Anyone who uses the system should know how to use it. • Develop a routine for turning the system on and off. • Keep your alarm company information handy so you know who to call in the event of a false alarm or equipment prob- lems. • Do obvious repairs and maintenance. Make sure cobwebs are clear of sensors and they are secured. • Check to see if your pet sets off the alarm. Sensors may need to be adjusted for them. • Make sure your alarm company also has a current list of responsible parties to call in the event your alarm activates. Your New Security System