False Alarm Reduction Program

In May 2008, the City implemented sweeping changes to its ordinances pertaining to false alarms. At that time, City Council implemented a registration fee for all alarm owners, as well as service response fees for false alarms. The goal of this program was to reduce false alarms, reducing response time and allowing police officers to be available to respond to legitimate emergency calls for service. The program is administered by a third party company, called Alarm Tracking and Billing Services. This company has a proven track record for administering similar programs in both larger and smaller communities.

The City of Suffolk ordinance is the most comprehensive and innovative in Virginia, seeking to reduce false alarms at all points where they might be generated. From alarm installers, alarm monitoring companies, and alarm owners, each have a role to play in reducing false alarms. The City’s ordinance was based on proven nationwide best practices and the first year of this program has proven to be a success. The below chart depicts the reduction in all alarms as well as false alarms in the first year of the program.

If you are an alarm owner or an alarm company, or you would just like more information, click on the button to go to the City of Suffolk ATB Site for information on our False Alarm Program.