FREDERICK POLICE DEPARTMENT
100 West Patrick Street
Frederick, MD 21701
301-600-2100
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 1, 2008
FALSE ALARM REDUCTION PLAN
The City of Frederick and the Frederick Police Department are pleased to announce the implementation of the False Alarm Reduction Plan.
The goal of the False Alarm Reduction Plan, as passed by the Mayor and Board of Alderman, is to reduce the number of false alarms generated by alarm owners and operators and to maximize police resources available to the public.
Since 2002 the Frederick Police Department has responded to over 13,000 alarms, 99% were false. In order to reduce the number of false alarms we are asking residents and business owners/operators to fully educate every person who may enter the premises, including children, caregivers, cleaning personnel, and real estate agents, on how to work the system and proper pass codes. We ask that you review with your alarm company the best equipment for you premises, and check all doors and window frames, as loose joints can cause false alarms. Check for drafts that may move curtains, plants, and balloons, which can activate motion detectors and regularly replace your back-up batteries to reduce false alarms during power surges or outages.
The first two false alarms at any residence in a calendar year will not result in a fine. The third false alarm will result in a fine of $25 and for each subsequent false alarm the fine will increase by $25.
The first two false alarms at any business in a calendar year will not result in a fine. The third false alarm will result in a fine of $50 and for each subsequent false alarm the fine will increase by $50.
If an alarm system is not registered with the Frederick Police Department and we receive a call for an alarm at that location, we will first send a letter to the business or residence advising them of the need to register. If they fail to register after that letter is sent, each subsequent alarm will result in a $100 fine in addition to any false alarm fines.
We are currently sending out registration forms to all locations that had alarm calls previously. However, if you have an alarm system and do not receive a registration form in the next 5-7 business days, please contact our False Alarm Reduction Monitor, Veronica Ebberts at 301-600-2139, email vebberts@fredco-md.net, or download it (link is at the bottom of this page).
You may view the ordinance on-line at www.cityoffrederick.com, click on the “ordinance” icon on the left lower potion of the home page, then select ordinance G-07-7.
Thank you for working with the City of Frederick and the Frederick Police Department to maximize our resources.
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