In one such example, from 2003 to 2007, there have been more than 17,000 false alarms in Fayetteville (AK, USA). In 2007, Fayetteville Police responded to 3525 false alarms, which comprised approximately 9% of the total number of calls for police service and over 800 manpower hours. According to published data, Fayetteville police responded to nearly 3,800 alarm calls in 2008, 99% of which were false.

Under a new city council ordinance, which recently went into effect, both homeowners and businesses are required to register their alarm systems. Permits are given by the Fayetteville Police Department.

Alarm system owners in Fayetteville triggering more than one false alarm a year are fined. Fines for false alarms range from US$75 for the first offense to $250 for six or more violations of the ordinance. Businesses with burglar alarms are also required to pay fees for triggering false alarms, ranging from $100 for the first offense to $200 for four or more. Penalties are stipulated even for those who do not have permits.

The new Fayetteville law is an effort to cut down on the amount of wasted time the police officers spend responding to false calls.

Related Links:
Fayetteville government offices