The City of Highland Park Police Department’s False Alarm Reduction program is an effort to reduce the most frequent call for service yet less than 1% of the alarms responded to are for a confirmed emergency. Educational efforts and updated equipment has reduced the number of false alarms over the years yet approximately 1 in 5 calls received by our Police Department are related to alarms.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a false alarm?

A false alarm occurs when a security system is activated where there is no emergency – whether it is activated willfully, unintentionally, negligently or inadvertently. It also includes a system that is activated due to mechanical, electrical malfunctions or weather conditions.

A true alarm is when an alarm system is activated by an attempted or actual illegal entry, theft, robbery; or an observable act of vandalism.

All tests of telephone lines or equipment on the premises, requires prior notice of the testing or repair to the Highland Park Police Department.

What happens when your burglar alarm system is activated?

On January 8, 2007, the City Council passed an ordinance that mandates all alarm companies to verify the activated signal to determine whether the burglar alarm signal requires immediate response.

Your alarm monitoring company will not wait for the verification process if it receives a panic, duress or hold-up signal. They will dispatch police personnel immediately.

If the alarm monitoring company does not receive proper cancellation codes, the Highland Park Police Department will be contacted and emergency personnel will be dispatched to your location.

To avoid false burglar alarm activations, review your cancellation policy with your alarm monitoring company.

You will receive a letter informing you of the date and time of the activation and the fee schedule imposed by the City of Highland Park. In addition, statements and invoices are mailed on the 15th and 30th of each month.

What are the most frequent errors that cause false alarms?

• Accidental activation by cleaning crews, new employees, children, house sitters, etc.
• Using incorrect keypad codes.
• Failing to train authorized users.
• Failure to secure doors and windows once the alarm is turned on.
• Wandering pets.
• Failure by businesses to notify the monitoring company of unscheduled openings and closings.
• Not requiring the monitoring company to notify persons on the contact list before calling the police.
• Improper installation of equipment.
• Faulty equipment, keypads, batteries, panels, detectors, etc.
• Helium filled balloons.

What are the consequences of having a police response for an activated false burglar alarm?

The first two (2) false burglar alarm activations are no fee:

What can alarm subscribers do to help reduce false alarms?

• Maintain your alarm regularly
• Educate those activating and deactivating the alarm system
• Consider having your alarm monitoring service verify the alarm response

What is an Alarm Permit?

An alarm permit process was implemented to ensure that all alarm systems are registered with the City. This provides up-to-date accurate homeowner, Alarm Company and key holder information. The Police Department requires this information in order to gain a better understanding of the number of alarms that exist within the City and have appropriate information available for which to resolve alarm related issues.

For more information regarding alarms, please email Sergeant Carl Weaver or call (847) 926-1093.