Alarm Program

Glendale Police Department
Alarm Program

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City of Glendale, Ordinance No. 2993
City Code Chapter 3

WHY IS THERE A FALSE ALARM ORDINANCE?

False alarms have become an enormous concern for law enforcement agencies everywhere. Millions of dollars and staff-hours are spent chasing "burglars" which turn out to be nothing more than floating birthday balloons, unrestricted pets, or paper falling from a fax machine (just to name a few).
We understand that by using your alarm system, you're looking out for those you care about. The purpose of the ordinance is not to make money. In fact, the cost-recovery measures only cover about half of the false alarm related costs to the City.

The hope is to alleviate the false alarm problem, thereby redirecting public safety resources to more effectively serve the community as a whole. Our goal is to make Glendale a safer place to live for all of our citizens, whether they own security systems or not.


ORDINANCE INFORMATION

The alarm ordinance was adopted by Mayor and Council on June 22, 2010. It was designed to decrease false alarms. Statistics show 98% of the alarm calls officers responded to in 2009 were false alarms.

Police enforcement of the ordinance started March 9, 2011. The ordinance was updated and approved on June 14, 2016. 

The ordinance does not apply to audible alarms affixed to motor vehicles, audible fire alarms, medical alert devices, or residential panic alarms.

To view the City Alarm Ordinance click here. 

IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS PLEASE CONTACT THE ALARM COORDINATOR HOTLINE AT (623) 930-2466 OR BY EMAIL [email protected]


APPLICATION FORM, PAYMENT OPTIONS & CUSTOMER SERVICE HOURS

Frequently Asked Questions

TIPS ON HOW TO PREVENT FALSE ALARMS

Click here to download a tip sheet on ways to avoid false alarms.

  • Teach EVERYONE who has a key how to properly turn your alarm on and off (including the housekeeper, babysitter, real estate agent). Include instructions on how to cancel a false alarm.
  • Make sure a phone is accessible and within hearing range of anyone who will use your alarm system (in the case of an intrusion alarm your alarm company is required by law to attempt to call you and verify an alarm signal before dispatching the police).
  • Notify your alarm company of ALL changes you make, including phone upgrades, changes in responsible parties (individuals to notify in the case of an alarm), new business hours, and additional key holders.
  • Get your system tested regularly, and get potentially faulty equipment repaired or replaced IMMEDIATELY! Be sure to replace your batteries at least once a year.
  • Be sure that everyone (including your pet) is out of the monitored zones prior to engaging your alarm, or make sure to turn your system to "stay" mode. If you have indoor pets, talk to your alarm company about "pet-proof" sensors and other options.
  • If your alarm gets activated by storms or wind, have your alarm company make the required sensitivity adjustments.
  • Do not leave anything that may move in a monitored room. This includes plants, balloons, flags, and other decorations which may be affected by the ventilation system.
  • If your fireplace is in use, make sure that any motion detectors in that area are bypassed.
  • Make sure ALL windows and doors are securely CLOSED and LOCKED. If something won't secure properly, DO NOT set the alarm (this includes loose-fitting, damaged, or warped doors and windows).
  • Upgrade old alarm systems to current equipment conforming to Security Industry Association (SIA) false alarm prevention standards.

    The three major causes of false alarms are: (1) user errors: (2) installation or service errors: and (3) equipment failures.

    Alarm companies and alarm users must be responsible for the use and maintenance of alarm systems to help ensure prompt police response when an emergency really does exist.

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