SANTA FE, N.M. — Since implementing a fee-based program to curb false alarms in 2010, this city has collected nearly $500,000 in false alarm fines and registration fees.
Administered by CryWolf False Alarm Solutions, the alarm management program requires consumers, alarm and monitoring companies to register with the city. The program, which levies fines when police and fire personnel respond to a false alarm, calls on alarm installers to educate customers on how to avoid false alarms, the Santa Fe New Mexican reports.
Under a city ordinance, the first two false alarms are free; however, the third through fifth costs $150, and the sixth and subsequent false alarms cost $300. The city will revoke alarm registration and withhold police response if a home or business has more than 11 false alarms in a one-year period.
CryWolf, which takes a 32% fee off the top of collections, has earned more than $271,000 from residents and businesses.
Since implementing the program, the city has experienced a significant drop in false alarm calls. In 2009, police responded to 6,483 calls, compared to 4,774 in 2012.
Recommended for You:
