After a series of public hearings, the Oakland (Calif.) City Council rejected verified response June 5, unanimously passing a new alarm ordinance. The new ordinance is set to become law June 17 after a final reading.

According to industry officials, the new ordinance is the first of its kind to incorporate “good faith standards”—a list of suggested consumer protection and equipment standards for all new installations in the city. According to the California Alarm Association (CAA), the ordinance is the product of several months of work among Oakland’s deputy police chief and industry professionals involved in regional, state and national associations.

The city had originally stated they were adopting a verified response policy and would consider no other options. After the announcement, the associations worked directly with the chief of police and utilized a public affairs consultant to initiate individual meetings with city council members.

CAA also headed a public relations campaign aimed at Oakland alarm owners, encouraging them to voice their opinions to city council members. One council member mentioned being contacted by many of her constituents about their concerns with verified response.

According to CAA, the city now has a strong ordinance that is acceptable to the industry and a great relationship with Oakland Police Department. Deputy Chief Holland also pledged to help industry representatives as they work with other municipalities on false alarm ordinances in the future.

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