Baltimore County Law Cuts False Alarm Rate by 12%
BALTIMORE—Since enacting a new law fining businesses and residents for recurring false alarms, the false alarm rate has decreased by 12 percent, according to Baltimore County law enforcement. Fines range from $50 to $1,000, depending on the amount of violations during a 365-day period. Revenue generated from the fines goes to the county’s general fund.
According to a recent county alarm reduction report, there were 75,758 false alarms in 1999, down from a total of 86,499 in 1998. Commercial businesses fared better than residences since the law went into effect. During the second half of 1999, there were 28-percent fewer false alarms from businesses compared to 1998. Residential false alarms also decreased by 17 percent this past year.
Baltimore County law enforcement receives 470,000 alarm service calls annually. However, to avoid hefty fines, many businesses and residents are notifying the police to cancel false alarm calls prior to an officer’s visit to the site.
If you enjoyed this article and want to receive more valuable industry content like this, click here to sign up for our FREE digital newsletters!
Related Content
Security Is Our Business, Too
For professionals who recommend, buy and install all types of electronic security equipment, a free subscription to Commercial Integrator + Security Sales & Integration is like having a consultant on call. You’ll find an ideal balance of technology and business coverage, with installation tips and techniques for products and updates on how to add to your bottom line.
A FREE subscription to the top resource for security and integration industry will prove to be invaluable.
