Press Releases
City Residents, Business Owners Must Register Alarm Systems
February 1st Deadline to register without penalty
Post Date:01/31/2014 3:00 PM
Atlanta Police Department Public Affairs
226 Peachtree Street SW • Atlanta, Georgia 30303
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Elizabeth Espy, APD Public Affairs Asst. Manager |
News Release
City Residents, Business Owners Must Register Alarm Systems
City of Atlanta residents and businesses are now required to register their alarm systems. In 2012, the Atlanta Police Department responded to 65,000 alarm system activations, 95% of which were false alarms or alarms that were cancelled en route. This represents more than six percent of total 911 dispatches. This is the equivalent of 8-12 full-time police officers who were dedicated to responding to false alarms, thereby taking away valuable public safety resources from more pressing matters. On average, every false alarm trip takes 20-30 minutes.
In an effort to improve public safety and redirect limited resources, the City enacted a series of amendments to the existing False Alarm Ordinance. The new ordinance took effect on September 15, 2013 and residents will have until February 1, 2014 to register without incurring an unregistered alarm penalty. After February 1st, false alarm calls from an unregistered alarm system will result in a $150 fine.
Residents can register their alarm system for free online at www.crywolfservices.com/AtlantaGA or by calling 1-855-725-7102.
If a registered alarm is activated and it turns out to be false, there is no fine, just a warning. The 2nd false alarm will result in a $50 fine to the homeowner. Fines will escalate for each false call thereafter.
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The mission of the Atlanta Police Department is to reduce crime and promote the quality of life, in partnership with our community.