316 Alarm Ordinance (Issued 05-15-2008)FRIDLEY POLICE DATE OF ISSUE NUMBER:
GENERAL ORDER May 15, 2008 316
SUBJECT: REVISION DATE SECTION:
Alarm Ordinance May 15, 2008 Yellow
I. PURPOSE
To assist officers in determining if an alarm is to be a “false alarm” and
chargeable with respect to the City Alarm Ordinance.
II. POLICY
The purpose of the alarm ordinance is not to discourage alarm protection but to
encourage the proper maintenance and operation of alarm systems.
III. REFERENCE
City of Fridley Ordinance Chapter 112
IV. DEFINITIONS
Alarm System
Any alarm installation designed to be used, for the prevention or detection of
burglary, robbery, or fire on the premises which contains the system.
V. PROCEDURES
A. Once at the scene of an alarm the officer should make a reasonable effort
to determine the cause of the alarm, i.e., checking potential entrance points
for signs of tampering or entry.
B. Should the alarm prove to be a valid alarm, the officer should investigate
and take whatever action is appropriate in each instance.
C. Should the officer determine the alarm is false the officer will:
1. Complete an ICR or E-Log entry that will be titled “False
Alarm/Chargeable.” The word “chargeable” will give notice to
TSD staff to code the alarm as a violation of the ordinance.
2. Include a statement concerning the security of the building, i.e., the
perimeter of the building was checked and found secure, and the
investigative steps the officer took to come to his/her conclusion.
3. Leave a “False Alarm Warning” card with the key holder. If no
key holder is available, the card will be left in a prominent place to
inform the owner or manager of the false alarm.
D. Exceptions; alarms not to be considered false/chargeable.
1. Alarms which result from criminal activity (burglary).
2. Alarms that are affixed to automobiles, boat trailers, house trailers,
and recreational motor vehicles.
3. Alarms caused by climatic conditions such as tornadoes,
thunderstorms, utility line mishaps, or violent conditions of nature.
4. Alarms caused by third persons over whom the user has no control.
5. Alarms in which the officer is cancelled prior to arrival.
E. Fire alarms, water flow alarms or alarms that are the primary
responsibility of the Fire Department-The Fire Department will assume
the responsibility of the notifying TSD staff of their false/chargeable
alarms. If they respond, police officers will complete an “Aid to other
Dept.” ICR.
F. On a monthly basis Information Services Unit staff will monitor alarm
occurrences. If a business alarm is discovered to have generated 5 or more
chargeable alarms for the calendar year, a letter will be sent to the business
notifying that their next chargeable alarm will result in a bill per the City
ordinance.