Calgary Police Service to charge new alarm fees for homes and businesses
New rules meant to reduce false alarms and recoup costs will come into effect mid-May
Calgary police will soon charge new fees for alarm system permits and will stop responding to homes and businesses that don't have a valid one.
The Calgary Police Service has just approved changes to how and when officers respond to alarm calls.
Beginning May 15, when an alarm is triggered, alarm companies must attempt to contact at least two key holders before calling police to the scene.
Later this year, Calgary 9-1-1 will no longer send police to premises where:
- no valid alarm permit exists;
- the permit is suspended;
- the call is within 14 days of installation; or
- the alarm agency is not properly licensed.
Police will also no longer be dispatched to commercial premises during regular business hours, as indicated on the registered alarm permit.
"This is really bringing us in line with what other jurisdictions are doing," said Alison Turgeon, alarm coordinator with CPS.
96% of alarms are false, says CPS
The changes are meant to update a "fairly outdated" bylaw, recoup costs and reduce repeated false alarms, Turgeon said.
She said officers currently respond to approximately 45 alarm calls each day, 96 per cent of which are deemed to be false alarms.
False alarm fees and annual permit rates for homes and businesses have yet to be determined.
Licensed alarm agencies will be charged the penalty for requesting police assistance in the event of a false alarm.
Calgary police will continue to respond to all calls involving panic, hold-up, duress, two-activation alarms or confirmed criminal activity on site.
Turgeon expects Calgary will see improved call response times with no increased risk to the public.
With files from The Homestretch