NCJ Number
108845
Journal
FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin Volume: 57 Issue: 1 Dated: (January 1988) Pages: 12-15
Date Published
1988
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article discusses the problem of false alarms or false soundings by electronic security systems and their resulting impact on law enforcement in St. Louis County, Mo.
Abstract
In 1977, the manpower and equipment costs for handling calls for false alarm soundings was $125,000. In addition, the false alarm calls distracted officers from their primary law enforcement duties. In an attempt to solve these problems, the St. Louis Police Department researched and then proposed a city ordinance regulating electronic security systems. In July 1978, the St. Louis County Council enacted a three-part ordinance regulating alarm systems. Part 1 required that all those engaged in the business of selling, leasing, maintaining, servicing, repairing, altering, replacing, moving, or installing alarm systems obtain a license issued by St. Louis County. Part 2 imposed a service charge ranging from $5 to $25 on an alarm owner when police responded to a false alarm. Part 3 banned automatic dialing systems, and all audible alarms were required to have a 30-minute automatic cut-off timer. The article reports that the St. Louis false alarm ordinance is a cost-effective false alarm deterrent and has helped to upgrade the quality of the alarm industry in St. Louis.