NCJ Number
188734
Journal
Security Journal Volume: 14 Issue: 1 Dated: 2001 Pages: 31-53
Date Published
2001
Length
23 pages
Annotation
This paper reviews false alarms and their impact on police response since the introduction of intruder alarm systems in the United Kingdom and the various endeavors to achieve reduction in false alarms.
Abstract
The author concludes that the likelihood of alarm calls from security systems ever reaching the stage where they will all be genuine is remote for the great majority of systems. The imposition of "confirmed" technology on all new users of security systems and/or of charges that do not discriminate between those who cause false alarms and those who do not is unfair, bureaucratic, and unjust. Because of financial constraints, response to security systems by the police is under serious threat, as is the substantial investment made by the public in protecting their homes and businesses. The government's "Proposals for the Regulation of the Private Security Industry in England and Wales" are the precursor to the transfer of response, where it is profitable, to the private manned security services. This is likely to leave large sectors of the community more vulnerable to crime, because police services will be critically weakened. The police should charge security-system owners for false alarms, but the charge should fall on those who are the cause. Charging the 25 percent of users who cause all of the false alarms will enable the police to continue responding to security alarms, while retaining the ability to fund other vital areas of policing. 13 tables and 64 notes