Police

Alarm Permits

Reliable alarms, focused response – enhancing public safety in Irving.

Nationwide, 98.4 percent of alarm calls that prompt police dispatches turn out to be false alarms, and the City of Irving experiences similar challenges. A small number of business and residential locations generate the majority of these repeat false alarms.

Cost of False Alarms

False alarms impose significant costs on the City of Irving and its citizens, diverting police officers and firefighters from genuine emergencies and costing thousands of dollars each year. To mitigate unnecessary emergency responses, the city adopted an ordinance designed to encourage alarm users to maintain their equipment and use it correctly.

Alarm Systems Ordinance

On November 16, 2006, Chapter 9 of the City of Irving’s Code, titled "Alarms Systems," was enacted. This ordinance establishes requirements for both business and residential alarm systems, creating a registration process and setting annual permit fees. It also imposes fees for false alarms to promote improved reliability of alarm systems.

Registration of Alarms

The ordinance mandates that all business and residential alarm users register their systems with the City of Irving by paying an annual permit fee of $50. For senior citizens aged 65 or older, the fee is reduced to $10.

False Alarm Fees

In addition to the permit fee, fees are assessed for excessive false alarms during each registration period:

$50 for each false alarm beyond three but fewer than six.
$75 for each false alarm beyond five but fewer than eight.
$100 for each false alarm when eight or more occur within a 12-month period.

If a location records more than 12 false alarms in a year, its permit may be revoked. It is important to note that a valid permit is required for the police department to respond to an alarm.

Appeals Process

If a permit is denied, revoked, or if a fee is assessed and the alarm user believes an exception should be made, written appeal instructions will be provided.

Definition of False Alarms

False alarms include signals that are:

Negligently or accidentally activated.
Triggered by mechanical or electronic failure, malfunction, improper installation, adjustment, or maintenance.
Purposely activated in non-emergency situations.

Examples of Common Negligent Acts

These include, but are not limited to:

Helium-filled balloons.
Doors and windows that are open, unlocked, or loosely fitted.
Wandering pets.
Weak or failing system batteries.

This structured approach to alarm permits and false alarm fees is intended to improve the reliability of alarm systems and ensure that emergency responders can focus on real emergencies, ultimately enhancing public safety throughout the community.