Changes have been made to local bylaws regarding home security systems due to the large number of false alarms that occur in the city each year.
The changes, which have been made by Calgary Police Services, will now mandate that officers respond to security system only if more than one alarm zone has been set off. Two key holders will also need to be contacted before they are dispatched to a particular location.
According to Alison Turgeon, who is the alarm coordinator for the police services, the reason for this change has been the high number of false alarms received. She noted that on any given day, up to 45 alarm calls come in, and 96% of those turn out to be false.
The new bylaws came into effect on May 15. Other changes, such as requiring that a fee be charged for alarm permits and that police will no longer answer calls received from a business during its normal hours of operation, will be phased in over the coming months. Booklet printing services can be used to create informational materials to clarify situations like this, letting the public know about the updated regulations and how they may affect them.
Home and business owners who would like further information about the new policies are asked to call (403) 428-8336.
