EAST BRUNSWICK – The town kicked off a new program to reduce the number of false alarm calls.
In recent years, false alarms accounted for approximately 98 percent of all alarm calls, according to information provided by the East Brunswick Police Department. These false alarms divert law enforcement resources from crimes in progress, other emergency situations, and time spent patrolling assigned areas, officials said.
The EBPD contracted CryWolf, a Maryland-based alarm monitoring service developed by AOT Public Safety Corporation, to administer the false alarm reduction program. East Brunswick residents and businesses are now required to register their alarm systems via the online site by May 31.
There is a one-time $10 fee to register an alarm. Both businesses and residents will receive one free false alarm call per year. In accordance with the alarm ordinance, accounts that are unregistered will be assessed an additional $50 fee per day that a false alarm occurs, according to the statement.
The EBPD loses more than 2,000 hours of officer time to false alarms each year. Most false alarm calls are the result of user error, installation/service errors and/or equipment failure, according to the statement. The program will result in more time officers have to spend in neighborhoods fighting crime.
Not only will this increase public safety, but also the safety of our police officers who risk their lives racing to respond to these false alarms, according to the statement.
The police department will begin tracking the number of false alarms from any one property. In cases where police respond to two or more false alarms per year, the registered alarm user will face a series of graduated fines, ranging from $25 to $200 for each violation.
Excessive repeated false alarms (six or more in a year) may result in suspension of response, which means police will no longer respond to alarm calls at that location. Proof will then have to be provided to the police that the alarm has been fixed and tested, according to the statement.
To register, visit EBPD.net.