2.20.24 – WMBF – North Myrtle Beach, SC
Changes to a North Myrtle Beach law may help curb false alarm calls that keep police officers busy.
The North Myrtle Beach City Council passed the second and final reading which adds a section on false alarm calls to the city’s Code of Ordinances.
Documents show that every year, false alarm calls at businesses and homes account for about 2,500 service calls for the North Myrtle Beach Police Department.
In order to reduce the number of repeat false alarm calls, leaders added a section to the Code of Ordinances which provides the definitions, duties of an alarm user, false alarm procedures and any possible consequences a business or homeowner may face.
The newly passed ordinance shows North Myrtle Beach police will regularly review incident reports to monitor if false alarms happen at the same place.
If two false alarms occur at the same location within one year, police will notify the alarm user by letter, citing the location and date of each false alarm. The letter will also recommend appropriate actions that need to be taken to alleviate the false calls.
If three false alarms happen at the same location within one year, it could lead to a fine of up to $200 for the business or homeowner.
The ordinance states if a business or homeowner shows that they have taken steps to repair or replace the alarm then the city may take action to have any citations dismissed.
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