12.19.24 – The Intelligencer – Belleville, ON
Belleville Police confirmed Thursday the new program will take effect Jan. 1 “to address the high volume of false alarms and better allocate police resources. In 2023 alone, false alarms accounted for 81 per cent of all alarm calls for service, consuming significant police time and resources.”
A new alarm verification program request approved by city council in June will see a request from Belleville Police Services board introduce the new program in the new year.
The program will help cut false alarms at businesses to reduce police response calls across the city.
Council asked city staff earlier this year to put in place the new measure adopted from a template used by the City of Cornwall that will require alarm systems companies to verify that police response is necessary.
Matt MacDonald, CAO, informed council in the June report: “At present alarm calls represent three per cent of total calls for service with 81 per cent of these calls being false alarms with dispatch staff receiving basic information from the alarm company including verification it is a true alarm.”
“Calls of this nature are classified as a false alarm due to an accidental trip, malfunction, or other/unknown cause and average 19 minutes per call for two officers,” MacDonald wrote.
The Verified Alarm Response model will result in alarm companies being required to verify the alarm, prior to contacting the Belleville Police Service, by meeting several standards.
Belleville Police confirmed Thursday the new program will take effect Jan. 1 “to address the high volume of false alarms and better allocate police resources. In 2023 alone, false alarms accounted for 81 per cent of all alarm calls for service, consuming significant police time and resources.”
The program aims to improve service quality for alarm owners in the City of Belleville while enabling officers to focus on core policing duties that enhance safety and quality of life for all residents.
Similar programs have been successfully adopted by police services in London, Hamilton, Niagara, Cornwall, Waterloo, and Toronto.
Verified alarm response requires alarm companies, monitoring centers, or alarm system owners to confirm signs of criminal activity before police are dispatched. An alarm is considered verified through one or more of the following methods:
Video confirmation of a security breach.
Cross-Zone activation (two or more independent alarm devices activated), no answer at the premises, and no keypad deactivation.
Two-way voice communication confirming a security breach.
Key-holder communication confirming unauthorized activation or a security breach.
Belleville Police Service will continue to provide immediate response to panic, hold-up, or duress alarms where there is reason to believe a crime is in progress or an emergency exists.
Verification will not be required for panic alarms.
Fees for False Alarms
Under City of Belleville By-Law 2024-122, Police Service False Alarm Reduction By-Law, alarm or monitoring companies will be invoiced for police response to false alarms.
Tips to Reduce False Alarms:
Identify air drafts or leaks that may cause movement (e.g., plants, curtains).
Ensure keypads are accessible from entry/exit points.
Replace alarm system battery back-ups every three years.
Request annual maintenance checks from your alarm company.
Train all key-holders on system use and update key-holder contact details.
Inform your alarm company of home renovations, new pets, or changes to your premises.
Keep pets, balloons, and fans away from motion sensors.
For further details about the Verified Alarm Response Program, please email info@bellevilleps.ca.
The Belleville Police Service remains committed to being “Partners with the Community” and ensuring that police resources are effectively used to keep Belleville a safe place to live, work, and play.