False Alarm Reduction Program
What We Do
The Regional District of Central Okanagan False Alarm Reduction
Program began in 2005 with the adoption of Security Alarm
Bylaw No. 1081 (note please use new Schedule D
below) by the Regional Board in response to a request from the
Kelowna RCMP.
Prior to that time, false alarms had been an increasing problem
and a costly drain on police time and resources. The program
has resulted in an annual decline in the number of false alarm
calls. Its success is based on the requirement that all
residential and business alarm systems in the Central Okanagan East
and Central Okanagan West Electoral Areas and all local governments
in the Central Okanagan (City of Kelowna, District of West Kelowna,
District of Lake Country, District of Peachland and Westbank First
Nation reserves) must be registered, whether they are monitored by
a security alarm system or not.
The registration requirement helps to ensure someone is
accountable and responsible for maintaining a well functioning
alarm system, while providing better tracking of information
regarding false alarms. As many false alarms are caused by
failing equipment, improper placement and use and the lack of
scheduled maintenance, the False Alarm Reduction Program provides
an opportunity for increased awareness on the part of alarm
users.
Permit registration forms must be completed by the alarm user
and returned with the applicable fee (Residential Alarm Systems -
$10 / Commercial Alarm Systems - $15) to the Office of the Alarm
Coordinator at the address below.
Please make cheque or money orders payable to: Regional District of
Central Okanagan.
Once a permit has been issued, annual renewal notices will be
sent out. Registered system owners may go online
to make a payment (please select the Miscellaneous Billing
option, click on the Pay Online link then Account Number and Access
Code found on your invoice).
Link to Schedule D - Registration Form
Link to Schedule A - Fees
Questions and Answers
What if I have a false alarm?
Registered Residential and Commercial Alarm Systems are allowed
two false alarms each year without penalty. The Security
Alarm Bylaw provides for an escalating fine for three or more false
alarms in a one-year period. Warning letters will be sent
after the first two false alarms, a 'Letter and Fee Invoice' will
be sent after the third false alarm. A 'Permit Suspension and
Fee' letter will be sent to any registered alarm user after their
fourth false alarm, outlining the appeal process and requirement to
have their system inspected and re-registered.
If your security alarm is activated and it is not registered,
either the RCMP will not respond or, if police do attend and the
alarm is false, you will be invoiced for a $100 fee. Any fees
owing after December 15th of that year will be applied to property
taxes as taxes in arrears.
Why do we need this
program?
In 2004 in the Westside and Central Okanagan East Electoral
Areas, there were more than 1,100 false alarms. In the City
of Kelowna, there were more than 5,000 false alarms each
year. Responding to those false calls incurs considerable
police costs and adds to the already busy workload and could result
in delays for other more important calls.
Other jurisdictions have found after instituting a similar
program that false alarm calls have been cut by 50-65%.
Isn't this just a
tax grab that penalizes the minority of alarm users who cause false
alarms?
The False Alarm Reduction Program fees offset the cost of the
program and any surplus funds will be allocated to the Crime
Prevention budget for programs designed to improve the safety and
quality of life for all residents of the Central Okanagan.
While approximately 20% of alarm users are responsible for false
police calls, all alarm users must participate by registering their
systems in order for the program to succeed and reduce false alarm
calls. The experience in other jurisdictions has shown 78% of
agencies requiring registration posted a decrease in false police
dispatches. 66% of those not requiring the registration of
alarm systems saw an increase in the number of false alarm calls
and wasted police response.
I have a registered alarm system, but am moving,
what should I do?
Each user of an alarm system is responsible for advising the
Alarm Coordinator of any change in their status at the
address below.
Where can I get
more information to reduce the possibility of causing a false
alarm?
If you have a monitored system, you may contact your alarm
company for questions relating to your particular system and
maintenance.
If you don't have a monitored system, you may consider
information provided through the non-profit Canadian Security
Association. It's website (www.canasa.org) provides
information on alarm systems. (Introduction to Alarm Systems,
Finding the Right System, Good Security and brochures: How to
have Zero False Alarms and False Alarm Reduction Tips)
How to Reach Us:
RDCO False Alarm Reduction Program
Alarm Coordinator
P.O. Box 20243 Towne Centre,
Kelowna, B.C. V1Y 9H2
Phone: 250-470-6219
Fax: 250-470-6348
Email: alarms@cord.bc.ca
Website: www.regionaldistrict.com