| Burglar Alarm Ordinance |
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| History |
| Burglar alarms have been in existence for over 50 years. Originally, most alarm companies provided armed response by private security personnel. Under this original process, alarm users covered the cost of response to the alarm. Over the years, most alarm companies eliminated response by security personnel and transferred the responsibility to local police agencies. This created a situation where alarm users received a specialized service at the cost of the general taxpayer. |
| Problem |
| Each year, the Oakland Police Department receives more than 20,000 false alarms! On average, each response to alarms involves two police officers and takes up to thirty minutes—costing the City over $1,400,000 every year. This is equivalent to 9 fulltime police officers doing nothing but responding to false alarms. |
| Solution |
To respond to emergencies more efficiently, the City of Oakland has adopted a Burglar Alarm Ordinance. This ordinance requires people to obtain permits for their burglar alarm system, which will allow the Oakland Police Department to closely monitor alarm activity and identify alarm users. It also will enable us to contact the appropriate individual in response to the alarm call |
The Burglar Alarm Ordinance:
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| Remember
Alarm users are responsible for registering their alarms and keeping that registration current. They are also responsible for preventing and responding to malfunctioning alarms. Service fees are applicable for alarm services provided by the Oakland Police Department.
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| FAQS |
| I filled out an alarm registration form last year. Do I need to complete one again this year? |
| No. Only complete a new alarm registration form if any of the information requested has changed. Otherwise, just send us your check and renewal invoice. |
| I paid my alarm registration fee last year. Why did I get another alarm registration packet this year? |
| The Burglar Alarm Ordinance requires that all alarm users renew and pay for their alarm permits annually. |
| I do not have a monitored alarm system. Do I still need to get a permit? |
| If you have an alarm system that is functional and activated, the alarm ordinance requires you to obtain a valid alarm user permit. Please remember, if you do not have a permit and the Oakland Police Department receives an alarm call for your alarm, you will be subject to a $70 service fee. In addition, your alarm company will be subject to a $260 service fee. |
| I received duplicate alarm invoices at my address; what can I do? |
| If you received a duplicate alarm invoice, please contact us at (510) 238-3525 or send us an email at alarm@oaklandnet.com so we can delete the incorrect invoices. If you are directed to a voicemail box, please leave a message with your name, address, phone number, and the account/permit numbers that need to be combined or deleted. |
| Is there a waiver for non-profit agencies? |
| There are currently no waivers available to non-profit agencies. |
| Am I the only one who receives an alarm registration packet? |
| No. Over 13,000 registration packets have been mailed this year. Alarm companies are assisting us in updating our list of all the burglar alarm systems in Oakland. |
| I have a medical and/or a fire alarm. Do I need to get a permit? |
| No. An alarm user permit is only required for burglar alarm systems and robbery alarms. |
| Am I the only one who receives an alarm registration packet? |
| No. Over 23,000 registration packets were mailed. Alarm companies are assisting us in updating our list of all the burglar alarm systems in Oakland. |
| I have a medical and/or a fire alarm. Do I need to get a permit? |
| No. An alarm user permit is only required for burglar alarm systems and robbery alarms. |
| On the Alarm Registration Form, what is the Alarm Company Customer Number? |
| The Alarm Company Customer Number is the number your alarm company has assigned to your account. |
| What is a false alarm? |
| A false alarm occurs when a police officer is dispatched to a location and it is determined that the alarm activation was not caused by a criminal offense or unauthorized entry. When, in the opinion of the responding officer(s), a properly registered alarm dispatch request can be reasonably associated with an actual or attempted criminal offense at the involved alarm site, the alarm is valid and the response is considered a basic police service not subject to cost recovery fees. |
| How much are alarm permit fees? |
| The cost of annual Alarm Permits are: • $25 for residents • $35 for businesses |
| How do I register my alarm system? |
To register your alarm system, fill out the Alarm Registration Form. If you are applying for a Commercial/Business Permit ($35) or a Residential Permit ($25), include a check or money order payable to the City of Oakland. Cash is not accepted. Mail your Alarm Registration Form and payment to the following address: Note: Once your alarm is registered you will receive annual statements directing you to mail your payments to an address in San Francisco. |
| Why am I sending my invoice and payment to an address in San Francisco? |
| The City of Oakland works with Bank of America to process all your payments. Your payment is processed quickly using an advanced banking service that scans all envelopes, payments, forms, and invoices. This service is only available at the main Bank of America processing center, located in San Francisco. Our staff can view your payments the day after they are received. |
| Is there a penalty for failure to register an alarm system? |
Yes. If you do not have a valid permit and the Oakland Police Department receives an alarm call for your alarm, you will be subject to a $70 service fee. In addition, your alarm company will be subject to a $260 service fee. Alarm companies will be subject to a $260 service fee for installing unregistered alarms. |
| Are there any alarm permit fee waivers? |
Yes. The Oakland Police Department will waive the alarm permit fees for the following categories:
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| What happens if I change alarm companies? |
| If you change alarm companies, your new alarm company must notify the Oakland Police Department of the change within 10 days and a new permit fee is required. |
| How can I appeal a fee? |
| Cost recovery fees may be appealed. A letter of appeal and payment of the appeal fee must be received within 30 working days of the date that you receive the initial invoice. Service fees may be appealed on the grounds that the incident cited as the basis for the service fee was, in fact, not a false alarm response. The alarm user (in his/her letter of appeal) must offer detailed, credible evidence that supports the contention that the involved incident was a valid alarm, as described in OMC 8.02.080(C)(D). |
| Where can I get more information on the Burglar Alarm Ordinance? |
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