| Burglar Alarm Ordinance |
|---|
| History |
| Intrusion or 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, the cost was covered by the alarm users. 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 tax payer. Because of the dramatic growth in alarm installations and false alarms, this cost can no longer be ignored. |
| Problem |
| Each year the Oakland Police Department receives more than 30,000 false alarms! On average, each response to alarms involves two police officers and takes up to thirty minutes—costing the City in excess of 1.4 million, annually. This is equal to 14 full–time police officers responding only to false alarms. In addition, false alarms add unnecessary risk to the responding officers and the general public. |
| Solution |
| To respond to emergencies more efficiently and ensure your safety, the City of Oakland adopted a new Burglar Alarm Ordinance. Oakland's new ordinance requires that you obtain a permit for your burglar alarm system. This will allow the Oakland Police Department to monitor closely your alarm activity and identify alarm users. It also will enable us to contact the appropriate individual in response to the alarm call. Alarm users are responsible for preventing and responding to malfunctioning alarms. |
| The Burglar Alarm Ordinance: • Authorizes permit fees (waived for alarm users age 65 and older) • Authorizes fines and penalties for defective or misused alarm systems • Requires alarm companies play a greater role in how customers use and maintain their alarm systems. |
| 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 is 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 is dispatched to your location for a false alarm, you will be subject to a $250 fine. |
| 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. An advanced banking service that scans all the envelopes, payments, forms, and invoices is being used. The service allows your payment to be processed quickly. Our staff can view your payments the day after they are received. The service is only available at their main processing center located in San Francisco. |
| 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. |
| I received an alarm registration packet. How do I get a senior citizen waiver? |
| If you are a senior citizen age 65 and older, you can obtain a senior citizen waiver by doing the following: |
| • Complete the Alarm Registration Form. • Complete the Alarm Invoice and only check the box for Senior Citizen Waiver. • Send copies of documents that show your age and primary residence. • Accepted documents include copies of your identification, driver's license, or a utility bill. • Send all the above documents directly to us at the following address: Oakland Police Department False Alarm Reduction Unit 455 7th Street, Room 313 A Oakland, CA 94607 • If you are applying for a senior citizen waiver, do not use the included envelope in the registration packet. • Please do not send any original documents, only copies. |
| 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 act or unauthorized entry. |
| 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: Oakland Police Department False Alarm Reduction Unit 455 7th Street, Room 313 A Oakland, CA 94607 |
| Is there a penalty for failure to register an alarm system? |
| Yes. Any person operating an alarm system without a permit will be subject to a fine of $250 for each false alarm dispatch. In addition, alarm companies will be fined $250 for false alarm dispatches to a non-permit alarm system. |
| Are there any alarm permit fee waivers? |
| Yes. The Oakland Police Department will waive the alarm permit fees for the following categories: • Senior citizens age 65 and older. The alarm registration form must be completed and submitted together with proof of age and evidence of primary residency (utility bill, etc.). • Property owned by the Oakland Unified School District. • City, County, State, or Federal Property. |
| How many false alarms does the ordinance allow? |
| Alarm users are allowed to have one false alarm per calendar year without a fine. After the first false alarm, the fines are as follows: Description Fine Second false alarm $100 Third false alarm $200 Fourth and each subsequent false alarm $300 |
| 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 fine? |
| A letter of appeal must be filed with 15 days of the date of receiving the letter of notification of proposed action. While the appeal is pending, the action proposed by the Oakland Police Department shall not be implemented until a decision is rendered by the Alarm Administrator. The Alarm Administrator may waive the 15–day limit if extenuating circumstances apply. Failure to file a timely appeal shall constitute a waiver of the Alarm User's or Alarm Business' right to appeal. |
| Decisions by the Alarm Administrator may be appealed to the Deputy Chief of Police or his/her designee. The appeal must be accompanied by a copy of the Alarm Administrator's decision and submitted within 15 days, as post marked on the envelope. While the appeal to the Deputy Chief is pending, the action proposed shall not be implemented. Failure to file a timely appeal shall constitute a waiver of the Alarm User's or Alarm Business' right to appeal. The decision of the Deputy Chief shall be final. |
| Where can I get more information on the Burglar Alarm Ordinance? |
| • Refer to the Alarm Ordinance Brochure for general ordinance information. • View the Alarm Ordinance at www.oaklandnet.com. (Look for "Find an Official Document." Select "Municipal Code" and click "Go." Select "Title 8 Health and Safety." Select "Chapter 8.02 Burglar Alarm Systems.") • Download the complete Alarm Ordinance. • Call the Alarm Ordinance information line at (510) 238-3525. • Email your questions to alarm@oaklandnet.com. |
