Municipal Bylaw & Enforcement Section

Security Alarms

The safety of City residents and emergency service workers is a priority for the Medicine Hat Police Service. Whenever there is an emergency requiring the Police Service, our crews will be there to assist. Through the Alarm Systems Bylaw, the Police Service is working to educate businesses and citizens on ways to reduce non-emergency calls so police officers can be available to respond to events where emergency help is truly needed.

If a security alarm is activated in a home or building, it is always recommended someone call 9 1 1. Until it can be clearly determined what activated the alarm, the Police Service should be notified through 9-1-1 to ensure the safety of everyone in the home or building.

	Alarm Systems Bylaw
	Alarm Systems Registration

Alarm Systems Bylaw #3716

The bylaw brings into effect fees for repeat false alarms. The goal of the bylaw is to reduce the number of false alarms to which the Police Service responds to each year. Fewer false alarms reduce the risk to businesses, citizens, and emergency response workers by lessening the number of responding emergency vehicles on the road and improving available response for other emergency calls.

In addition, fewer false alarms for a building or apartment mean fewer disruptions to business and residents.

What does repeated mean?
Under the bylaw, the Police Service will not charge for the first two responses to a false alarm in a calendar year. Fees will be assessed for three or more false alarms in a calendar year.

What is considered a preventable false alarm?
The majority of false alarms can be prevented through system maintenance, modifications to the alarm system, or control of construction, maintenance, and renovation of buildings.

Preventable false alarms are security alarm systems that are activated directly or through an emergency system monitored by the security alarm system as a result of:

• Equipment malfunction or failure;
• Improper or inadequate installation or maintenance;
• Work taking place on the security alarm system;
• Emergency drills involving activation of the security alarm system where the Police Service has not been notified;

The safety of citizens is the primary concern of the Police Service. If someone believes there is an emergency or a security alarm is activated, call 9-1-1 immediately. No fees will be assessed if an emergency was or is in progress.

Preventing False Alarms
If a building encounters repeated false alarms for which there is no actual emergency, the Police Service suggests the following ways in which future security alarms may be prevented from occurring.

• Alarm systems should receive regular maintenance and testing to ensure they are functioning properly.
• If performing building maintenance or renovations, shut down the security alarm system. When the security alarm system is shut down or inoperative for more than two hours for any reason, the Police Service must be notified. If directed by the Police Service, continual surveillance may need to be provided within the building until the security alarm system is restored to operating condition.
• Educate contractors, tenants, and building staff; including operators, cleaners, and security, regarding when to take the alarm system offline and subsequent safety procedures to be followed.
• Property owners or managers should consider the inclusion of a clause in tenant and contractor contracts to make these parties responsible for any fees for alarms they may cause.

Rebate Programs
Individuals assessed fees for false security alarms may apply to the Police Service within 60 days for reimbursement up to a maximum of 50 per cent of the fee paid. Reimbursement will be provided if documentation of repair costs is provided and associated with an active effort to improve system performance to reduce the likelihood of future false alarms.

Common Questions

Q: Who will be charged the fee if three or more preventable false alarms occur in the same building in a calendar year?
A: The fee will be charged to the Registrant of the alarm system

Q: I am responsible for a facility that has more than one building on the site. How does the bylaw apply in this situation?
A: The Police Service may charge a fee for responding to three or more preventable false alarms on the same parcel of land within a calendar year where there is more than one building on that parcel of land.

Q: If my security alarm goes off and I am not sure what caused it, should I call the Police Service to cancel the call?
A: No. If a security alarm is activated in your home or building, it is always recommended someone call 9-1-1. Until it can be clearly and definitively determined what activated the alarm, the Police Service should be notified to ensure the safety of everyone in your home or building.

Documents:

	Alarm Systems Bylaw
	Alarm Systems Registration

Contact:

Sgt. Fred Crittenden
Community Peace Officer i/c
Municipal Bylaw Enforcement
Ph:(403) 529-8436
FX:(403) 529-8444
frecri@medicinehat.ca