The Belleville Police Service is introducing a Verified Alarm Response Program effective January 1, 2025, to address the high volume of false alarms and better allocate police resources.
In 2023 alone, false alarms accounted for 81% 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.
What is Verified Alarm Response?
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.
The 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.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
1. I am an existing alarm client. How will this affect me?
Operating an alarm system is a private contract with a private company. Clients should contact their alarm/monitoring company to discuss alarm settings and response options. Businesses and residences will no longer be billed by the Belleville Police Service; billing will now be managed at the discretion of alarm companies.
2. When does Verified Alarm Response start?
The program will take effect on January 1, 2025.
Details have been communicated to registered monitoring stations and posted on the Belleville Police Service website.
All existing registered alarm users will also receive direct communication about this change.
3. What if there was a break and enter after a false alarm invoice?
If you return home or to your business and discover a break-in, immediately contact the Belleville Police Service to create a call for service.
4. What is considered a panic alarm?
A panic alarm includes hold-up or duress alarms manually engaged during an emergency where there is a threat to a person’s safety.
Police will respond immediately to panic alarms, and verification is not required.
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.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
