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1. What is a False Alarm?

A false alarm is the activation of an alarm system to which the Inglewood Police Department responds, yet is not the result of criminal activity or emergency situation.

This program does not include false alarms caused by:
- Power Outages
- Severe Weather
- Telephone Line Disorders

2. What does the False Alarm program do?

The False Alarm Program does the following.
- Encourages the proper maintenance of alarm systems.
- Reduces the number of false alarms.
- Allows Police to better utilize time and focus on other, more urgent calls.
- Decreases the potential danger created by false alarms for responding officers—and anyone the officers find at your premises.

3. How does the false alarm program work?

In an instance where the call turns out to be a false alarm the City will not charge for the first two responses in a calendar year. This will allow the alarm owner significant time to fix any problems with their alarm system.

Per Calendar Year Charges
- 1st False Alarm, No Charge
- 2nd False Alarm, No Charge
- 3rd False Alarm, $50
- 4th False Alarm, $75
- 5th and Everyone After, $100 each

4. Do charges apply to both Residential and Commercial alarm owner?

Yes, charges apply to both Residential and Commercial Alarm owners.

The program is meant to give ample chances to Inglewood Alarm Owners to fix any problems with their alarm system. The people most effected by this program are repeat offenders that refuse to fix their alarm system and continually waste Police time that could be better utilized to focus on other, more urgent calls.

5. How do I contest a False Alarm billing?

To contest a False Alarm billing, complete the following steps.
- Write a legible detailed explanation of the reasons you believe that the charges are invalid.
- Provide the date, time & alarm permit number or a copy of the invoice of the disputed charges.
- Provide a day time phone number.
- Mail all information to the Alarm Coordinator located at the following address:
City of Inglewood
Attention: Alarm Coordinator
1 Manchester Boulevard
1st Floor
P.O. Box 6500
Inglewood, CA 90312
Phone: 310-412-5500
Fax: 310-330-5711

6. What can you do to reduce false alarms?

The following are ways to reduce false alarms.
- Make sure those operating your alarm are familiar with alarm system operations.
- Secure doors and windows before turning on system.
- Beware of changes in the environment (i.e., new animals, design changes, seasonal decorations, plants, etc.).
- Notify monitoring facility of any and all changes (i.e., house guests, name changes, new employees, termination of employees, etc.).
- Equipment should be routinely inspected and maintained by qualified personnel.

7. What are the most frequent human errors that cause false alarms?

The following are the most frequent errors that cause false alarms.
- Use of incorrect keypad codes.
- Failure to train other authorized users.
- Failure to secure doors and windows before turning on alarm.
- Failure to notify monitoring facility of unscheduled openings or closings (for businesses using set schedules).
- Failure to update authorized personnel list with monitoring facility.

8. What are the most frequent equipment problems that cause false alarms?

The following are the most frequent equipment problems.
- Improper application or installation of interior motion detectors.
- Improper application or installation of outdoor beams.
- Improper charging or checking of batteries.
- Faulty equipment (i.e., panels, detectors, key pads, etc.).