Report Prepared by: Kelly Fincher, Chief Deputy City Attorney and Marvin Dillsaver, Communications Supervisor, Merced Police Department
Title
SUBJECT: Preliminary Discussion for the Preparation of a False Alarm Ordinance
REPORT IN BRIEF
This Administrative Report provides the information and data requested by the City Council for the preparation of a False Alarm Ordinance.
RECOMMENDATION
Provide direction to staff on a variety of issues relating to a False Alarm Ordinance.
Body
ALTERNATIVES
1. Provide specific, alternative options; or,
2. Request additional information that will provide aid to the decision making process; or
3. Continue the item to a date certain; or,
4. Determine that Council desires no action be taken.
AUTHORITY
Charter of the City of Merced, Section 200.
California Business and Professions Code, Section 7592.8.
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
The reduction of the number of false alarms in the City is a Council priority for fiscal year 2015/2016.
DISCUSSION
Many homes, government offices, and businesses in the City have intrusion alarm systems which are provided and monitored by third party service providers. While specific notification protocols may differ among providers and customers, generally, when an alarm is tripped (regardless of the reason) the Merced Police Department is often notified of the possible intrusion. After such notification, a patrol unit is dispatched to investigate and hopefully, prevent a crime from occurring. Since calendar year 2011, the Police Department has received to more than 4,500 such alarm calls per year or an average of about twelve (12) calls per day.
The enactment of a False Alarm Ordinance has been a City Council priority for several years. In prior discussions about proposed False Alarm Ordinances, the Council has expressed that their desired intent behind the Ordinance is not to generate revenue for the City, but rather to reduce the vast number of false ala...
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