False Alarms & the Problems They Present
False Alarm Calls present a serious threat to the effectiveness of the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office and to the safety of our citizens. These calls are costly and dangerous as they divert Deputies from proactive crime prevention efforts. False Alarm Calls also delay response time to other calls which may be a true emergency.
With an estimated 25% annual increase in alarm systems nationwide, Law Enforcement agencies are overwhelmed with False Alarm calls.
Alarm System Ordinance
False Alarm issues have resulted in stricter ordinances, severe fines, and/or no-response policies. The Pinal County Alarm System Ordinance will regulate the amount of False Alarm calls the Sheriff’s Office receives, by setting stringent guidelines for alarm users on how to properly operate and utilize their alarm systems. In turn, this will improve response times by the Sheriff’s Office and enhance the effectiveness of an alarm system.
The Pinal County Board of Supervisors adopted the Alarm System Ordinance to regulate the number of false alarms. The ordinance was implemented on January 1, 2003.
Permits & Fees
All security alarm users are required to obtain an Alarm Permit, which costs $18. These Permits are renewed annually for $18. U.S. Check or Money Order. Permit holders are allowed three free False Alarm Calls and/or one free False Panic Alarm Call in each permit year, after which an $83 penalty fee is assessed.
All fees associated with permit fees and alarm fees are set by ordinance and cannot be waived.