In 2008 the Menlo Park police responded to 1593 alarms. Of those responses only 2 were actual emergencies. Studies have consistently shown that 99% of the alarms police respond to are false. Causes of these alarms are usually user error, opening and closing errors, or equipment malfunctions. Each alarm response requires a minimum of 2 patrol officers and averages 20 minutes per officer per alarm. As you can see, false alarms negatively impact the overall safety of the community by diverting officers from actual emergencies and other legitimate calls for service.

• Alarm owners MUST obtain an alarm permit from the Police Department
  
• Audible external alarm systems must reset within 30 minutes and stop sounding
  
• Alarms MUST have a battery back up power supply to assure continued operation should a power outage occur and prevent false alarms
  
• Alarm owners should know the procedure for canceling false alarms with their alarm companies
  

In 2004, the Menlo Park City Council authorized the Police Department to require all residential and commercial alarm owners in Menlo Park to register for an Alarm System Permit. The alarm permit requires alarm users to provide the police department with the names and phone numbers of up to three persons who can respond to the premises if the need arises. The alarm permit fee is $25.00 and is a one time only fee. Owners will be provided with a numbered alarm permit to be displayed at the front entrance of the premise. Alarm applications are available at the Menlo Park Police Department or you can contact a member of our Communications staff at 650-330-6317.

The alarm ordinance encourages accountability and responsibility by charging alarm owners for false alarms. The fee for false alarms is currently $175.00 per incident for residential alarms. High Risk alarms, such as Bank Robbery Alarms, are $350.00 per incident.