Divisions/District Stations — False Alarm Reduction Section

ALARM SYSTEM INSPECTION AND UPGRADE REQUIREMENTS 

            In order to be kept in prime working condition, alarm systems should be inspected by a qualified, licensed alarm technician once each year.

Inspection

            The Montgomery County Alarm law requires and mandates an alarm system inspection upon the third (3rd) false alarm in a calendar year.  Within 21 days of notification to the alarm user from the False Alarm Reduction Section, the alarm user and alarm business must submit a completed Inspection Certificate to the FARS, which certifies that the alarm system has been inspected, is in proper working condition and that appropriate persons have been re-educated in the proper operation of the alarm system.  The inspection requirement may be waived by the FARS if it determines that a sufficient number of false alarms in a calendar year could not have been related to a defect or malfunction in the alarm system.

            Failure to inspect the alarm system when notified by the FARS to do so will result in the issuance of a $100 civil citation to the alarm user.  This civil citation is in addition to any false alarm response fees imposed for excessive false alarms.

Upgrade

            The Montgomery County Alarm law requires and mandates an alarm system upgrade upon the sixth (6th) false alarm in a calendar year.  Within 30 days of notification to the alarm user from the False Alarm Reduction Section, the alarm user and alarm business must submit a completed Upgrade Certificate to the FARS, which certifies that the alarm system has been upgraded to meet or exceed installation standards defined in Executive Regulation 12-02AM, Policies, Procedures and Fees for Alarm Businesses and Alarm Users.  The upgrade requirement may be waived by the FARS if it determines that a sufficient number of false alarms in a calendar year could not have been related to a defect or malfunction in the alarm system.

            Failure to upgrade the alarm system when notified by the FARS to do so will result in the alarm user being placed on a “non-response” status.  This means that police will no longer respond to requests for dispatch from the monitoring center for alarm activations at the alarm user’s location until such time as the required upgrade is performed.