City of Columbia attempts to deter ‘excessive’ false police alarms with new fee
COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - The City of Columbia announced a new “excessive false alarm” ordinance Tuesday in an effort to reduce the amount of false alarm calls made by local homes and businesses.
City officials said a false alarm is defined as “the activation of an alarm system when, upon inspection by the police department, there is no evidence of unauthorized entry, robbery or other such crime was committed or attempted.”
The Columbia Police Department (CPD) said around 95% of the 11,000 alarm calls they received in 2022 were false. Officers noted the false alarms often prevent them from responding to other crimes and emergencies while also keeping them from routine patrol officer operations.
The city’s new fee will be imposed on homes and businesses that sound at least three false alarms between July 1, 2024 and June 30, 2025:
- Third through seventh false alarm = $100.00 per alarm
- Eighth through ninth false alarm = $250.00 per alarm
- Tenth or more false alarm = $500.00 per alarm
The City stated the major causes of false alarm are user error, installation or service errors and equipment failure. They recommend alarm owners educate themselves on how their alarm system works and securely lock their doors and windows. Owners should also make sure pets, balloons, fans and heaters stay away from motion sensor areas, city officials said.
Click here to learn more.
Feel more informed, prepared, and connected with WIS. For more free content like this, subscribe to our email newsletter, and download our apps. Have feedback that can help us improve? Click here.
Copyright 2024 WIS. All rights reserved.
