Residents, business owners urged to register alarms with APD

By KOB

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — As part of the city’s False Alarm Reduction Program, the Albuquerque Police Department is encouraging residents and commercial businesses to register their alarm systems for police response.

In an effort to free up resources and reduce the number of false alarms APD officers respond to, officers will only be responding to alarm calls at locations that have registered and obtained a permit through the False Alarm Reduction Unit (FARU).

This change will allow officers to respond to other, high priority calls and ensure Albuquerque residents are served as a whole.

As part of the FARU program, all monitored or audible alarm systems are required to be registered and permitted. Residential and non-residential alarm systems can be registered for a $25 annual fee. Alarm companies can register for a $125 annual fee. Register here.

APD and the City of Albuquerque remind alarm system users of these tips to prevent false alarms:

  1. Teach EVERYONE who has a key how to properly turn your alarm on and off (including the housekeeper, babysitter, real estate agent).  Include instructions on how to cancel a false alarm.
  2. Make sure a phone is accessible and within hearing range of anyone who will use your alarm system (in the case of an intrusion alarm your alarm company is required by law to attempt to call you and verify an alarm signal before dispatching the police).
  3. Notify your alarm company of ALL changes you make, including phone upgrades, changes in responsible parties (individuals to notify in the case of an alarm), new business hours, and additional key holders.
  4. Get your system tested regularly, and get potentially faulty equipment repaired or replaced IMMEDIATELY!  Be sure to replace your batteries at least once a year.
  5. Be sure that everyone (including your pet) is out of the monitored zones prior to engaging your alarm, or make sure to turn your system to “stay” mode.  If you have indoor pets, talk to your alarm company about “pet-proof” sensors and other options.
  6. If you alarm gets activated by storms or wind, have your alarm company make the required sensitivity adjustments.
  7. Do not leave anything in a monitored room that may move.  This includes plants, balloons, flags, and other decorations which may be affected by the ventilation system.
  8. If your fireplace is in use, make sure that any motion detectors in that area are bypassed.
  9. Make sure ALL windows and doors are securely CLOSED and LOCKED.  If something won’t secure properly, DO NOT set the alarm (this includes loose-fitting, damaged, or warped doors and windows).
  10. Upgrade old alarm systems to current equipment conforming to Security Industry Association (SIA) false alarm prevention standards.

For more information, click here.