KPD clarifies alarm rules The Kettering Police Department wishes to clarify alarm registration and the city ordinance pertaining to responses. The department wishes to educate the alarm permit holders by reminding them of the current policies.
As stated in the City Ordinance, "the purpose of the ordinance is to protect the emergency services of the Police Department from misuse by responding to defective alarm systems and excessive alarms." The current ordinance was passed on January 1, 2003. History has shown that approximately 98% of all alarm calls are false.
If you have an alarm installed in your residence or business and have NOT registered with the Kettering Police Department, you can download the registration form from the city website at www.ketteringoh.org or contact Patrol Officer Jennifer Smithhart at 296-3238. The registration form will need to be completed and mailed in or e-mailed to the police department with a one time fee of $10.00.
If a homeowner moves or cancels the alarm service, the police department asks that you please notify Officer Smitthart.
Alarm RE-REGISTRATION takes place every two years. The alarm permit holder must update the registration form so that the department has current information. Re-registration can be done either by using the website registration form or by contacting Officer Smithhart. There is NO fee to re-register.
In the event that an alarm occurs at your residence or business, the alarm company notifies the Kettering Police Dispatch Center. Officers are then dispatched to the location.
If the residence or business is found to be secure with no signs of criminal activity, then a copy of the response card is left by the officer. If the alarm is activated accidentally, officers will make contact with the person on scene to confirm that there is no problem and leave a copy of the alarm response card.
If the residence or business has three false alarms within a six month period, a $100.00 fee will be assessed. For each additional alarm within that six month period, a fee of $200.00 will be assessed.
If the residence or business has three false alarms within six months and then goes six months without a false alarm, the account will be reset to zero and the two "free" false alarms are granted again.
If alarm fees are not paid, then both civil and criminal action can be taken against the alarm permit holder. An alarm permit holder who has five false alarms during a six month period and is believed to have not made reasonable attempts to correct the problem shall be ordered to disconnect the alarm system. If the disconnect order is ignored, the alarm user will be charged with a Minor Misdemeanor.
If the alarms occur due to faulty equipment, the alarm permit holder can send in the information with a copy of the work order from the alarm company and apply for an appeal of the alarm assessment fee.
The department is here to serve the alarm users; however it is the alarm owner's responsibility to keep the alarm system in working order and to eliminate user error.
If you have any questions, please contact Officer Smitthart at 296-3238 or log on to the city website at www.ketteringoh.org for information.
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