Frequently Asked Questions

  What is a false alarm?

A false alarm is any alarm caused by human error or equipment problems resulting in police response, with no evidence of an actual crime having been committed.

  Am I exempt from paying excessive false alarm charges or late renewal assessments if I am 65 years or older?

No, alarm users who are 65 years or older are ONLY exempt from paying the initial one-time alarm permit application fee of $10.00.  All alarm users, regardless of age, are responsible for paying for any/all charges assessed to their alarm permit.

  Do I call the Tempe Police Department when my alarm goes off to cancel police response?

            No, you ALWAYS call your monitoring alarm company to attempt to cancel

police officer response. 

DO NOT CALL THE TEMPE POLICE DEPARTMENT TO CANCEL AN ALARM CALL.  ALWAYS CALL YOUR MONITORING ALARM COMPANY. 

  When should my alarm system be tested?

-  Regularly!  Monthly by the alarm user, and on all service calls by technicians.

-  When the alarm user changes their telephone service (DSL, call waiting, etc.).

-  When the alarm user has experienced telephone problems.

-  When the alarm user suspects there is an equipment malfunction.

- When you have a power failure/lightning damage.

  How should I test my alarm system?

ALWAYS contact your alarm company/monitoring company before you do anything!!!

Your alarm company will provide you with testing information.  Please follow their instruction carefully to avoid unnecessary false alarms.

  What can I do, as the alarm user, to help the Tempe Police Department reduce false alarms?

-  Make sure everyone is familiar with the alarm system operations.

-  Secure doors and windows before turning on the system.

-  Be aware of changes in the environment (new animals, design changes,
seasonal decorations, and plants).

-  Notify your monitoring alarm company of any and all changes (houseguests, name changes, new employees, termination of employees).

-  Equipment should be routinely inspected by the alarm user and also be maintained by qualified personnel (check all contact and routinely dust motion detectors, where spiders like to live).

  What are the most frequent human errors that cause false alarms?

-  Use of incorrect keypad codes.

-  Failure to train other authorized users (employees, janitors, delivery personnel).

-  Failure to notify your monitoring alarm company of unscheduled openings or closings
(for businesses using set schedules).           

-  Failure to update authorized personnel list with your monitoring alarm company.

-  Failure to secure doors and windows before turning on the alarm.

  What are the most frequent equipment problems that cause false alarms?

-  Improper application or installation of interior motion detectors (sensors are set too sensitive).

-  Improper application or installation of outdoor beams.

-  Improper charging or checking of system batteries.

-  Faulty equipment (panels, detectors, keypads).           

  Is the alarm user required to renew their alarm permit annually?  How is it done?

Yes, all alarm permit holders are required to renew their alarm permit on an annual basis, at the end of their permit year. 

Approximately 30 days before the alarm permit expires, the alarm permit holder should receive an Alarm Permit Renewal Notice from the Tempe Police Department Alarm Unit.  Make any changes to the information listed on the notice and return it to the Alarm Unit on or before the stated due date. 

The annual alarm permit renewal is free to alarm permit holders when the renewal notice is turned in on time (on or before the stated due date).   There is a $50.00 assessment for late return of renewals if the renewal is turned in after the stated due date. 

  I just moved to another house/business in Tempe.  Am I required to apply for a new alarm permit?

Yes, you are.  Alarm permits are not transferable from one location to another location in Tempe nor are alarm permits transferable from one person to another person at a same location.

  I am thinking about changing alarm companies.  Can you recommend a good dependable company

No, the Alarm Unit can not make any recommendations to you.  You may call the Arizona Burglary and Fire Alarm Association (ABFAA) for information regarding reputable alarm companies.  ABFAA can be reached at 602/277-2500 or 800/330-7749.

  What am I required to do if I am no longer going to use my alarm system?

Please advise the Alarm Unit in writing of any alarm system status change, providing us with the specifics (i.e., system will no longer be functional or operational, moving from current location, etc.).  The Alarm Unit will close your permit and maintain your written notification of permit status change on file.