Are the Recent Baton Rouge Alarm Permit Renewal Notices Real?
Recently, many homeowners in Baton Rouge received alarm system permit renewal notices from the Baton Rouge City Police Alarm Division Center. These notices state the following:
Notification of Alarm Permit Renewal
Dear Concerned,
Subject: Renewal Notice
Our records indicate that your alarm system permit is about to expire. In accordance with the East Baton Rouge City-Parish, LA - Ordinance No. Title 9 Chapter 9, the residents and businesses in East Baton Rouge City-Parish, LA all alarm users are required to renew their alarm system with the East Baton Rouge City-Parish False Alarm Reduction Program.
This alarm system permit renewal letter has caused confusion among recipients, as many weren’t sure if it was legitimate. This is, in part, because the alarm system permit shouldn’t expire unless the individual who originally paid for it relocates. However, it is important to note that the letter is genuine and not part of a scam.
Clearing Up the Alarm System Permit Expiration and Renewal Letter Situation
At Custom Security Systems, we want to clarify the purpose of these letters and the steps to take if you have received one. In short, the city contracted a new company to manage billing for the Alarm Enforcement Division, and while these letters are legitimate, some have been sent in error. The renewal letter is a confirmation of information.
If you follow the instructions in the letter to update your information, you may be prompted to make a payment if you have never paid the registration fee before. For recipients, it is important to contact the Baton Rouge Police Department Alarm Enforcement Division at 225-389-3805 before making any payment.
If you have paid the permit fee for that location before, you should not need to pay again. If the East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office (EBRSO) is your dispatching agency, the letter can be disregarded since it only applies to customers dispatched by the Baton Rouge City Police Department.
What Is the Baton Rouge False Alarm Ordinance, and When Did It Start?
The Baton Rouge false alarm ordinance was first passed in 1986 to reduce the strain placed on emergency responder resources by false alarms. This ordinance requires residents to obtain a permit to use alarm systems with the goal of reducing false alarms. The alarm system permit renewal notice Baton Rouge residents recently received is associated with this ordinance.
Understanding False Alarms and How to Avoid Them
What Constitutes a False Alarm?
False alarms can be a significant issue, both for homeowners and law enforcement. However, it’s important to remember that if you can cancel a dispatch before officers are sent, it does not count as a false alarm. Knowing this distinction can help reduce the fear of using your system and facing penalties.
Common Causes of False Alarms
Several factors can contribute to false alarms, including:
- Pets’ Movements: Pets triggering motion detectors can cause alarms. Thankfully, these types of false alarms can be mitigated with pet-immune motion detectors.
- Fans or Heaters: Moving objects like curtains or decorations in front of motion detectors can set off some alarms.
- Renovation Work: Work done on windows, doors, floors, and attics can interfere with alarm sensors.
- User Error: Not knowing the alarm code or how to cancel an alarm can result in false alarms.
False Alarm Fines
Alarm system users in the City of Baton Rouge and East Baton Rouge Parish are mandated by Title 9, Chapter 9, Section 422 of the City-Parish Code of Ordinances to pay a $25 one-time fee to cover false alarm regulation costs, as per BRLA.gov.
Registration of the alarm system in the user’s name should occur within 30 days of installation or when assuming control of an existing structure. While it is a one-time fee, it cannot be transferred. If relocating, re-registration and payment will be required.
Each alarm system user is allowed three false alarms per fiscal year (June 1st through May 31st) without incurring penalties under Title 9, Chapter 9, Section 423. After three false alarms, users will be fined $25 for the fourth false alarm, increasing in increments of $25 for each additional false alarm, up to $200.
Steps to Reduce False Alarms
At Custom Security Systems, we are committed to helping you reduce false alarms through a combination of education and technology:
- Enhanced Call Verification (ECV): Opt for ECV to significantly reduce the potential for false alarms. This procedure allows our monitoring station to call at least one additional phone number beyond the premise number, reducing false alarms by up to 40%. To add ECV to your account, call our monitoring station at 225-927-6802.
- Educate All Users: Ensure everyone who uses the system knows the correct procedures for arming, disarming, and canceling accidental alarms.
- Regular System Testing: Test your alarm system once a month by calling Custom Security’s Monitoring Station. This helps ensure everything is functioning correctly and minimizes the risk of false alarms.
- Notify Us of Home Repairs: Custom Security Systems customers should call us at 225-927-5535 before having any work done in their homes that involves phone lines, electrical systems, windows, doors, ceilings, or floors. This precaution can prevent potential issues with your alarm system.
Have Questions About the Baton Rouge False Alarm Ordinance or Permit Renewal? Contact Us for Assistance
If you have questions about the Baton Rouge false alarm ordinance and the associated system permit renewal letters, don’t hesitate to reach out to the Baton Rouge Police Department Alarm Enforcement Division at 225-389-3805.
At Custom Security Systems, your safety and peace of mind are our top priorities. We are dedicated to providing clear, trustworthy advice and practical solutions to all your home security needs.
