Sandy Springs Ends Response To Alarm Companies

SANDY SPRINGS, GA — The city of Sandy Springs has taken a bold step in its quest to crack down on the astronomical number of false alarms plaguing its 9-1-1 center. The city has revoked the registration of 39 companies operating in Sandy Springs due to these businesses not paying fines for violating the city's ordinance.

This information was revealed at the April 3 City Council meeting. Alarm companies that do not have a current, valid registration with the city are not eligible to request emergency personnel response in connection with their activated intrusion — or burglar — alarms systems within Sandy Springs.

Companies in violation of Section 18-36 (d) of the city's code of ordinances are: Ackerman, ADT, Protection Concepts, Sonitrol, Actio Alarm, XFINITY Home, SimplexGrinnell, Strong Security, Tyco Integra, Safecom Security, Stanley Security, Own Security, Protection One, Nationwide, Paragon System, AFA Protection, Phoenix System, Mid South Security, Sunbelt Tech, Security Sal, Rock Solid Security, Safe Home Security, Banner Security, Nichols Security, Convergint Technologies, Live Watch, New Georgia, Consumer Security, Safe Security, Callaway Security, Ede Systems, Alarm Force, Interlink Co., Security Cen, Twelve & Assoc., RTA Security, Hometronics, Atlanta Alarm, and Patterson Security.

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“In making changes to the ordinance, the alarm companies challenged us to hold them accountable, and we are complying with that request," said City Attorney Dan Lee. "If an alarm user failed to pay his alarm company, how long would the alarm company provide ongoing service? This is no different.”

As of March 30, Sandy Springs police recorded 135 alarm calls for that week, which were all determined to be false, said Chief Ken DeSimone. The city's numbers continue to line up with the national trend of the false alarm rate hovering between 98 and 100 percent, the chief told Council members. To date, Sandy Springs has issued $475,000 in fines to companies in violation of its ordinance, but has only collected around $158,000, the chief added.

Companies are required to pay fines for violating the ordinance within 30 days of issuance. The alarm companies were notified in writing at 30 days, 60 days, and 90 days of any outstanding balance and that companies with unpaid fines are subject to revocation of their registration, resulting in a nonresponse status for the company. Alarm companies that are past due 90 days receiving a final notice have five business days to rectify their accounts or face a non-response status.

The fines associated with the alarm ordinance are intended to bring about compliance with the law, the city said. To be in compliance, alarm companies must register their companies and customers and meet Georgia’s requirements for two-call verification. Fines are also levied for false alarms where public safety personnel are dispatched to a property and there is no evidence of a crime at that location.

Sandy Springs contends these false alarms tie up essential public safety personnel who use their time responding to these calls rather than requests for service that are of a higher priority. Chief DeSimone said the number of false alarm calls is a public safety issue because residents who have genuine emergencies are competing for the services of fire and EMS personnel who are responding to about 11,000 false alarm calls documented each year by the city.

Mayor Rusty Paul quizzed the chief on whether SSPD has captured any burglars stemming from false alarm calls. In his nine years with Sandy Springs and 30 years as a law enforcement officer, DeSimone said his officers have never apprehended a subject. While working with his previous employer, the chief added the call logs were so backed up that it would take up to eight hours for an officer to respond to a call.

RELATED: Companies Sue Sandy Springs Over False Alarm Ordinance

Councilman John Paulson asked if it would be better if the city waited two weeks before revoking the response of the companies to allow the public to adjust to the anticipated action. DeSimone stressed the city needed to move forward on its stance, as Sandy Springs is doing a "disservice" to other citizens who have to wait longer for police and fire response.

“We need to do this now," he said. "I mean, the facts are out there.” Citing the March 31 motorcycle fatality as an example, the chief said he'd hate to have a fire engine involved in a fatal crash because it had to the leave the scene of a serious incident to respond to a false alarm call.

“You want to wait two weeks for that?" he asked. "In my opinion, we need to act now.” Paulson and other Council members agreed with allowing the city to move forward with its plans.

Readers should note the city's revocation of response applies to intrusion (burglar) alarms. Public safety personnel will continue response for panic, duress, holdup, and fire alarms, as well as individual 911 calls.

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