Providence Ordinance Cracks Down On False Alarms

PROVIDENCE, RI — A new ordinance from Providence Police aims at cutting down on wasted time and resources used responding to false fire and security alarms. Under the new policy, all alarm systems must be registered online and repeat offenders will be forced to pay a fine.

Of the 14,587 calls officers responded to in 2017, 12,910 were false alarms, Providence police said. A statement from the department said responding to false alarms "puts an extreme burden on public safety resources, reducing the manpower that is needed to respond to credible emergency situations that are occurring in the city."

In response, the department implemented the new policy, which requires all alarm systems be registered online. Car alarms and life alert systems are not included in the ordinance. Alarm owners will be required to pay a $10 fee each year for the alarm permit.

Residents can also reach out to the False Alarm Management Program by calling (855) 732-9028 Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

"Excessive false alarms cost the City thousands of dollars each year, prevent police and fire department personnel from responding to true emergencies, and act as a nuisance to surrounding homes and businesses," Providence Safety Commissioner Steven Paré said. "In many cases when officers are responding to a call for a false alarm, they find no evidence of criminal activity. This ordinance has been created to hold alarm owners accountable and to do their part to prevent false alarms from occurring in the first place."

Under the new policy, alarm users will be fined after two false alarm calls. There will be a $100 fine for the third call, a $200 fine for the fourth call and a $400 fine for the fifth call.