Renton's New False Alarm Law Goes Into Effect Soon

From Renton PD:The Renton Police Department is announcing the kick off of the City’s new false alarm reduction program on May 1. The program is designed to reduce false alarms and to allocate police resources more efficiently.

False alarms account for approximately 98% of all alarm calls. False alarms divert law enforcement resources from crimes in progress, other emergency situations and time spent patrolling assigned areas.On average Renton officers respond to over 3000 false alarms each year which equals 5% of all police calls and the loss of thousands of hours’ worth of time. Beginning May 1 2019, Renton residents and businesses are required to register their alarm systems. There is a one-time registration fee of $25 but the required annual renewals are free.

Failing to register an alarm system can lead to a $50 fine but the fee will be waived during the 60 day grace period that ends on July 1 2019. There is no fine for alarm users who trigger their first false alarm. A second false alarm will result in a $100 fine and three or more false alarms will result in a $250 fine. To register and obtain more information about the false alarm program go to
www.crywolfservices.com/renton... You can also access the link on the City of Renton webpage, the Renton Police webpage and through social media.