Understanding False Alarms and Their Effect on Police Resources
In Australia and globally, false alarms from security systems are a growing concern. According to recent false alarm statistics, up to 94% of police responses to alarms turn out to be unnecessary, draining precious resources.
This blog by Scavi explores the real-world impact of false alarms, how modern home security systems that call police function, and what you can do to reduce false activations. Stay with us - understanding this could make your home safer and help support community policing efforts!
Overview of Home Security Systems
Definition and Purpose
Home security systems are designed to detect unauthorised access, deter burglars, and protect both property and people. Today’s best systems not only sound local alarms but also notify emergency services directly when a breach is detected.
Systems That Call Police
Some security systems feature built-in protocols to automatically alert authorities upon a confirmed trigger, such as a break-in or forced entry. These systems are critical in emergencies - but when poorly managed, they also contribute to the false alarm problem.
Why It Matters
While strong security is non-negotiable, false alarms put a real strain on public resources. By understanding the issue, homeowners can make smarter choices, ensuring burglary alarm effectiveness while being good community citizens.
The Mechanism of Home Security Systems That Call Police
Home security systems that automatically notify police are designed to provide rapid response during emergencies, enhancing safety and peace of mind for homeowners. Here's an overview of how these systems operate:
1. Detection and Alerting
These systems utilize various sensors - such as motion detectors, door/window contacts, and glass break sensors - to monitor for unauthorized entry. When a sensor is triggered, the system sends an alert to a central monitoring station. This station operates 24/7, staffed by trained professionals who assess the situation.
2. Verification Process
Upon receiving an alert, the monitoring center attempts to verify the alarm's legitimacy. This may involve contacting the homeowner or designated emergency contacts. If verification fails or if a confirmed threat is identified, the monitoring center proceeds to notify emergency services.
3. Police Notification
In Australia, the process for police notification varies by state. For instance, in Victoria, security monitoring companies must obtain an "Alpha Code" from the Licensing and Regulation Division. This code is used when calling Triple Zero (000) to request police assistance for verified alarms, ensuring that only legitimate threats receive a police response.
4. Response and Follow-Up
Once notified, police respond to the location to assess and address the situation. Some security companies, like ADT Security, offer additional services such as dispatching patrol guards to the premises. These guards can provide immediate on-site assessment and liaise with police upon their arrival. By integrating detection, verification, and direct communication with law enforcement, these home security systems aim to provide swift and effective responses to genuine emergencies, thereby enhancing the safety and security of the property and its occupants.
The Prevalence and Impact of False Alarms
How Common Are False Alarms?
False alarms aren't rare — they dominate emergency callouts related to burglar alarms. In the U.S., cities like Los Angeles report over 36 million false alarms annually. In Australia, although official numbers vary by state, police estimate that over 80% of alarm activations are false.
Consequences for Police Resources
- Wasted Time: Officers diverted from genuine emergencies like assaults or fires.
- Financial Costs: Billions are spent globally each year responding to unnecessary calls.
- Public Risk: Slower response times to real crimes put communities at risk.
- Officer Fatigue: Repeated false callouts contribute to burnout among law enforcement.
When every minute counts, these unnecessary deployments can mean life or death elsewhere.
Case Studies Illustrating the Issue
Victoria, Australia
In Victoria, Australia, false alarms - both accidental and malicious - have significantly impacted police resources, diverting attention from genuine emergencies like armed robberies. To address this issue, Victoria Police has implemented the Alpha Code system, which requires security monitoring companies to obtain a three-letter code. This code ensures that police respond only to verified Category 'A' alarms, thereby reducing unnecessary deployments.
Additionally, Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) has taken measures to mitigate false fire alarms, which often result from poor system design or lack of maintenance. FRV imposes charges for preventable false alarms - $638 per truck per 15 minutes - to encourage building owners and managers to maintain their alarm systems properly (False alarms | Fire Rescue Victoria).
These initiatives underscore the importance of proper alarm system management and user education in reducing false alarms. By ensuring that alarm systems are correctly installed, maintained, and operated, homeowners and businesses can help conserve emergency services' resources and ensure prompt responses to actual emergencies.
Mitigation Strategies
False alarms from home security systems that call police can strain law enforcement resources and diminish the effectiveness of genuine emergency responses. Implementing comprehensive mitigation strategies is essential to minimize these incidents.
1. User Education and Training
Educating homeowners and authorized users on the correct operation of security systems is crucial. Many false alarms result from user errors, such as entering incorrect passcodes or mishandling the system. Providing clear instructions and training can significantly reduce these occurrences.
2. Regular System Maintenance
Routine maintenance ensures that all components of the security system function correctly. Regular checks can identify and rectify issues like sensor malfunctions or battery failures, which are common causes of false alarms.
3. Advanced Verification Technologies
Incorporating technologies such as video verification and AI-powered monitoring can help distinguish between actual threats and false triggers. These systems analyze real-time data to assess the validity of an alarm before notifying authorities, thereby reducing unnecessary police dispatches.
4. Customized System Settings
Tailoring the security system to the specific needs of a household can prevent false alarms. For instance, adjusting motion sensor sensitivity to account for pets or environmental factors can minimize unintended activations.
5. Collaboration with Law Enforcement
Engaging with local police departments to understand their protocols and requirements for alarm responses can enhance the effectiveness of security systems. Some jurisdictions may require verification before dispatching officers, so aligning system settings with these policies is beneficial.
By implementing these strategies, homeowners can significantly reduce the incidence of false alarms, ensuring that police resources are reserved for genuine emergencies and enhancing the overall reliability of home security systems.
Conclusion
False alarms from home security systems that call police are a bigger issue than many realise, wasting time, money, and risking lives. The good news? By understanding your system, maintaining it properly, and customising it to your needs, you can help make your community safer.
At Scavi, we’re committed to helping Australians find the perfect balance between top-notch security and responsible use of emergency services. Contact us today to explore smarter, more reliable security solutions - and be part of a safer, more connected future!
