Purpose
As stated in the City Ordinance 705.01, “the purpose of the ordinance is to protect the emergency services of the Police Department from misuse, by responding to defective alarm systems and excessive alarms.”
The ordinance was passed in the City of Kettering on December 10, 2009. History has shown that approximately 98% of all alarm calls are false.
Registration Information
Alarm RE-REGISTRATION takes place every two years. The alarm permit holder must update the registration form so that the department has current information. Re-registration can be done either by using the website registration form or by contacting Officer James. There is NO fee to re-register.
In the event that an alarm occurs at your residence or business, the alarm company notifies the Kettering Police Dispatch Center. Officers are then dispatched to the location.
If the residence or business is found to be secure with no signs of criminal activity, then a copy of the response card is left by the officer. If the alarm is activated accidentally, officers will make contact with the person on scene to confirm there is no problem and leave a copy of the alarm response card.
If alarm fees are not paid, then both civil and criminal action can be taken against the alarm permit holder. If the disconnect order is ignored, the alarm user will be charged with a Minor Misdemeanor.
If the alarms occur due to faulty equipment, the alarm permit holder can send in the information with a copy of the work order from the alarm company and apply for an appeal of the alarm assessment fee.
False Alarm Costs
The Kettering Alarm Ordinance explains that “if more than three (3) false alarms occur from an alarm site during any calendar year, an administrative nuisance abatement fee shall be assessed against the alarm user with the following schedule.”
- Zero to 3 false alarms- No abatement fee assessed.
- 4th occurrence in calendar year- $100.00.
- 5th occurrence in calendar year- $150.00.
- 6th- 9th occurrences- $200.00 per false alarm.
- 10 or more occurrences- $300.00 per false alarm and/or disconnect order/permit revocation. The calendar year will begin January 1.
Multiple false alarms occurring within a 24 hour period, beginning with the first alarm, may be counted as one (1) false alarm, unless the alarm user already had three (3) or more false alarms during the same calendar year.
Each month assessment letters are sent to the respective alarm owners. The assessment letter states the monthly amount and total balance due. It does state that payment is required within 30 days or an “order to disconnect” may result. If you would like to register your alarm, please download the Alarm Registration and send it to the listed address, along with the listed administrative fee.
If a homeowner moves or cancels the alarm service, the police department asks that you please notify Officer James.
Application
Find a printable application here to be completed, signed and returned with $10 fee. This is for new registrants only. If your alarm is already registered and you need to update your information, please contact Officer Johnson directly.
If you submit your registration form online, please send your $10 registration fee (checks made out to the City of Kettering) to the attention of Officer Cynthia James, Kettering Police Department, 3600 Shroyer Road, Kettering, OH 45429 or drop it by the Finance Department at the City Government Center.
If you have any questions, please contact Officer James at 296-2458.