| Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) | ||
| Q. | What types of alarm systems must be registered? | |
| A. |
Burglary and silent/hold-up alarms, which include all door contact, motion detectors, and or window glass break detectors (Residential and Commercial) must be registered. Fire alarms, smoke detectors, and medical only panic alarms do not require registration. |
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| Q. | How do I register my alarm system? | |
| A. | If your alarm is not registered with the City of Prescott, please visit our website to complete the registration application online: https://product.cityalarmpermit.com/famscitizen/prescott/ | |
| Q. | What is the cost of an alarm permit? | |
| A. | There is NO FEE associated with registering your alarm. | |
| Q. | I have more than one business location, or residence, in the City of Prescott, do I need to have a separate registration for each alarm? | |
| A. | Yes, each location must have a separate registration. | |
| Q. | Why do I need to register my alarm? | |
| A. |
The increase in use of alarm systems has resulted in a tremendous number of false alarms. False alarms have the can result in diverting emergency responders away from actual emergencies.
The Center for Problem-Oriented Policing, reported in a 2007 report that police respond to about 36 million alarm activations per year at an estimated annual cost of nearly $2 billion. It says the majority of alarm calls, between 94 and 98 percent, are false, and often represent the highest-volume type of call for service from police agencies. The City of Prescott wants to considerably reduce the number of false alarms that emergency personnel respond to, thereby freeing up our emergency personnel to respond to actual emergencies. |
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| Q. | What will I be charged for false alarms? | |
| A. |
The new ordinance that was approved by City Council, January 23, 2018, provides for the following fees to be assessed: 1st Call No Charge 2nd Call $100 3rd Call $100 4th Call $100 5th Call $100 – Upon receipt of a fifth false alarm within the calendar year (Jan 1 – Dec 31), an unverified response will be suspended to the alarm location until such time as the alarm user can prove remediation of the issue causing the false alarm. |
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| Q. | How do I pay my bill? | |
| A. |
Online: Simply go to the website
https://product.cityalarmpermit.com/famscitizen/prescott/
and click on "Pay Your Bill Now". You will need your account number and invoice number.
In Person or by Mail: You can come in person, or mail your payment, to Prescott Police Department, c/o Alarm Coordinator, 222 S. Marina Street, Prescott, AZ 86303. |
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| Q. | I have further questions, who can I speak with? | |
| A. | Please contact the Alarm Coordinator at (928) 777-1906 or via email at false.alarms@prescott-az.gov | |