In an attempt to reduce the number and frequency of false police and fire alarms in residences and businesses in Starke County, an ordinance has been drafted to ensure registration and control of alarm systems for more safe and prompt and reliable dispatch of emergency personnel.
The Starke County Commissioners approved the second reading of the ordinance last week that encourages alarm businesses and users of security alarm systems, home medical emergency panic alarms, and fire notification systems to maintain the systems and properly use them to limit unnecessary service responses to alarms.
Owners of alarm systems shall register with the Starke County 911 Director with a one-time $40 non-refundable fee. Registration must include the persons responsible for proper maintenance of operation of the alarm system, the type of system, the alarm company information, and the date of installation.
Any person who causes an alarm notification from a site that is not registered shall be subject to a fine not to exceed $100 per notification.
When initially discussing this with the commissioners, Sheriff Bill Dulin said his dispatch center receives several hundred alarm calls that are false. The sheriff wants to be able to reduce the number of these false calls so officers can respond to other immediate needs of the community.
