False alarm system calls are tying up 911 lines and police resources in the Province. RCMP detachments in Alberta will now have to verify alarm calls before responding and will not respond to alarms that have only been triggered once.
RCMP Criminal Operations Officer and Assistant Commissioner John Ferguson says that false alarm calls keep officers away from actual emergencies.
“People can help us keep our 911 lines open and our officers free to respond to real emergencies. By cutting down on false alarms, we can ensure our officers are where they are needed most.”
The new policy came into effect on July 13 after RCMP in Alberta received just under 15,500 false alarm calls last year which is equal to nearly 8000 man hours that could have been spent on more urgent calls.
Residents can help cut down on false alarm calls by:
1. Placing security systems somewhere where animals or debris can’t accidentally trigger them;
2. Knowing your alarm codes;
3. Making sure all windows and doors are secure;
4. Checking and Replacing system batteries regularly;
5. Reporting damaged or faulty equipment to the alarm company right away.
Alberta RCMP will still respond to alarm calls if they involve things like domestic violence or a panic alarm as well as any alarm recieved from a school or bank during regular business hours.