By rdnewsNOW staff

Alberta RCMP alarm policy changes to improve efficiency

Aug 15, 2018 | 6:03 AM

EDMONTON- The Alberta RCMP is no longer responding to alarms that are only triggered once and it will verify all alarms before responding.

The new policy took effect on July 13 and follows a review which shows most alarms that are only triggered once are false and tie up 911 lines and police resources.

The RCMP says it received just under 15,500 false alarms last year.

The force says that equates to nearly eight-thousand human resource hours which could have been dedicated to more urgent calls.

RCMP will still respond to ATM, multi-zone intrusion, panic, duress, holdup, glass break, domestic violence and verified alarms (which include any alarm at a school or financial institution during business hours.)

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Here are some tips to cut down on false alarms:

         Proper placement of equipment so that debris/animals will not trigger alarms
         Know your alarm codes
         Secure all windows and doors
         Replace batteries regularly
         Report damaged or faulty equipment to the alarm company

“You can help us keep our 911 lines open and our officers free to respond to real emergencies,” says A/Commr. John Ferguson, Criminal Operations Officer CORE, “K” Division. “By cutting down on false alarms, we can ensure our officers are where they are needed most.”

(Gary McKinnon)

by rdnewsNOW staff

Alberta RCMP alarm policy changes to improve efficiency

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