FAQ's

Frequently Asked Questions:
How does the City find out I have an alarm?

There are currently no alarm systems directly connected to the Police Dept. There are several different ways the Police Dept. can be notified of a locations alarm system.

Many alarm companies advise new clients that the City may require an alarm system operations permit and advise them to call the local Police Dept. for details.
Monitored alarm systems are maintained by a chosen alarm company. If an alarm is activated the monitoring company calls the Police Departments dispatch center with a request for service to the alarm location. The monitoring company then gives the dispatcher the alarm address, business or residence name and area of activation. The call is logged; officers are dispatched to the alarm location. The Alarm Compliance Clerk monitors all alarm calls on a daily basis. Non-permitted locations are notified of the permit requirement. Alarm companies do not supply the police dept. with records of existing alarm owners, nor do they notify the police if an alarm has been disconnected.
Police dispatchers also receive calls from neighboring residents and business owners if an audible alarm is ringing. Officers are dispatched at that time.
Police officers on patrol sometimes hear audible alarms and respond to the location.

What kind of alarm requires an alarm permit?

All non-mobile, audible or silent alarms require a permit for operation whether monitored or not. Any alarm that requires police response needs an alarm permit.

I didn't know an alarm permit is a requirement now I have a bill for a false alarm what can I do?

If you received a letter billing for a false alarm and this is your first false alarm, you now have the opportunity to obtain a permit. If the completed permit application and permit fee are returned to the Police Department within 30 days the first false alarm fine is waived

What happens if I do not pay the permit fee?

If an annual permit is not paid the location is still monitored for false alarms. If a false alarm occurs the alarm owner is assessed a fine for each false alarm and is billed accordingly. If false alarm fines are not paid the charges are sent to collections.

Will I be mailed a paper permit?

No. The City of San Bernardino does not issue paper alarm user permits. You are issued a permit number and your permit information is kept in a computer database at the Police Department.

What is a renewal year?

A renewal year covers 365 days from the date of inception and renews every year on the same date.

Will I be notified when my renewal payment is due?

Yes. Approximately 30 days prior to your permit renewal date you will be sent a renewal notice by mail.

What is a false alarm?

A false alarm is any alarm that requires police response that turns out to be a non-emergency. This includes operator error and system mal-functions. If police officers arrive at a location that is locked and secured, no attempt of break-in is found and no persons are on scene it is considered a false alarm.

What is the difference between a burglar alarm and a robbery/panic alarm?

A Burglar alarm is an alarm that occurs with a signal interruption from either a window or door sensor or a motion detector.

A Robbery/Panic alarm is an alarm that must be activated by a person. This alarm is intended for use by a person in imminent danger.

What if I dispute a false alarm call?

If a false alarm call is disputed you can call the Financial Unit/Alarm Permits at (909) 388-4930 with details. If it was a valid alarm the false alarm will be removed from your account.

How many false alarms am I allowed with a paid permit?

With a paid permit each location is allowed four non-invoiced false alarms during the renewal year.