Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How does the City know I have an alarm?
The Police Department is not directly connected to any alarm systems, but it can be notified in several ways:
- Alarm Companies: Many alarm providers inform new clients that a permit may be required and advise them to contact the local Police Department.
- Monitored Alarm Systems: When an alarm is triggered, the monitoring company contacts the Police Department’s dispatch center with a service request. Dispatchers log the call and send officers to the location. The Alarm Compliance Clerk reviews all alarm calls daily and notifies non-permitted locations of the permit requirement. Alarm companies do not share records of existing alarm owners or inform the Police Department if an alarm is disconnected.
- Public Reports: Nearby residents and business owners may report audible alarms, prompting a police response.
- Patrol Officers: Officers on duty may hear an alarm and respond accordingly.
What types of alarms require a permit?
All non-mobile, audible, or silent alarms—whether monitored or not—require a permit. Any alarm that may trigger a police response must be registered.
I didn’t know an alarm permit was required, and now I have a bill for a false alarm. What can I do?
If this is your first false alarm, you can obtain a permit to have the fine waived. Submit a completed permit application and pay the permit fee within 30 days, and the first false alarm fine will be removed.
What happens if I don’t pay the permit fee?
- Your location will still be monitored for false alarms.
- If a false alarm occurs, you will be fined and billed accordingly.
- Unpaid false alarm fines will be sent to collections.
Will I receive a paper permit?
No. The City of San Bernardino does not issue physical alarm permits. Instead, you will receive a permit number, and your information will be stored in the Police Department’s database.
What is a renewal year?
A renewal year is a 365-day period from the date your permit was issued. It renews automatically on the same date each year.
Will I be notified when my renewal payment is due?
Yes. A renewal notice will be mailed approximately 30 days before your permit renewal date.
What is considered a false alarm?
A false alarm occurs when police respond to an alarm that turns out to be a non-emergency. This includes:
- Operator errors (e.g., entering the wrong security code).
- System malfunctions (e.g., faulty sensors, low battery signals).
- Unverified alarms where officers arrive to find the location locked, secured, and with no evidence of a break-in or emergency.
What is the difference between a burglar alarm and a robbery/panic alarm?
- Burglar Alarm: Triggered by a sensor interruption, such as a door, window, or motion detector.
- Robbery/Panic Alarm: Manually activated by a person in distress. These alarms are intended for emergencies where immediate police response is needed.
What if I want to dispute a false alarm charge?
If you believe a false alarm charge was issued in error, you can dispute it by calling the Financial Unit/Alarm Permits at (909) 388-4930 with the details. If the alarm is determined to be valid, the charge 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 two (2) false alarms per renewal year without incurring fines.