FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the City find out I have an alarm?

There is currently no alarm systems directly connected to the Police Department. There are several different ways the Police Department can be notified of a location’s alarm system:

1. Many alarm companies advise new clients that the City may require an alarm system operations permit and advise them to call the local Police Department for details.
2. Monitored alarm systems are maintained by a chosen alarm company. If an alarm is activated, the monitoring company calls the Police Department’s 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, and 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 department with records of existing alarm owners, nor do they notify the police if an alarm has been disconnected.
3. Police dispatchers also receive calls from neighboring residents and business owners if an audible alarm is ringing. Officers are dispatched at that time.
4. 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 and now I have a bill for a false alarm. What can I do?

If you receive 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 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 with the Police Department.