NCJ Number
224662
Date Published
2011
Length
68 pages
Annotation
This guide reviews factors that increase the risk of false burglar alarms, presents a checklist of questions that might help a law enforcement agency analyze its local problem, and reviews responses to the problem and their effectiveness based on evaluative research and police experience.
Abstract
Research indicates that false burglar alarms result from three main causes. One cause is user errors, such as using incorrect keypad codes; leaving a door or window open when activating the alarm; and inadequate employee training in security procedures, such as how to enter and exit the alarmed premises. A second major cause of false alarms is faulty or inappropriate selected alarm equipment. A third factor in false alarms is poor installation of the alarm, such as failing to install motion detectors in sensible areas or at appropriate heights. The first step in addressing a community's false alarm problem is to analyze it. This guide outlines 17 questions, at a minimum, that should be answered in an analysis. Among other issues, the analysis should determine what proportion of the agency's workload involves responding to alarms, the proportion of alarm calls that are false, the proportion of alarm calls that are burglar alarms and what proportion of these are false, and the proportion of the department's noise calls that involve false alarms. After conducting the analysis of the local problem, responses for dealing with the problem should be tailored to the findings of the analysis. After implementing the responses, they should be evaluated in order to determine their effectiveness in reducing false alarms and their cost in personnel time and equipment use. The descriptions of some agency responses to the problem are categorized as those that are generally effective, those with limited effectiveness, and those not recommended. 37 notes, 54 references, and appended summary of responses to false burglar alarms