NCJ Number
185980
Date Published
July 1999
Length
175 pages
Annotation
This report describes a cooperative public/private effort to reduce false dispatches and details strategies that were successful.
Abstract
The Model States False Dispatch Reduction Program demonstrated that the public and private sectors can work together to effectively reduce dispatches. Four States were selected by law enforcement to participate: California, Florida, Illinois, and Washington. Most participating agencies did very well, primarily because the Chief or Sheriff made it clear to all that this project was important and a high priority for their department. Some "Best Practices" proved effective regardless of jurisdiction size: agency accepting cancellations; strict enforcement of alarm ordinance; requiring registration/alarm permits; fines--escalating and meaningful; restricting response to chronic abusers; requiring attempted verification by dealer; notification to user of all dispatches; and alarm user training classes. The report concludes that reducing false dispatches is an ongoing effort. There can be no let-up in ordinance enforcement and alarm dealers must take a proactive approach to targeting their worst customers. Continued end-user training and education by all parties is essential. Tables