Alarm System Registration With Sheriff

[Photon]

I recently learned I am required to register my alarm system with the county sheriff if it is directly monitered by the sheriff's equipment OR if it is monitored by a company of my choosing OR even if it isn't monitored but produces an audible or visible signal. There is an initial $30 fee plus an annual $15 fee, plus a sliding scale of charges for false alarms.

Is this normal? Does this seem like regulation in the interest of reducing false alarms, or is it just another fund raiser like the licenses for pets? I don't intend to have my system monitored directly by the sheriff's equipment or any other central station. However, I have a strobe and will eventually have a couple outdoor sirens, so I'll pay up. It isn't too expensive, but it just seems wierd. I can hear my smoke detectors outside the house, but that doesn't seem to be an issue. My neighbor's car alarm goes off regularly, but that isn't an issue. Today I'm technically vunerable for a fine of $500 plus costs plus a court order to permanently disconnect my new Elk M1 because I have a strobe in the garage attic window and haven't registered. I'll write a check ASAP, but the sheriff can still disapprove my license application because It wasn't installed by a licensed company. I wish the building inspector's office had mentioned this little detail instead of just telling me I don't need a building permit 'cause its low voltage. I guess if my license application is denied I'll unplug the strobe, skip outside sirens, and just have it call my cell phone. Either that or unplug a $2500 alarm system.

So, is having to register one's alarm system the rule or the exception? Remember, when alarms are outlawed, only outlaws will have alarms. No, wait, that is another of my pet peeves.

 

[Steve]

My city requires registration too. I think its pretty common.

 

[WayneW]

My city requires free registration if monitored. I am still on the NextAlarm self-notification plan, so I haven't registered yet.

 

[Sacedog]

My city requires registration, and a one time fee of $35. They give you two free false alarms in a 12-month period. If you have more than 2 in any 12-month period, you are charged for each addition one at $150 each. My office gets charges all the time...the employees can never figure out what that beeping sound is when they get into work at 6am.

 

[ctwilliams]

Here it is for Charlotte:

Required registration of all burglar alarm systems whether monitored or not.
Registration is FREE.
Failure to register could result in a $100 fine.
False alarm fines begin on the third (3rd) false alarm and range from $50 to $500.
A permit is valid for 12 months from the date of issuance.
Permit renewals are required every 12 months.
Fine Schedule

False alarms #1 and #2: Fines are waived
3rd, 4th, and 5th false alarm: $50 each
6th and 7th false alarm: $100 each
8th and 9th false alarm: $250 each
10th and consecutive false alarms: $500 each
Failure to pay a false alarm fine within 30 days of the date on the invoice will result in discontinuance of police response to future alarms.

 

[GraysonPeddie]

11th, 12th, 13th: $750
14th, 15th: $1000
16th, 17th: $1500

Okay, okay, okay... Let's calm down (phew... I stretched it too far).

Understanding how the security system works and learning how to operate a security can save you lot of money... Besides, I can never afford a $100 fine due to my low-end income (I'm a college student). I think it really helps to put in warning stickers besides windows and doors to let me (and others) know that the security system is armed.

I guess I shouldn't have a security system (even if I have Elk M1 Gold). Just lock up windows and my front door in my apartment, and that I should be fine (blanket statement, I know), but that doesn't mean I'm in a "neighborhood watch" area.