False Alarm Prevention

The City of Houston Police Department receives thousands of alarm calls every year. While some of these calls are true emergencies, many others are false. In 2014, approximately 96 percent—nearly 74,000 of 77,000 alarm calls were false due to user error, weather conditions, system malfunction or improper installation, and a wide range of other causes.

False alarms are a serious concern to public safety. They divert police officers from other emergencies in progress, increase citywide emergency response times and are inefficient use of limited financial resources. Our goal is to reduce the total number of false alarms and ensure that public safety resources serve the community as a whole as quickly and efficiently as possible.

It is vital for an alarm system operator or user, key holder, and other authorized individual to have accurate knowledge and thorough training on all aspects of the alarm system. One must know:

  • Alarm system and monitoring company telephone numbers
  • Alarm system configuration and sensitivity
  • How to properly arm/engage and disarm/disengage the system
  • How to prevent a false alarm incident
  • How to schedule an alarm system service call for systems not operating properly
  • Procedures to cancel accidental alarm activation
  • System has been properly installed, regularly serviced or older systems upgraded
  • Valid passcodes

Before activating the alarm system, check to ensure:

  • City of Houston alarm permit has been applied for and purchased
  • Current contact information is on file with alarm system company and City of Houston
  • Doors and windows are locked
  • How to prevent a false alarm incident
  • Items causing movement near or around motion sensors are secured such as:
    • Balloons and other party decorations
    • Curtains
    • Drafts from air conditioners and heaters
    • Fans
    • Home décor
    • Pets, rodents, wildlife, etc.
    • Plants
    • Water features

Alarm system and monitoring companies should be notified in the following situations:

  • Any changes to the permit account including:
    • New family member who may be disabled or medically ill
    • New pet
    • Permit holder’s contact information
    • Telephone numbers or service
  • Defective, faulty or malfunctioning system
  • Property is being furnished or, renovated for example:
    • Anything near the system control panel or keypads
    • Installing cable, ceiling, drywall, fans, or flooring
    • Installing or repairing any electronic, internet, intercom, or telephone systems, and wiring
    • Replacing doors or window
  • Property is sold
  • Repairing or testing of an alarm system

The alarm system’s monitoring station should not request to trigger an alarm to the Houston Police Department during a power outage, weather related or low battery situations, heat loss sensors, or in the event of a change or upgrade of telephone or internet connection.