• False Alarm Ordinance

The following false alarm fee schedule is based on a 12-month calendar year:

• 1^st False Alarm: No Charge
• 2nd False Alarm: $97.00
• 3rd False Alarm: $126.00
• 4th False Alarm: $155.00
• 5th False Alarm: $183.00
• 6th False Alarm: $201.00
• 7th False Alarm: $229.00/possible revocation

• Improper application or installation on interior motion detectors.
• Improper application or installation of outdoor beams.
• Improper charging or checking of batteries.
• Faulty equipment.

• Use of incorrect key pads
• Failure to train other authorized users.
• Failure to secure doors and windows before turning on alarm.
• Failure to notify monitoring facility of unscheduled openings or closings (businesses using set schedules).
• Failure to update authorized personnel list with monitoring facility.

• Attend a false alarm prevention program offered by the Whittier Police Department. Receive a certificate of completion, which can be used in lieu of payment for one fine assessed pursuant to the False Alarm Ordinance.
• Ensure those operating your alarm system are familiar with the system operations.
• Secure doors and windows before activating the alarm system.
• Beware of changes in the environment (i.e., new animals, design changes, seasonal decorations, plants, etc.)
• Notify monitoring facility of any and all changes (i.e., houseguests, name changes, change in phone number or contact information, new employees, termination of employees, etc.)
• Equipment should be routinely inspected and maintained by qualified personnel.

• Encourages the proper maintenance of alarm systems
• Reduces the number of false alarms.
• Allows police to utilize time and focus on other calls for service and self-initiated activity.
• Decreases the potential danger created by false alarms for responding officers and anyone the officers find at your premises.

“False alarm" means an alarm signal, eliciting a response by the police when a situation requiring a response by the police does not in fact exist, but does not include an alarm signal caused by violent conditions of nature or other extraordinary circumstances not reasonably subject to control by an alarm business or alarm user.

To give police and other emergency personnel accurate contact numbers in case of an emergency. It also provides the police department a list of responsible persons who can respond to the alarm location in the event of a break-in. If during any 12-month period an alarm system in a residential unit, commercial establishment, or industrial building has five or more false alarms, the user’s permit may be revoked and police response to such alarms suspended.

To Obtain an Alarm System Permit

1. Download and complete the Alarm System Permit Form. Mail it with your total due to the following address listed below. If you need assistance or have questions, please contact the Whittier Police Department at 562-567-9200.

   Alarm Permit
   Attn: Records Supervisor
   Whittier Police Department
   13200 Penn Street
   Whittier, CA 90602

2. If you wish to apply in person, Whittier Police Department lobby hours are Monday through Friday 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM and Saturday-Sunday 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The Police Department is located at 13200 Penn Street.

Alarm permit applications are processed through the police department. The records supervisor is responsible for all matters involving permits and alarm service providers.

Alarm System Permit Fee

Residential and commercial alarm system permit fees are $24.00. This is a one-time fee with no annual renewal required. However, any change in emergency contact information, alarm system ownership, or alarm company should be provided to the police department immediately by contacting the records supervisor at 562-567-9200.

Penalty for Not Having an Alarm System Permit

A late fee of $57.00 will be charged in addition to the filing fee for any alarm user who fails to obtain a permit within sixty day of having an operational alarm system that may initiate a police response. Furthermore, any violation of this ordinance is considered an infraction and may be prosecuted as such.

In accordance with Whittier Municipal Code 5.20.040, any individual or business that has a functioning alarm system at their residence or place of business inside the City of Whittier must obtain an alarm system permit.