False Alarm Reduction Program

The City of Naperville's False Alarm Reduction program is an effort to reduce the third most frequent call for service. The City of Naperville Security Alarm Systems ordinance information can be found in Section 10-6A of the Naperville Municipal Code. 

What is a false alarm?

A false security alarm is an activation or transmission of any residential or nonresidential alarm signal to the police department personnel where it is determined that no actual emergency or evidence of criminal activity exists to justify a police response. A false security alarm may be caused by human error, mechanical malfunction, weather or unknown causes. 

Prior notice must be given of any testing or repairing of any alarm system for it not to be considered a false alarm. 

Are false alarms a problem in Naperville?

Yes. The Naperville Police Department responds to approximately 8-10 per day. Responding to a false burglar alarm call consumes an average of 15 minutes, per alarm, per officer – and represents as many as five hours of police time per day. Thus, officers are diverted from actual emergencies, proactive patrol and community policing activities.

What happens when your burglar alarm system is activated?

City ordinance states that all alarm monitoring companies should verify the activated signal to determine whether the burglar alarm signal requires immediate response. Your alarm monitoring company will not wait for the verification process if it receives a panic, duress or hold-up signal. They will dispatch police personnel immediately. If the alarm monitoring company does not receive proper cancellation codes, the Naperville Police Department will be contacted and emergency personnel will be dispatched to your location. Police cannot be canceled for panic or hold-up alarms.

To avoid false burglar alarm activations, review your cancellation policy with your alarm monitoring company. Make sure all contact information is up to date.

Before you activate your alarm system:

• Make sure that you and others who use the security system (employees, children, cleaning crews, etc.) are fully educated on its proper operation. 
• Make sure you securely close and lock all protected doors and windows.
• Know and rehearse the process to cancel an accidental alarm. Anyone with your key should know this process.
• Know your passcode to cancel an accidental activation before the police are dispatched.
• Know how much time you have after you arm your system to leave and to disarm your system when you enter.

What are the most frequent causes of false alarms?

• User error. Accidental activation by cleaning crews, new employees, children, house sitters, cleaning people, dog walkers, etc.
• Using incorrect keypad codes or not knowing keypad codes
• Unlocked or loose doors/windows
• Failing to train authorized users
• Wandering pets
• Failure by businesses to notify monitoring company of unscheduled openings and closings
• Not requiring the monitoring company to notify persons on the contact list before calling the police
• Improper installation of equipment
• Faulty equipment, keypads, batteries, panels, detectors
• Helium-filled balloons

What are the consequences of having a police response for an activated false burglar alarm?

False alarms are calculated within a calendar year. When the Naperville Police Department responds to more than two false alarms at the same location within a calendar year, service fees will apply starting with the third incident. Fees are assessed as follows: 

• First two (2) false burglar alarm activations = no fee
• Three through five = $100 for each false alarm activation
• Six through 10 = $200 for each false alarm activation
• 11 and over = $350 for each false alarm activation

In addition, the Chief of Police may order the restricted response of police department personnel to any location with eight (8) or more false alarm activations in a calendar year or with unpaid fees for sixty (60) or more days. Restricted response means that police department personnel will not respond when a general burglar alarm is activated.

You will receive notification informing you of the date and time of each activation and the fee schedule imposed by the City of Naperville. In addition, invoices are mailed with each notification where applicable.

If you feel a false alarm was classified in error, you may appeal the decision by submitting a written request to the False Alarm review department within fourteen (14) days for the date of the notice. Additional details can be found on the “Guidelines to File a False Alarm Dispute.”

Do I need a permit or to register my burglary alarm system?

No, the City of Naperville does not require businesses or residential properties to obtain a permit or to register a burglar alarm system. 

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