Alarm systems in the City of Oregon City that elicit police response require a permit from the Oregon City Police Department per City Ordinance No. 01-1017.

To obtain an alarm permit, citizens must complete the Alarm User Permit Application and return it to the Police Department at the address printed on the application, with a check for the first year's permit. The annual fee is $15 for business or residential. A residential alarm user age 65 or over, with no home based business at the residence, may obtain an alarm permit without paying the permit fee.

As of December 31, 2006 we had 1,251 active alarm permits on file. Ouf Officers were dispatched to 1,115 alarms and 687 of those were considered false alarms. (184 Residential and 503 Business) 344 were canceled prior to arrival at the premise.

Many false alarms consist of events created by any/all of the following circumstances:

• user error loose pets equipment malfunction low battery signals unsecured doors/windows loose fitting doors/windows delay time is not adequately set to allow you time to enter/leave your premise individuals who have access to an alarm location that do not know how to use the alarm
• environment: moving furniture, remodeling, air conditioners, balloons, banners, curtains, dust

If you have any questions about business or residential alarms, please contact the Alarm Coordinator at (503) 496-1684 (Monday thru Friday, from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) or by e-mail at scoughlin@ci.oregon-city.or.us .