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. Links to the Alarm Ordinance and current Alarm Fee schedule are located at the bottom of this page.p>
To obtain an alarm permit, citizens must complete the Alarm User Permit Application (click on link at bottom of this page) and return it to the Police Department 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. The Police Department address is printed at the top of the application.p>
The purpose of the alarm ordinance is to discourage false alarms and allow officers to spend more time providing public safety services. As of December 31, 2008 the City had 1,369 valid permits on file. Police Department Officers were dispatched to 1,062 alarm calls of which:
- 646 were considered false alarms (188 residential and 458 businesses)
- 344 were cancelled prior to officer arrival at the premise
- 19 were legitimate alarms (3 homes, 16 businesses) – actual attempted break-ins
- 29 were car alarms or other non chargeable alarms
Approximately 93% of all 2008 dispatched alarm calls were false alarms (this is a reduction from 98% in 2006). Fines and penalties are assessed for the second and subsequent false alarm responses at one location.
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 call Sharon Coughlin, Alarm Coordinator, at (503) 496-1684 or by e-mail at scoughlin@ci.oregon-city.or.us. Hours are Monday thru Friday, from 07:30 a.m. to 04:30 p.m.
A nationwide organization "FARA" (False Alarm Reduction Association) was created to help with reducing false alarms for the consumer, alarm companies and law enforcement. FARA's website provides additional consumer tips and information for helping the alarm user from creating false alarm issues for their local police department. Please check out the website by clicking on the link located at the bottom of this page.
