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.

To obtain an alarm permit, citizens must complete the Alarm User Permit Application (click on link at bottom of this page), print out application and return it to the Police Department along 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.

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, 2010 the City had 1,345 valid permits on file. Police Department Officers were dispatched to 827 alarm calls of which:

• 537 were considered false alarms (142 residential and 395 businesses)
• 242 were canceled prior to officer arrival at the premise
• 13 were legitimate alarms (2 homes, 11 businesses) – actual attempted break-ins
• 35 were car alarms or other non chargeable alarms

Approximately 65% of all 2010 dispatched alarm calls were false alarms (this is an increase from 60% in 2009, however both years reflect a significant reduction from 2008 at 93%). The number of dispatched calls that were canceled prior to an officer arrival on scene were 29% of all 2010 dispatched alarm calls, which reflects a decrease in cancelations at 29% versus 35% in 2009. Overall the total alarm dispatches have reduced each year: 2008 at 1115, 2009 at 947 and 2010 at 827. The number of active alarm permits on file has remained relatively the same however the reduction in total dispatched alarms reflects that alarm users are better informed on the use of their alarm systems, and the communication between the alarm user and their alarm companies appears to have improved.

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

Fines and penalties are assessed for the second and subsequent false alarm responses at one location.

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@orcity.or . Hours are Monday thru Friday, from 07:00 a.m. to 04:00 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.