In an effort to reduce the number of false alarm calls that Officers respond to unnecessarily, the Hampton Police Division implemented the False Alarm Reduction Plan. The goal is to decrease false activation's by twenty percent, thereby increasing public safety by reducing the unnecessary use of city law enforcement and emergency service resources.
Mission
- Reduce the number of false alarm activation's by twenty percent.
- Reduce man-hours and costs associated with responding to false alarm complaints.
- Offers suggestions and solutions to alarm owners/users on reducing the frequency of false alarm activation's.
- Provides a three phase process to effectively identify and notify delinquent alarm users, and evaluate the effectiveness of the Division's program.
Alarm systems offer a proven method of crime reduction and criminal apprehension, however, false activation's reduce police service to areas with a greater need for police presence, increase the risk of accidents and erode officer caution. The False Alarm Reduction Plan offers solutions to businesses and homeowners on ways to reduce the frequency of false activation's, including proper maintenance and usage. The Reduction Plan is a three phase process. Phase I constitutes the automatic gathering of identifying information on alarm complaints through the Computer Aided Dispatch system. Daily reports are produced with all alarm complaint information from the previous day. The next phase is notifying the alarm owner/user of false alarm activity. Notification consists of a letter from the Chief followed by a personal visit from a Crime Prevention Officer. Both contacts suggest ways to reduce false activation's. If false activation's persist, a meeting is arranged between the user and the alarm company. Phase III evaluates the effectiveness of the program. Monthly reports are printed showing all addresses in the file and all efforts made to correct the problem. The report will show whether or not the program is producing the desired twenty percent reduction rate.
For more information, please email chiefsoffice@hampton.gov or call (757) 727-6510.