False Alarm Reduction

The Alarm Reduction Team reduces the number of false alarms throughout Baltimore County and informs the public of the negative impact false alarm activations have on public safety. These efforts, along with those of the County Police Department and our citizens, have resulted in a significant reduction in the number of false alarms. Reducing the number of false alarms allows our police officers more time to fight crime and keep our citizens safe.

WHAT IS A FALSE ALARM?

Baltimore County Code, 2003, Article 13, Title 11, Subtitle 2, defines a "false alarm" as any alarm that is electronically programmed to summon police personnel or that results in a police response to the alarm system user’s property and for which there is no evidence found, after reasonable investigation, of criminal activity, property damage or medical emergency which would justify a police response. With the exception of a landlord whose rental agreement includes an alarm system, false alarm fees relate only to the alarm system user.

Self-monitoring incentive

Baltimore County has a self-monitoring incentive that allows commercial and residential owners that have at least one camera pointed toward a public right of way to register or change their account to self-monitoring to take advantage of a third free alarm. Residential and commercial owners will need to certify that the camera is located wholly on their property. Register or change your account to obtain the third free alarm. 

WHAT IS A BURGLARY OR ROBBERY ALARM SYSTEM?

An “alarm system” is defined in the Baltimore County Code as a device or series of devices that emits, transmits or relays either an:

• Audible, visual or electronic alarm signal which is electronically programmed to cause contact with police personnel
• Audible or visual alarm signal which results in a police response at the alarm system user’s property when activated

Medical emergency alarm systems and fire alarm systems are not regulated by the Alarm Reduction Team. Consequently, information presented on this page relates exclusively to burglary and robbery alarm systems.

OBTAIN AN ALARM BUSINESS PERMIT

All alarm businesses must be permitted.

There are very serious penalties for failing to secure a permit before selling, installing, monitoring and servicing alarm systems. Failure to secure the required permit may subject your company to a $1,000 Civil Citation for each violation of the Baltimore County Code.

Email the Alarm Reduction Team at alarmteam@baltimorecountymd.gov to request an Alarm Company Permit Application Package.

REGISTER AN ALARM

All burglary and robbery alarm systems must be registered. There is no fee to register an alarm system. There are significant civil penalties for failing to register.

Before registering, review the following:

• False Alarm Fees
• False Alarm Administrative Obligations
• How to Appeal a False Alarm Invoice
• County Code for False Alarms