What does Belleville’s Verified Police Response Bylaw Mean for me?

Commercial Security, News, Smart Home Security

Starting January 1, 2025, a new bylaw will be in effect in Belleville that will impact how police respond to alarm calls. The Verified Alarm Response Program, adopted by the City Council, is designed to reduce false alarms and ensure that police resources are used more effectively.

Under this program, alarm monitoring companies will need to meet specific verification standards before contacting the Belleville Police Service. These include:

Multiple activation points that suggest criminal activity. Multiple activation points may include a combination of sensors such as a door sensor, motion detector, and glass break sensor, all activating in sequence to indicate potential criminal activity.
Video systems that provide the monitoring company with the ability to visually confirm criminal activity.
Confirmation from an owner, keyholder, or witness on the scene to verify the alarm.

While the police will continue to respond immediately to panic, hold-up, and duress alarms when there is reason to believe a crime is in progress or an emergency exists, these changes aim to drastically reduce the 81% of alarm calls that are false alarms. This new protocol will help free up police resources, allowing them to respond faster to legitimate emergencies and better serve the community.

This Verified Alarm Response Program is already being implemented in major cities across the country to optimize police response and improve overall efficiency. We are working with the Belleville Police Department to ensure smooth adoption of this policy for our customers.

Ensure Your System is Compliant

To ensure that your system is compliant with these new requirements, we’re offering a free audit. If you would like to book an audit or have questions, please feel free to schedule a time with one of our representatives through the booking link below.

Book your audit now

Verified Police Response Bylaw FAQs

How can I ensure my system is set up for verified police response?
To ensure your system is ready for the new Verified Alarm Response Protocol, you’ll need to make sure that your alarm monitoring company can confirm criminal activity before contacting the police. This means your system needs to include visual confirmation (such as video verification) or multiple activation points that suggest criminal activity.

What are multiple activation points?

Multiple activation points refer to the combination of different sensors in your security system that go off in sequence, providing stronger evidence that a crime may be happening. For example:

Scenario 1: A door sensor detects an entry, followed by a motion sensor activating in the same area. This combination indicates a person has entered and is moving around, confirming potential criminal activity.

Scenario 2: A glass break sensor activates after a door sensor triggers, suggesting that an intruder may have broken a window to gain entry.

These combinations help to verify that there is a real threat, making it more likely that the police will be contacted to respond.
Why is visual confirmation or multiple activation points now required?

This requirement helps to reduce false alarms that take up valuable police resources. By requiring verification, whether through video footage or a combination of sensors, police can prioritize legitimate emergencies and respond more quickly to real threats. This also allows for a more efficient use of police time and resources, benefiting the community overall
What happens if my alarm system doesn't meet these new requirements?

If your alarm system is not equipped with the necessary features for verification (such as video verification or multiple activation points), the monitoring company will not be able to directly contact the police. Instead, you will be contacted first to confirm the alarm.

If you can’t confirm the situation or provide visual confirmation, it may delay the police response. We recommend contacting us to ensure your system complies with the new protocol.
Will the Belleville police still respond to panic, hold-up, or duress alarms?

Yes, the police will continue to respond immediately to panic, hold-up, and duress alarms when there is reason to believe a crime is in progress or an emergency exists. These types of alarms are exceptions to the new Verified Alarm Response requirements and will not be affected by the need for verification.
How do I know if my system is compliant with the new protocol?

We are offering a free audit to check if your system meets the new verification standards. If your system requires any upgrades or adjustments, we will guide you through the necessary steps to ensure compliance. To schedule an audit, please click here to book a time with one of our representatives.
Will this change affect all types of security systems?

Yes, the new protocol affects all types of alarm systems, including those used for both residential and business properties. If your system includes basic sensors without video verification or multiple activation points, we strongly encourage you to have your system updated to meet the new verification standards.
Are there any exceptions to the new protocol?

While most alarm calls will require verification, police will still respond immediately to certain alarms, such as panic, hold-up, and duress alarms, when there is a reason to believe a crime is in progress or an emergency exists. Additionally, alarms caused by severe weather or major electrical disruptions may also be exempt from the verification process.
What should I do if I have a false alarm?

If you experience a false alarm, it’s important to contact us so we can review the details of the activation. We can help determine whether it was due to a user error, a malfunction, or another issue and assist with taking the necessary steps to prevent further false alarms. You may also need to update your system to improve the accuracy of sensor activations.

What does Belleville’s Verified Police Response Bylaw Mean for me?

Ensure Your System is Compliant

Verified Police Response Bylaw FAQs

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