10 Realities Of Home Security Systems That Prove You're Better Off Dead Than Owning One

3. False Alarm Fines

Not all American police departments are going as far as refusing to dispatch on alarms calls, but they are certainly taking steps to show alarm owners they mean business. In many states police departments are issuing false alarm ordinances, which require homeowners to register their systems for a permit. Non-compliance with this law can lead to severe fines and, in some incredibly extreme cases, jail time. Usually the first dispatch will be free, but afterwards the fines for false alarms steadily increase in amount. False alarms are not always a homeowner's fault. Sometimes issues arise because the system installed well, constantly alarming for no discernible reason. When upset customers call in saying they have been issued thousands of dollars in fines and are no longer in good standing with their local police, alarm company customer support has no idea how to begin helping them. Once again, in most cases, alarm companies will not pay for the false alarm fees, and even if they do, cannot begin mending the relationship between their customers and the police.