Security False Alarms Creating Headaches in Metro Atlanta County
Of almost 32,000 alarm calls in Gwinnett Co. in 2005, only 124 considered legitimate
Even though the overwhelming majority of alarm calls are false, homeowners understandably worry more about that small chance that the problem is real, Huse said. The public expects a quick response from police, even if cops presume the alarm is false.
"I want the county screaming to my house when the alarm goes off," he said.
ANNOYING AND COSTLY
Gwinnett County spends a small fortune in lost manpower and gasoline on false alarms each year. Here's a look at the total number of alarm calls and the number of false alarms and a look at false-alarm fees collected by the police department.
Year....Total alarm calls....Legitimate alarm calls
2004....34,752 ..............48
2005....31,835 ..............124
*2006 ..17,660 ..............94
Year....Fees billed for false alarms ....Fees collected
2004....$256,940 ........................$191,349
2005....$632,375 ........................$428,660
*2006 ..$230,375 ........................$195,645
*First seven months of 2006 only was available.
Source: Gwinnett County Police Department
