FONTANA - False burglar alarms are a real police problem.

The Fontana Police Department wants to cut down on the number of false burglar alarms by implementing a policy that requires the alarm to be verified before officers respond to homes or businesses. The department commissioned a Cal State San Bernardino study on the issue.

But the alarm industry isn't thrilled about the policy.

Fontana police officers responded to 8,529 burglar alarms between July 2005 and June 2006, resulting in one arrest. About 99 percent of the alarms were false, which drained police resources and cost $255,000 in manpower, police said. That's the equivalent of more than two officers dedicated to chasing false burglar alarms.

"It comes down to are we willing to accept the use of resources the way they're being used or should we be using those resources more efficiently and effectively," said Police Chief Larry Clark.

Starting Oct. 1, any residential or commercial burglary alarm must be verified by the alarm company before police officers are dispatched to the home or business. The companies can verify the alarms by audio, video, private security guards or eyewitnesses. The police have discouraged people from verifying their own alarm.

If it's not verified, a search will be done for any recent burglary reports or suspicious activity at that address. If there were reports within the last 72 hours, two officers will be dispatched. If not, officers will be notified to be on the lookout and can respond to the alarm if time permits.

The new policy benefits the police officers on the streets.

"It'll give them more proactive patrol time," Capt. Alan Hostetter said.

The new policy of verifying burglar alarms will not apply to robbery and panic alarms or medical alerts.