Cordele, Ga., adopts strict false alarm ordinance

Next year, the city of Cordele, Ga., will begin imposing fines against alarm system owners who record more than five false alarms in a year.

According to a new ordinance recently adopted by city commissioners, two false alarm calls past the initial grace period of five will result in a $50 fine. The next three will result in a $100 fine and will then increase to $250 for an 11th or 12th false alarm. Any subsequent violation of the ordinance will automatically result in a $500 fine.

The new ordinance not only applies to home and business owners, but also to churches and schools. According to published reports, the fines will be added to the utility bill of the alarm system user and failure to pay will result in the loss of utilities.

In addition, alarm owners must register their systems with the city’s police department or be subject to a $100 fine.