After more than 18 months of debate that produced one of the most comprehensive studies of alarm response policies, the Los Angeles Police Commission voted 4 to 1 on July 22 to abandon verified response and approved an alarm response policy brought forward by Mayor James Hahn. The Mayor's policy was developed with representatives of the City Council and City departments based in large part on the recommendations of the City of Los Angeles Burglar Alarm Task Force, which issued a 50-page report in April.

Click here for the City of Los Angeles Burglar Alarm Task Force Report.

The policy adopted by the Commission includes allowing dispatch to two false alarms in a twelve-month period without physical verification and provides for escalating fines to the alarm owner. Also, on subsequent activations, if the LAPD did not receive physical or video verification, they would dispatch the alarm activation as a broadcast and file response.

The policy also addresses the permit issue, requiring an alarm permit prior to installation of an alarm system, and providing increased penalties to alarm owners who do not maintain a valid alarm permit. The Mayor also requested an amnesty period for citizens to come into compliance with the permit policy. The City will add permits to its website to further aid citizens who are seeking alarm permits.

The Mayor's proposals asks that the City Council seek the assistance of the City Attorney in drafting amendments to the City's alarm ordinance to support enforcement of the policy requirements for permits and fines.

Council members Janice Hahn and Wendy Greuel addressed the Commission and expressed their support for the Mayor's policy as one that is balanced and fulfills the obligation to protect and serve the community. Councilwoman Hahn said the policy would preserve police response for 81% of the alarm owners who had no calls for service in 2002, and establishes a method to address the 19% of alarm owners responsible for dispatches to false alarms.

The Greater Los Angeles Security Alarm Association (GLASAA), represented on the Task Force by George Gunning, supported the withdrawal of verified response.

"Thanks to all at CSAA for being such a strong partner in this campaign, sharing the information with your members, and always being there when we needed information. For George Gunning, George De Marco, Mark Sepulveda and the others on the front line, it was a boost to them to know that CSAA was on their team!" said Jerry Lenander, Executive Director of GLASAA.