Nanaimo Cracks Down on Costly Security System False Alarms
The City of Nanaimo has implemented stricter measures to address the escalating problem of false alarms triggered by security systems, which strain emergency resources and divert attention from genuine emergencies. These phantom alarms, often caused by faulty equipment or user error, not only burden police and other first responders but also create unnecessary delays in response times to real crises. The city council recently approved a suite of updated bylaws designed to incentivize property owners to maintain their security systems and minimize false activations.
The magnitude of the false alarm issue in Nanaimo is substantial. Since March 2023, the Nanaimo RCMP detachment has fielded 360 alarm calls from just 34 properties, highlighting a concentrated problem with repeat offenders. Among these calls, 28 were categorized as hold-up alarms, requiring immediate, priority-one responses from police. The remaining calls originated from properties with a history of excessive false alarms, ranging from six to twenty within a 12-month period. One property alone was responsible for a staggering 40 false alarms since March 2023, demonstrating the urgent need for intervention.
The financial and operational burden of these false alarms is significant. According to city officials, the cost of dispatching emergency services to these non-emergencies is equivalent to the salaries of several full-time police officers. Beyond the immediate financial implications, the diversion of resources and personnel to false alarms hampers the ability of emergency services to respond effectively to real emergencies, potentially jeopardizing public safety.
The city’s previous bylaw, enacted in 1994, proved inadequate in deterring false alarms. It allowed for three false alarms per year without penalty, followed by a modest fee of $140 for the fourth and fifth offenses. Only after the fifth incident could the police services director notify the property owner of potential service withdrawal, a complex and often ineffective process. The fees collected under the old bylaw also failed to cover the actual costs incurred by the city, including the time spent by officers investigating false alarms and attempting to contact property owners or key holders.
Recognizing the shortcomings of the existing bylaw, city staff proposed a series of amendments designed to strengthen enforcement and encourage responsible security system ownership. The new bylaw package comprises a revised false alarm bylaw, a fees and charges amendment bylaw, and a bylaw notice of enforcement bylaw. These bylaws work in concert to reduce the permissible number of false alarms, increase associated fees, and empower police to discontinue responding to chronically problematic properties.
The updated false alarm bylaw now mandates that property owners provide the RCMP with current contact information for their alarm monitoring agency or designate at least two individuals who can be reached in the event of an alarm activation. Furthermore, the bylaw explicitly states that the RCMP will not respond to three or more false alarms originating from a single alarm system within a 12-month period.
The revised fee structure reinforces the city’s commitment to curbing false alarms. The first false alarm within a 12-month period remains free of charge, but subsequent violations carry significantly higher penalties. A second false alarm incurs a fee of $150, while a third and any subsequent false alarms from the same property within the same timeframe will cost $500 each. In addition, a new "standby fee" of $300 will be levied if police officers are required to wait at a property for a key holder or representative to arrive.
These stricter measures aim to place greater accountability on property owners and encourage proactive maintenance of their security systems. The increased fees serve as a financial deterrent, while the threat of non-response motivates owners to address the root causes of recurring false alarms. By reducing the number of unnecessary dispatches, the city hopes to free up valuable resources for genuine emergencies and enhance the overall effectiveness of its emergency response system. The council unanimously approved the new bylaws, signaling a strong commitment to addressing this persistent and costly problem.
The city’s decision to strengthen its false alarm bylaw comes after years of grappling with the financial and operational strain caused by these preventable incidents. The updated regulations aim to strike a balance between ensuring public safety and minimizing the burden on taxpayers. By holding property owners accountable for malfunctioning or misused security systems, the city hopes to create a safer and more efficient emergency response environment for all its residents.
The long-term success of these new measures hinges on effective communication and enforcement. The city plans to raise public awareness about the changes to the bylaw and the importance of responsible security system management. This includes providing educational resources to property owners on how to prevent false alarms and maintain their security systems properly. The city will also work closely with the RCMP to ensure consistent and effective enforcement of the new regulations.
The problem of false alarms is not unique to Nanaimo; municipalities across the country grapple with similar challenges. The City of Nanaimo’s proactive approach, however, represents a significant step towards addressing the issue head-on. By implementing stricter penalties and clarifying expectations for property owners, the city is taking concrete action to reduce the burden on its emergency services and protect the safety of its citizens. The success of this initiative will be closely monitored, and may serve as a model for other communities seeking solutions to the pervasive problem of security system false alarms.
The new bylaws reflect a growing trend among municipalities to take a more proactive and assertive stance in managing the impact of false alarms on their emergency services. These measures are not punitive in nature; rather, they aim to foster a sense of shared responsibility for public safety. By working collaboratively with property owners, alarm companies, and law enforcement, the city aims to create a more efficient and effective emergency response system that prioritizes genuine emergencies and protects valuable public resources.
The City of Nanaimo believes that these new bylaws represent a crucial step towards addressing a long-standing problem that has placed unnecessary strain on its emergency services. By implementing a comprehensive approach that combines education, stricter penalties, and streamlined enforcement, the city aims to significantly reduce the incidence of false alarms and improve the overall safety of its community. The hope is that these changes will create a more sustainable and effective emergency response system that is better equipped to handle real emergencies and provide timely assistance to those in need.