Every time the Minneapolis police receive an alarm call, they arrive at the home or business. If the alarm is set off by mistake, the police still respond. There are many false alarm calls, in Minneapolis and nationwide. Minneapolis charges alarm owners a fee for excessive false alarms. Alarm registration is not required until the first false alarm is reported.
Fees
First false alarm
- $30 registration fee
Second false alarm
- $100 penalty
Third false alarm
- $200 penalty
This fee increases $100 for each additional false alarm.
Options for paying the fee
Preventing false alarms
There are many causes of false alarms:
- Improper use
- Outdated equipment
- Pets
- Open doors or windows
- Weak batteries
- Power outages
To prevent a false alarm in your home or business:
- Choose a code that is easy to remember but not obvious to an outsider
- Train everyone who uses your alarm
- Know what to do if your alarm is set off by mistake
- Close doors and windows when you set your alarm
- Minimize distractions when you leave
- Replace batteries and check sensors
- Report faulty equipment to your alarm company
- Keep your alarm company’s phone number near your control panel
- Keep your contact information up-to-date with your alarm company
Refund and appeal policy
If you would like to appeal your false alarm fee, contact us within 15 days to the Minneapolis False Alarm Unit by mail or email. You will receive a refund if City staff made an error. We will credit your refund to your false alarm account or send you a check.