False alarm fees

Overview

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Outdated equipment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.

Contact us by mail or email