False alarms cost the Town of Flower Mound and its citizens thousands of dollars per year and can take police officers away from actual emergencies. The Flower Mound Town Council adopted an updated alarm ordinance in 2010 to help prevent Flower Mound’s Emergency Services from needlessly responding to an excessive number of false alarms. Effective January 1, 2011, the new ordinance is designed to reduce the number of false alarms, and encourage alarm users to provide updated occupant information, maintain the mechanical reliability of their alarms, and properly use their alarm equipment.

Approximately nine percent of all Flower Mound Police Department calls for service in 2010 were for monitored alarm response. Of the dispatched alarms calls, 99 percent were false alarms. False alarms are costly to every resident as they require the Town’s emergency response personnel to respond and hamper their ability to address true emergencies. A false alarm during the daytime takes one officer out of service for a significant amount of time. At night, two officers are required to respond, which further dilutes police coverage for the entire town.

The new ordinance establishes requirements for monitored commercial and residential alarms to be renewed annually. Flower Mound residents and businesses are required to annually register their alarm systems with the Flower Mound Police Department. The annual registration fee is $35 for monitored residential alarm permits and $50 for monitored commercial alarm permits. The fee is also applicable to residential and commercial alarms that are not monitored, but are audible outside of the structure which is being protected.

Flower Mound has contracted with ATB Services to administer the program based on their experience and expertise in operating false alarm reduction programs across the country.  Residents and businesses that have already been identified as having alarm systems will receive registration and/or renewal invoices in March 2011. Residents and businesses that have an externally audible or monitored alarm system can also register on-line at www.atbservices.com/flowermound by completing the User Registration Form.  Inquiries and questions can be directed to ATB by calling 877.356.7875 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Updated alarm permits provide current contact information for residents, document which alarms are monitored or actively used, and ensure monitoring services maintain updated occupant information. The overall goals of the program are to reduce the large number of false alarms received annually, and allow Flower Mound’s Emergency Services resources to be utilized for urgent public safety purposes.         

Town of Flower Mound
Residential and Commercial Alarm Permit Program Summary

Alarm Permit Registration Fee

Permits are required for all monitored alarms and those with an externally audible siren. Use of an alarm system without a permit as required under this ordinance may result in a citation for operating an alarm system without a permit.

Residential Alarm- $35
Commercial Alarm - $50

False Alarm Service Fees

Definition of a false alarm: Activation of an alarm system through mistake, mechanical failure, malfunction, improper installation, lack of prudent maintenance or through the negligence of the occupant of the residence and/or building in which the alarm system is located, including their employees or agents. False Alarm shall also mean any activation of an alarm system which indicates a crime or situation other than that which it was designated to indicate. An intruder alarm triggered by an animal from the outside of the building where the alarm is located shall constitute a false alarm. False alarm service fees are calculated on a rolling twelve-month basis:

1st – 3rd false alarm                   –          No Fee
4th – 6th false alarm                   –          $50 each
7 or more false alarms               –          $75 each

Additional Information

All registration fees, renewal registration fees, or false alarm fines assessed under this ordinance are due within thirty days of written notice unless otherwise noted. Do not call 9-1-1 or Flower Mound’s Police Department to cancel your alarm response. Only your monitoring service can cancel the alarm dispatch request once made. Information on your right to appeal shall be provided with each notice of a false alarm.

What Can You Do To Prevent False Alarms?

• Instruct all alarm users on the proper operation of your alarm system.

• Secure all windows and doors before activation.

• Keep pets, balloons, fans, heaters, plants, curtains, seasonal decorations, etc. away from motion sensor areas.

• Know and rehearse the process to cancel an accidental alarm. Notify your alarm company of any changes in responsible parties or problems with your system immediately.

• Have your alarm system checked annually by your alarm company. Battery backup should be checked annually or after a storm-related false alarm.

Common Problems That Cause False Alarms:

• Weak alarm system backup batteries

• Open, unlocked, or loose fitting doors and windows

• Helium-filled balloons

• Wandering pets

• Improper application or installation of motion detectors

• Failure to properly train other users

ATB Services Duties

Flower Mound has contracted with Alarm Tracking and Billing Services (ATB Services) of Colorado Springs, Colorado to administer the False Alarm Reduction Program. ATB Services will track and bill for an estimated 2,500 yearly false alarms; coordinate with approximately 50 alarm companies and monitoring centers in and out of state; process several thousand annual permits; provide all the computer software and upgrades required; create online sites for Police Department officials, alarm users and alarm companies to review their respective alarm information; record remittances; assist with  appeal filing; provide for online payments; accommodate alarm users with  toll-free customer service support; and develop an educational online alarm school to help reduce the number of false alarms that require law enforcement response. When you purchase a private security alarm system or contract to have a private security system monitored by a security alarm business licensed by the Town you are entering into a private contract with that business only. Your alarm purchase and monitoring contract are not contracts with the Town of Flower Mound, its Police Department, or any law enforcement agency.