Blog: a web log
06/11/2003: "Jefferson County Sheriff takes action against false alarms"
On July 1, 2003 the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office will kick-off a program aimed at addressing one of the most time consuming and costly issues facing law enforcement agencies across the country. Security alarms in Jefferson County, while necessary in many instances have statistically shown to be false 98 percent of the time.
Currently, a minimum of two deputies routinely respond to business and residential alarms. In 2002 alone the sheriff's office responded to nearly 7,500 alarms, costing taxpayers approximately $250,000. With all agencies having to tighten the financial belt, responding to false alarms became an obvious issue for the sheriff's office to address.
Beginning in July, if deputies determine an alarm to be false, a notification card will be left on the premises and a notation will be made to record the response. After the third false alarm within six months, deputies will not respond unless documentation is provided indicating that the problem has been remedied.
"By working in partnership with our communities we can provide outstanding service, criminal justice education, and to promote mutual trust and respect. With that in mind, we can also be responsible in the use of our resources resulting in a win-win situation," said acting Sheriff Ted Mink.
