Alarm Information and False Alarm Prevention

Security Alarm Information

The Kitsap County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO) works with residents, businesses, and alarm companies to help protect our community while ensuring law enforcement resources are available when they are needed most.

Kitsap County’s alarm ordinance requires alarm activations reported to Kitsap 911 for law enforcement response to be verified before deputies are dispatched, with certain exceptions for panic alarms and emergencies involving fire or medical assistance.

This page explains alarm verification requirements, false alarm penalties, the appeal process, and ways to help prevent accidental alarm activations.

Alarm Ordinance

Effective March 22, 2021, Kitsap County adopted an alarm verification requirement to help reduce unnecessary law enforcement responses to false alarms.

Before an alarm company or monitoring service requests a law enforcement response through Kitsap 911, the alarm must be verified using one or more of the approved methods below.

What qualifies as a verified alarm?

Verification may include:

On-site confirmation: The alarm user or another person confirms an emergency at the property.
Audio or video evidence: Real-time audio or video provides evidence of an emergency.
Multiple-zone activation: Multiple alarm zones activate at the same location, meeting the ordinance's verification criteria.
Secondary response: A private responder or another designated person confirms an emergency at the property.

When an alarm company provides real-time audio or video evidence, that evidence must be made available to Kitsap 911 no later than 24 hours after public safety personnel are dispatched.

Exceptions: Verification is not required for fire alarms, medical emergencies, or panic alarms.

Why is verification required?

Between 2017 and 2019, KCSO deputies responded to 10,221 alarm activations. Approximately 98.9% of those calls were false alarms, using the Sheriff's Office's conservative estimate.

False alarms consume valuable time and resources that could otherwise be used to respond to emergencies, prevent crime, and serve the community.

The verification requirement encourages responsible alarm use and helps ensure that law enforcement responses are prioritized when there is evidence of a possible emergency.

For more information, see the ordinance.

Alarm Registration

Residents and businesses are no longer required to obtain an alarm permit or pay an alarm registration fee through Kitsap County.

Alarm companies must maintain current contact information for their customers, including primary alarm users and at least two alternate responders who can access the alarm system when needed.

If you use a monitored alarm system, make sure your alarm company has accurate contact information and knows whom to contact if an alarm activates.

False Alarms and Penalties

A false alarm occurs when an alarm activation results in a request for public safety assistance even though there is no situation requiring an emergency response. This includes certain alarm activations caused by normal environmental conditions or the cancellation of an unverified dispatch request after deputies arrive.

False alarms can result from user error, malfunctioning equipment, pets, or other preventable causes.

Who receives the penalty?

The penalty is assessed to the alarm company or individual monitoring the alarm who reported the false alarm. Depending on the terms of your service agreement, an alarm company may pass the cost on to its customer.

Review your alarm service contract to understand any additional fees or penalties that may apply.

False alarm penalty schedule

Under the county's alarm ordinance, administrative penalties are:

First violation: $150.
Second or subsequent violations within a continuous 12-month period: $150 to $500.

Penalties are payable to the Kitsap County Sheriff's Office and deposited into the Sheriff's Office crime prevention fund.

Payment is due within 30 days. Past-due penalties may be subject to a $25 late fee, reasonable administrative costs, and collection fees.

Appealing a False Alarm Penalty

If you believe a false alarm penalty was issued incorrectly, you may submit a written appeal to the Kitsap County Sheriff's Office Alarm Appeals Administrator.

How to submit an appeal

Complete the False Alarm Fee Appeal Form.
Identify the penalty or administrative decision you are appealing.
Explain the reasons for your appeal and include any supporting documentation.
Submit the completed form and supporting materials by email or mail.

Email: kcsorecords@kitsap.gov

Mail to:

Alarm Appeals Administrator
Kitsap County Sheriff's Office
614 Division Street, MS-37
Port Orchard, WA 98366

The appeal process includes a review of your request and supporting documentation. A written decision is generally issued within 14 days of the administrator receiving the appeal. The administrator may reduce or waive a penalty or reverse an administrative decision when appropriate. The decision is final, and payment is due upon issuance of the written decision.

Reasons an appeal may not be approved

Appeals are not generally granted for reasons such as:

Faulty, defective, improperly installed, or malfunctioning alarm equipment.
Improper alarm monitoring or maintenance.
Alarm activations during equipment repairs or service.
Accidental activation by an authorized user, visitor, contractor, or cleaning crew.
Pets, wildlife, or moving objects triggering motion detectors.
Doors or windows triggering sensors without evidence of criminal activity.
Failure to properly train authorized users or maintain the alarm system.

This list is provided as a general guide and does not include every circumstance that may affect an appeal decision.

Important: Review the deadline stated on your penalty notice and the current appeal form before submitting your appeal.

False Alarms and Fines

You can help reduce false alarms by maintaining your alarm system and ensuring everyone who uses it understands how it works.

Before activating your alarm

Make sure all protected doors and windows are securely closed and locked.
Confirm that everyone authorized to use the system knows how to arm and disarm it.
Share the correct alarm code and monitoring company's phone number with authorized users.
Keep pets, balloons, fans, heaters, and moving curtains away from motion detectors.
Learn how to cancel an accidental alarm and make sure everyone with access to your property knows the process.
Notify your alarm company before testing, repairing, or servicing your system.

At home

Secure doors and windows to prevent accidental sensor activation.
Consider a pet-friendly system if animals move freely throughout your home.
Keep motion detectors free of dust, insects, and other obstructions.
Be aware that moving plants, curtains, and balloons may trigger motion sensors.

At your business

Secure swinging doors and windows.
Keep banners, signs, balloons, and other moving objects away from motion detectors.
Secure items that could fall and trigger sensors.
Train employees and temporary staff on proper alarm operation.
Make sure alarm equipment is protected from impacts during business operations.

Maintain your alarm system

Contact your alarm company before making changes that could affect your system, including renovations, rearranging office spaces, installing ceiling fans or skylights, changing phone systems, or replacing alarm batteries.

Notify your alarm company if you acquire a pet or change the people responsible for accessing your home or business.

What should I do if I accidentally activate my alarm?

Remain calm and enter your disarm code to reset the system.
Follow your alarm company's instructions for confirming your identity, such as providing your password or identification number.
Contact your monitoring company using the number provided with your system if you need to cancel an accidental alarm.
Confirm that the monitoring company has received the cancellation and knows that no emergency exists.

If you cannot reach your monitoring company or there is evidence of an actual emergency, contact emergency services as appropriate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to register my alarm with Kitsap County?

No. Alarm permits and associated county registration fees are no longer required. Your alarm company must maintain the required contact information for monitored alarm systems.

Will deputies respond if my alarm activates?

Law enforcement dispatch requests generally require verification before deputies are dispatched. Fire alarms, medical emergencies, and panic alarms are exempt from the verification requirement.

Does the verification requirement apply if I press my panic button or use a duress code?

No. Panic alarms are exempt from the verification requirement. If you are experiencing an emergency, call 911.

Can an alarm company charge me for a false alarm?

Yes. Although the county penalty is assessed to the alarm company or individual monitoring the alarm, your service agreement may allow the company to pass the cost on to you. Check your contract for details.

Will verification delay a response to a real emergency?

The purpose of verification is to help identify alarm activations that indicate a possible emergency. Verified alarms provide information that can help dispatchers prioritize law enforcement responses. Fire, medical, and panic alarms do not require verification.

What should I do if I disagree with a false alarm penalty?

Submit a completed False Alarm Fee Appeal Form with an explanation and supporting documentation. Follow the deadline and submission instructions on your notice and the current appeal form.

What are the most common causes of false alarms?

Common causes include user error, unsecured doors and windows, pets or wildlife, visitors or contractors who are unfamiliar with the system, moving objects, and equipment malfunctions.

Who can I contact with questions?

For questions about the county's alarm ordinance or the false alarm appeal process, contact the Kitsap County Sheriff's Office.

Kitsap County Sheriff's Office
614 Division Street, MS-37
Port Orchard, WA 98366
Phone: 360-337-7101
Email: kcsorecords@kitsap.gov

For alarm system maintenance, monitoring, or technical support, contact your alarm company.

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