Frequently Asked Questions

Public Safety responds to an average of 1660 alarm calls each year, all of which are considered urgent. That's about 4-5 each day. Of those alarm responses, only 22% are actual alarms set off by criminal activity or hazardous situations. 78% of all alarm calls are unfounded. Many cities have adopted strict false alarm laws in order to inform the public and encourage property and business owners' involvement to reduce false alarm responses.

Alarm companies do not always have current or complete emergency contact information for the properties with an alarm. This can lead to officers being unable to access secured properties. Having your alarm registered with a minimum of two emergency contacts helps us make notifications if the alarm company can't. Also, knowing the types of alarms the property has can also make a difference in how officers determine their response to the alarm.

If you've received the letter, it's because Public Safety was notified of an alarm in which police or fire resources were sent and was determined to be unfounded. The Public Safety department sends letters to notify businesses and residents of the false alarm in order to increase awareness and address any malfunctioning equipment.

Your first false alarm of the calendar year is free of charge. After that, the 2nd alarm is $50, 3rd alarm is $100 and then $150 for each additional false alarm. These reset at the start of each calendar year. Your letter should have the number of false alarms listed, but if you're still not sure, you can call City Hall Finance at 707-585-6760.

Please send payments to City Hall, 130 Avram Avenue, Rohnert Park, CA 94928

If you have a registration form included with your alarm notification letter, please send that to City Hall as well, along with a $30 check for first-time registrations, or $15 for renewals.

Quite often, the alarm company will call Public Safety if they cannot get ahold of the property owner or if the directions on the account are not clear. We advise periodically checking in with your alarm company to review directions on the account as well as have them service your alarm system annually.

High winds, power outages, and even the daily newspaper toss can set off alarm systems. We recommend an annual check-up of your alarm sensors and working with the technician to set up an alarm system that works into your lifestyle effortlessly. Have a trusted person as a backup contact who can reset the alarm if you're not home. Ensure that sensors are in place and secure. If you set it off accidentally, call your alarm company first to cancel them, and Public Safety second to ensure we were cancelled.