A new law approved Nov. 12 by the City of South Fulton Council could help shorten police response times by penalizing home and
business owners for repeated false alarms that take officers away from actual emergencies, according to a press release.
The law holds alarm owners responsible for the proper operation of alarm systems, according to Deputy Police Chief Connie Rogers who said the average response time for police is between 16 and 17 minutes.
“This law will improve public safety and better allocate resources,” Rogers said. “We’ve hired approximately 70 police officers since September 2017. With the passing of the false alarm ordinance, those officers can spend more time responding to true emergencies.”
Under the ordinance, first and second false alarm offenses will not be finable. After the second false alarm, fines will range from $100 for the third, $150 for the fourth and $500 for more than seven false alarms. Police will have the option of not responding to calls at locations with 10 or more false alarms in a year.
City officials also approved a lease purchase agreement providing radios for code enforcement and public safety officers. The new radios will improve efficiency and will facilitate more effective communication among all officers.
The law takes effect Jan. 1.
Information: www.cityofsouthfultonga.gov.
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