No More Tripped Alarms: Seattle Police Department Now Requires Evidence for Alarm Responses

In a new policy, the Seattle Police Department (SPD) announced they will no longer respond to tripped security alarms unless there is video or audio verification of an actual crime. Activation of motion alarms and sensors will not be enough to warrant a response. This change comes as a response to the high number of false alarms that drain law enforcement resources.

According to SPD, they received approximately 13,000 residential and commercial burglary alarm calls from monitoring companies in 2023. Of these, less than 4% were confirmed to have a crime associated with them that resulted in an arrest or report being written. The new policy went into effect October 1, 2024.

This policy could have significant implications for businesses and homeowners who rely on traditional alarm systems to safeguard their properties. Outdated alarm systems that only provide alerts without any verification features may leave your property vulnerable and without police intervention when needed.

How Security Services Northwest Can Help

Security Services Northwest (SSNW) has the expertise and equipment to help your business adapt to these new regulations. With our alarm systems, we can provide clear evidence when a real threat arises.

Don’t wait until an emergency to realize your alarm system isn’t up to par. By upgrading your security system with Security Services Northwest, we can help you meet these new requirements and obtain the electronic verification needed for a police response. Our team is ready to help you strengthen your home or business’s overall security.

Contact Security Services Northwest today to learn how we can safeguard your business and ensure police response when it matters most.