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1. What can I do to prevent false alarms?

Make sure you – as well as all users of your alarm system (such as residents, employees or guests) – are trained on how to use it. Secure all of your windows and doors before activating your alarm.

Know and rehearse the process for cancelling an accidental alarm. Notify your alarm company immediately if you have any problems with your system.

Be aware of common problems that can lead to false alarms, such as: weak alarm system; backup batteries; open, unlocked or loose fitting doors and windows; party decorations, such as helium-filled balloons; wandering pets; improper application or installation of motion detectors; failure to properly train other users.

2. Who is Alarm Tracking and Billing Services (ATB)?

The City of Issaquah has contracted with ATB Services, which is located in Colorado, to administer its false alarm reduction program.

You may receive information from ATB Services with the Issaquah Police Department logo, but the ATB Services address and telephone number. That's OK - it is legitimate communication about Issaquah’s program.

3. What if I purchase a new alarm system?

Your alarm company is required to notify the City of Issaquah of your installation – as well as collect and forward your registration application and fee – within seven days of installation.

4. Why does the City have a false alarm reduction program?

In 2008 alone, the Issaquah police officers responded to 1,035 burglary, robbery or duress alarms. Of those alarms, 99.2 percent were false alarms.

Responding to these false alarms can unnecessarily cost Issaquah – and its taxpayers – thousands of dollars each year. In addition, officers responding to these false alarms are not able to respond to actual emergencies or conduct preventative patrol.

5. When did the City’s new alarm rules take affect?

On July 20, 2009, the Issaquah City Council approved a revised alarm ordinance, which became effective Aug. 3, 2009.

Alarms must be registered with the City by Oct. 2, 2009.

6. What is considered a false alarm?

A “false alarm” occurs when Issaquah Police respond to an alarm dispatch and – after conducting an investigation of the site – find no evidence that a criminal offense, or attempted criminal offense, has occurred.

7. Who is required to register their alarms?

All residents and businesses located inside the City of Issaquah are required to register their alarms. Fire or auto alarms, however, do not need to be registered.

8. How do I register my existing alarm?

Your alarm company will facilitate the initial registration and fee payment for your alarm. The permit fees are:

Commercial and residential alarms: $24
Seniors 62 years or older (this only applies to residential alarms, and the senior must be an owner or lessee): $12
Permanently disabled: $12

9. How long does the permit last?

Permits are valid for two years. Alarm users who do not have a false alarm during their two-year permit period can renew their permit without paying another fee.

Alarm users will be contacted by Alarm Tracking and Billing Services (ATB) to facilitate permit renewals.

10. What are the fines for a false alarm?

Each false burglar alarm: $100
Each false robbery or panic alarm: $200
In addition, a $200 fine is charged if the alarm site does not have a valid permit for each police response. Notification and invoices for false alarms are mailed directly by Alarm Tracking and Billing Services (ATB).

11. Can I appeal the fines?

Yes. For more information on the appeal process, call Alarm Tracking and Billing Services (ATB) at 1- 866-950-9901.

12. What if I cancel the false alarm?

If an alarm is cancelled before an officer arrives on scene, it will not count as a false alarm, and no fine will be charged. Call your alarm company to cancel an alarm; do NOT call 9-1-1 to cancel it.

13. What if I have only had one false alarm?

You will still receive an invoice for a fine. However, the City of Issaquah provides a one-time opportunity to have the fine waived for the first false alarm upon the successful completion of an online false alarm awareness training. Access online training.

14. When may police not respond to my alarm?

Police response to alarms may be suspended:

After five false alarms occur at a single address within the two-year permit period.
If registration fees or previous false-alarm fines are not paid.
If your alarm company does not comply with the City’s ordinance.

15. What is Enhanced Call Verification and Burglar Alarm Confirmation?

Issaquah’s Enhanced Call Verification and Burglar Alarm Confirmation requirements makes alarm companies more accountable by requiring them to verify – through phone calls or other means – a burglar alarm before contacting police.