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| Alarms & Permits |
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| Alarms Unit |
| For years the Police Department would send officers to several thousand alarm calls a year that would turn out to be “false alarms”. These “false alarms” were usually the result of a mechanical problem, employee error, or weather related. Officers were responding unnecessarily to incidents when their time could have been used more productively elsewhere in the city. |
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| Since the inception of the Alarm Program in 1996, which is coordinated by a Community Service Officer (CSO), the number of “false alarms” has been reduced. Businesses and homeowners are now required to apply for an alarm permit issued by the police department. Alarm Installation companies are also required to meet quality control standards that have been established by the police department to ensure that their customers are receiving first rate service. Repeat offenders where the problem of false alarms is not corrected are billed for the police department’s emergency response. In 2001 offenders were fined $180,600 dollars and payment was made to the City’s Finance Department. In 2002 approximately $160,00 in fines was levied against noncompliant alarm locations. |
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| The CSO assigned to the Alarm Unit meets frequently with alarm companies along with business owners and homeowners to assist them with their questions and problems. Training sessions are provided for citizens and business owners on the proper care and maintenance of their alarm systems. The unit will also assist with the proper placement of alarm sensors, control panels, etc. The incidents of false alarms has been significantly reduced in the last two years due to the training efforts. |
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| Permits Unit |
| The Permits Unit is part of the Community Services Unit and is staffed by a Police Officer and a Community Services Officer. The primary responsibility of this unit involves the oversight of businesses regulated by city and state laws. The unit regulates and maintains records of (87) different businesses in the city and approximately 500 individual permit holders. |
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| The businesses that come under the scrutiny of the unit includes: 13 licensed bingo organizations, 10 taxicab companies with approximately 350 drivers, 19 massage establishments with 45 licensed massage therapists, 7 firearm dealers, 8 second hand dealers, 2 pawnshops, 3 contracted tow companies with 15 truck drivers, 14 solicitor businesses with 32 individual permit holders, 2 fortune tellers, 10 charitable solicitors, 5 tattoo parlors, and 4 adult bookstores. The Permits Unit closely works in conjunction with State and County agencies regarding the approval of liquor permits, business “close out” sales permits, tax delinquency sales, auctions, carnivals, liquor stores, bars, and other public events. |
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| The unit also assists with the Voluntary Tow Program as part of the on-going Neighborhood Improvement Program. |
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| The unit conducts quarterly advisory meetings, weekly and monthly inspections, yearly renewals, and investigates complaints against the regulated businesses to ensure full compliance with all the appropriate laws and regulations. A good deal of the unit’s time is devoted to educating the business owners about the law and the majority of the time voluntary compliance is achieved. The Permits Unit in 2002 investigated (8) illegitimate massage operations resulting in 3 business closures and there are 5 cases pending formal enforcement action and prosecution. |
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| The Permits Unit provides support to the other members of the Community Services Unit at the various city events such as the Art and Wine Festival and the July 4th celebration in Central Park. |
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| Related Links |
Alarm Permit
Application
User Information
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