False Alarm Fees

As of June 10th, 2020, the City of Mequon implemented a new fee schedule which includes changes to the alarm fees the Police Department charges for false alarms. 

The new fee schedule is:

1st                                             $0 (warning)
2nd                                            $200
3rd                                             $300
4th and subsequent               $400

Q. Why do police respond, even after I tried to cancel them?

A. There are many ways to accidentally set off an alarm (forgot it was activated and opened door, a pet, a balloon, a serviceman, etc.) but nonetheless, the Police Department has to treat each one as real until proven otherwise. The vast majority are false, but the Department can’t ASSUME that and be caught off guard or unprepared if it is fact a burglary or other crime in progress. Some people have called and tried to cancel the police response after their alarm company has contacted the Police Department. By then it is too late; the officers are on the way and must determine the validity of the call themselves. It is similar to a 911 hang-up call. The dispatcher calls the number back and speaks with the caller who hung up. They might report that everything is okay, but the department responds to make sure that no one is forcing them to say that. It is unlikely, but not impossible, that someone who just broke into a house is pointing a weapon and forcing them to say everything is fine, when it isn’t. That is the reality of today’s world and the service level that the Department provides to Mequon residents, for the safety of everyone.

Q. Can I still get a warning and have the fee waived?

A. Unless responding officers find evidence of a crime, an emergency, or a fire, the alarm is considered false and is subject to the existing fee schedule.

Q. What about alarms caused by the weather?

A. Alarms caused by tornadoes, severe weather, or other acts of nature are not considered a false alarm and are not subject to the aforementioned fee schedule.