Frequently Asked Questions
The ordinance was adopted with the intention of lessening on the frequency of unnecessary police response, which is taxing on law enforcement recourses. Over 98% of the alarm signals in the City of Greenville end up being false alarms.
The alarm ordinance is posted online on this website - Article II
Make sure that you immediately report your false alarm to your alarm company, so they can cancel with police dispatch prior to police arrival to your home or business. Ensure that everyone in your household or business has been properly trained on your alarm system. Make sure your alarm system is in good working order and inspected periodically by your alarm company.
Please complete the online registration form
You may also contact the Greenville Police Department - False Alarm Reduction Unit at 888-865-9770 (Monday - Friday 9am - 6pm EST)
Yes, they are. Across the nation, the growth of alarm system ownership has resulted in a tremendous number of false alarms. The response of false alarms has created an additional burden on law enforcement agencies. Nationwide, over 98% percent of all burglar alarms police respond too are false alarms.
Everyone operating an intrusion detection alarm system inside the city limits is required to register their alarm system.
Commercial / Residential Permit Registration Fee: $10.00
Commercial / Residential Annual Permit renewal Fee: $0
Once permitted, the alarm location will renew automatically with no fee.
"False alarm" means the activation of an alarm system through mechanical failure, accident, misoperation, malfunction, misuse, or the negligence of either the alarm user, operator or agent, or any of their employees or agents. False alarms shall not include alarms caused by acts of God, the malfunction of telephone or electrical lines, circuits or other causes which are beyond the control of the alarm user, operator or agent.
False alarms are accumulated during a permit year:
False Alarm Penalty
1st False Alarm: No Charge
2nd False Alarm: $50.00
3rd False Alarm: $100
An alarm location will be placed on Verified Response after it's 3rd False Alarm in a permit year.
No, you will never be charged for an alarm activation that is not false.
A false alarm is defined in the ordinance as the activation of an alarm system when, upon observation by law enforcement, there is no evidence of unauthorized entry, robbery, or other such crime attempted in or on the premises.
Yes, you can pay for any fees due on your account via this website by clicking on the home tab and logging in with credentials initiated by CitySupport and secured by the alarm user.
Greenville Police Department - False Alarm Reduction Unit
P.O. BOX 6496
Greenville, SC 29606
Please contact us via email and let us know the date alarm service was cancelled and with which alarm company.
Appeals process. Assessments of civil penalties and other enforcement decisions made under this article may be appealed by filing a written notice of appeal with the city police department within ten days after the date of notification of the assessment of civil penalties or other enforcement decision. The failure to give notice of appeal within this time period shall constitute a waiver of the right to contest the assessment of penalties or other enforcement decision. Appeals shall be heard through an administrative process established by the city. The hearing officer's decision is subject to review in the circuit court.
Appeal standard. The hearing officer shall review an appeal from the assessment of civil penalties or other enforcement decisions using a preponderance of the evidence standard. Notwithstanding a determination that the preponderance of the evidence supports the assessment of civil penalties or other enforcement decision, the hearing officer shall have the discretion to dismiss or reduce civil penalties or reverse any other enforcement decision where warranted.