If you’re a Lubbock resident who recently opened your mailbox and found a letter from the city about your home or business alarm system, you might’ve wondered if it was some kind of scam. The good news? It’s 100% legit.
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Starting this month, the City of Lubbock’s new alarm ordinance officially goes into effect. The change was approved by the Lubbock City Council and aims to reduce the staggering number of false alarms the Lubbock Police Department responds to each year—about 18,000, with over 95% of them being false.
Every time an alarm goes off, two LPD officers are automatically dispatched because of the potential danger involved. But when the alarm turns out to be false (and it usually is), that response pulls officers away from real emergencies.
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So, the city decided it was time to cut down on unnecessary calls and free up valuable police resources. The updated ordinance includes a new permitting process and potential fees for repeat false alarms, which city leaders hope will encourage residents and businesses to maintain their systems properly.
What You Need to Know About Alarm Permits
If you already have an alarm permit, don’t worry—it remains valid until it expires. Once the new system is ready, the city will notify everyone about how to renew or apply for a permit.
For most homeowners, the application fee is $50, but if you’re 65 or older, that drops to $25. You’ll need to fill out a form that includes your name, address, monitoring company, and at least one emergency contact.
You can grab the application at the Lubbock Police Department Records counter (1205 15th Street) from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, or download it directly from lubbockpolice.com under Crime & Safety → False Alarm Information.
Keep It Cool, Lubbock
City officials also ask residents to be patient and kind with staff who are fielding questions. Change can be frustrating, but being rude to the folks in Records won’t make things go any faster.
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Let’s all work together to keep Lubbock’s first responders focused where they’re needed most—and keep those alarm calls real.
For questions, you can contact pjones@mylubbock.us or call (806) 775-3041.
Lubbock Police Department – ‘Coffee With a Cop’ 2025Gallery Credit: Landon King 
