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If you\u2019re a Lubbock<\/a> resident who recently opened your mailbox and found a letter from the city about your home or business alarm system, you might\u2019ve wondered if it was some kind of scam. The good news? It\u2019s 100% legit.<\/p>\n Download the KKCL Mobile App Now<\/a><\/p>\n Starting this month, the City of Lubbock\u2019s<\/a> new alarm ordinance officially goes into effect. The change was approved by the Lubbock City Council<\/a> and aims to reduce the staggering number of false alarms the Lubbock Police Department<\/a> responds to each year\u2014about 18,000, with over 95% of them being false.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n READ MORE: Lubbock Just Got a Huge Tech Upgrade, Thanks to the State of Texas<\/a><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n What You Need to Know About Alarm Permits<\/p>\n If you already have an alarm permit, don\u2019t worry\u2014it 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.<\/p>\n For most homeowners, the application fee is $50, but if you\u2019re 65 or older, that drops to $25. You\u2019ll need to fill out a form that includes your name, address, monitoring company, and at least one emergency contact.<\/p>\n 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<\/a> under Crime & Safety \u2192 False Alarm Information.<\/p>\n Keep It Cool, Lubbock<\/p>\n 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\u2019t make things go any faster.<\/p>\nCity of LubbockWhy the Change Was Needed<\/p>\n
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