How can I help prevent false alarms?

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.

How do I register my alarm system?

If you are not registered with the Town, please complete the registration form on our website, and make your check, money order, cashier's check or certified check payable to “Cornelius False Alarm Reduction Program” and mail to: PO Box 602827 Charlotte, NC 28260. Payment can also be made online on our website by using your account number and password.

What is the cost of an alarm permit registration?

There is a $10 alarm permit fee.

Who determines the fee amount for false alarms?

The Town of Cornelius Board of Commissioners approved the alarm ordinance that outlines the fee structure for false alarms.

Who is required to have an alarm permit/license?

Everyone operating an alarm system inside the town limits is required to register their alarm system.

Is there a fine for operating an alarm without a permit/license?

Failing to register an alarm could result in a $100 fine.

Are false alarms a problem?

Yes, they are. Across the nation, the growth of alarm system ownership has resulted in a tremendous number of false alarms. The response to false alarms has created an additional burden on law enforcement agencies. Nationwide, approximately 99% of all burglar alarms police respond to are false.

What does the Town hope to accomplish by enforcing the false alarm ordinance?

The Town wants to substantially reduce the number of false alarms that the police department responds to, thereby freeing up police resources to respond to emergencies.

Will I be charged for alarm activations that are not false?

No, you will never be charged for an alarm activation that is not false. This ordinance allows charges for false alarms only.

What if my alarm is activated accidentally?

For the first and second false alarm activation each permit year, there is no fee. All additional false alarm activation fees are as follows:

• 3 to 5 $50
• 6 to 7 $100
• 8 to 9 $250
• 10 Plus $500
• Audible Alarm over 15 minutes $100

If I disagree with an assessed fee, can I appeal?

Yes. If you disagree, the ordinance does have an appeal provision. The Alarm User may appeal an assessment of a false alarm fee to the Alarm Administrator or his or her designee by setting forth in writing or online the reasons for the appeal within ten (10) days of the date of the notice sent.

Be sure to include your name, the alarm location, date of the false alarm, your permit number, reasons for the appeal and any supporting evidence. Please mail the appeal to:

Cornelius False Alarm Reduction Program
PO Box 602827
Charlotte, NC 28260

Or email to: corneliusnc@publicsafetycorp.com

The Alarm Administrator or his or her designee will render a decision in writing.

If I disagree with the Alarm Administrator’s or his or her designee’s appeal finding do I have further appeals?

No, the Alarm Administrator or his or her designee’s decision is final.

Do I have to register my car alarm?

No, car alarms do not need to be registered.

Where do I send my check?

The mailing address is:

Cornelius False Alarm Reduction Program
PO Box 602827
Charlotte, NC 28260

Can I pay online?

Yes, you can pay online at https://www.crywolfservices.com/corneliusnc/. You will need to use your account number and password.

What will happen if I do not pay my alarm fees?

Failure to pay the alarm fees is a violation of the Town ordinance and may result in suspension of police response.

Can my alarm registration be suspended?

Yes, it can be suspended from police response. Some of the reasons are failure to make a timely payment of assessed fees, runaway alarms, and not paying the registration fee within 30 days of the initial notification.

I’ve become suspended. How do I reinstate my permit?

If your account has been suspended, you will be required to pay all outstanding fees, including any returned payment fees, and provide satisfactory evidence your alarm system has been inspected and repaired.

What is the effective date for the ordinance?

The most recent alarm ordinance went into effect in October 15, 2012.

I received duplicate alarm invoices at my address. What can I do?

If you received a duplicate alarm invoice, please contact us at (866) 889-2361 so we can delete the incorrect invoice(s). If you are directed to a voicemail box, please leave a message with your name, address, phone number and the account/permit numbers that need to be combined or deleted.

Where can I read or obtain a copy of the ordinance?

The alarm ordinance is posted online at this website.

Who can I call if I have additional questions or comments?

Call us at (866) 889-2361 Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Standard Time.