Frequently Asked Questions

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1. How does the Sheriff’s Office find out I have an alarm?

There are currently no alarm systems directly connected to the Sheriff’s Office however, there are several different ways the Sheriff’s Office can be notified of a locations alarm system.

1. Many alarm companies advise new clients that the Sheriff’s Office may require an alarm system operation permit and advise them to contact the Sheriff’s Office for details.
2. Monitored alarm systems are maintained by your chosen alarm company. If an alarm is activated the monitoring company calls the Sheriff’s Office dispatch center with a request for service to the alarm location. The monitoring company then gives the dispatcher the alarm address, business or residence name and area of activation. The call is logged; officers are dispatched to the alarm location. Alarm companies do not supply the Sheriff’s Office with records of existing alarm owners, nor do they notify the police if an alarm has been disconnected.
3. Dispatchers also receive calls from neighboring residents and business owners if an audible alarm is ringing. Officers are dispatched at that time.
4. Officers on patrol sometimes hear audible alarms and respond to the location.

2. What kind of alarm requires an alarm permit?

Permitting requirements only apply to monitored security systems. Residents owning cameras or other security devices that are not monitored by a security company or trigger a law enforcement response upon activation are not mandated to obtain a permit under County Code Chapter 916.

3. What happens if I do not pay the permit fee?

If an annual permit is not paid the location is still monitored for false alarms. If a false alarm occurs the alarm owner is assessed a fine for each false alarm and is billed accordingly. If false alarm fines are not paid the charges are sent to collections.

4. Will I be mailed a paper permit?

No. Humboldt County does not issue paper alarm user permits. You are issued a permit number and your permit information is kept in a computer database at the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office.

5. When do I have to renew my permit?

Permit renewals occur every 2 years on the same date as the initial permit inception.

6. Will I be notified when my renewal payment is due?

Yes. You will be sent a renewal notice by mail.

7. What is a false alarm?

A false alarm is any alarm (silent or audible) that requires police response that turns out to be a non-emergency. This includes operator error and system mal functions. If Deputies arrive at a location that is locked and secured, no attempt of break-in is found, and no persons are on scene it is usually considered a false alarm. If natural forces like earthquake or severe winds is to blame for the false alarm, then it does not count as a chargeable false alarm. Deputies may also use discretion if there are other circumstances that should be considered to classify the false alarm as not chargeable.

8. How many false alarms am I allowed with a paid permit?

Effective April 23rd, 2021; with a paid permit each location is permitted two non-invoiced false alarms each calendar year. Each additional alarm accrues an additional $50 fee; for example: 3rd false alarm $50.00. 4th false alarm $100.00, 5th false alarm $150.00, 6th false alarm $200.00. Please note if your alarm system has 6 or more false alarms within a 6-month period you may be subject to possible revocation of your permit.