For residents of Maricopa, the familiar nuisance of a false alarm has a larger footprint than one might think—it pulls police away from other emergencies. That's why, since 2005, Maricopa's Alarm Ordinance has been in effect, aiming to cut down these false alarms and the ensuing drain on law enforcement resources. Homeowners with monitored alarm systems are required to register with the city and pay a yearly fee of $20, designed to support the administrative side of this public safety program. As detailed in a recent statement, Police Chief Mark Goodman emphasized that this fee is meant to prompt residents "to take their responsibilities seriously."
Under the ordinance, a first-time false alarm could result to quietly deal with a $50 fine, but don't worry—repeat offenses will see this fee increase. To avoid the sting of such charges, the city has laid out a few straightforward steps: register your alarm, get comfortable with your system to deactivate it if necessary, and collaborate closely with your alarm company to understand what caused the alarm to go off. PM AM Corporation is tasked with handling the Alarm Permit Program, as per a note, and any communication concerning fees or registration is funneled through this third-party company. Should you find yourself faced with a fine, you can sidestep this financial hit by taking an "alarm awareness class" within 30 days, as outlined on the city's news page.
There’s an educational angle to this as well. Maricopa Police Chief Mark Goodman was quoted saying, "Every member of our community plays an important role in keeping Maricopa safe." Residents taking part in the Alarm Ordinance program aren't just skirting potential fines, they're actively contributing to the city's safety net by understanding and properly managing their alarm systems.
Those looking to duly register their alarm system—or simply to learn more about this entire initiative—should head directly over to the dedicated portal managed by PM AM Corporation, according to the city's official communication.
