While at a community watch meeting last night we were discussing false alarm calls and how they impact us. I wanted to share some of the information I dug up on that.
Here are the citywide stats from 2009 on false alarms:
Alarm – Audible = 5003 calls for service
Alarm – Hold-up = 204 calls for service
Alarm – Panic = 134 calls for service
= 5341 Total false alarms
= 53410 Minutes spent resolving false alarms (@ 10 minutes per call)
= 890 Hours spent resolving false alarms
That’s 890 actual hours in 2009 that we spent resolving false alarms and not directly crime fighting. That’s like having one police officer work fulltime for 22 weeks at 40 hours a week just handling false alarms!!
Hopefully by this stat you can see the importance of having an alarm system that is functioning properly and having everyone in your household knowing how to use it. Alarms are a good thing and I do recommend them, however lets be sure they are in proper working order!
If you have any questions, I’m always here to help!
Thank you,
PFC Sean Fay
Crime Prevention / Crime Analyst
Myrtle Beach Police Department