Security Alarm Responsibilities

False Alarm Reduction Unit | Installer/Service Provider | Alarm Operator/User

False Alarm Reduction Unit (FARU)*

The Lee County Sheriff’s Office False Alarm Reduction Unit (FARU) was established for the purpose enforcing the new ordinances by regulating and reducing the number of false alarms to which the deputies respond each year within the city of Bonita Springs, town of Fort Myers Beach and the unincorporated areas of Lee County. This office will administer both ordinances from one central office located at 14750 Six-Mile Cypress Parkway. The FARU is a member of the False Alarm Reduction Association and the Alarm Association of Florida and complies with guidelines to reduce false dispatches.

Goals of the FARU

To maximize public awareness of false alarm issues and their impact on our local emergency response personnel including deputies, fire and emergency medical services.
To develop and promote programs which will address abuse and waste of emergency resources, reduce unnecessary safety risks posed to County emergency response personnel and citizens during false alarm responses, and reduce the number of false alarm dispatches within Lee County.

Responsibilities of FARU

Register alarm companies.
Issue alarm permits.
Send notification of false alarms.
Bill alarm users for excessive false alarms.
Inspect and upgrades of alarm systems.
Coordinate the informal appeals process.

Alarm Installer/Monitoring Service Provider Responsibilities*

Register annually with the F.A.R.U.
Register and obtain a permit from the F.A.R.U. for each alarm system put into service, prior to putting the alarm system into service.
Have a permit number to work on any alarm system.
Provide all alarm users with full training on the alarm system.
Inform the alarm user of the requirements of the alarm ordinance.
Certify that this training and information has been provided and that the alarm system meets or exceeds installation standards. This certification will be provided in writing on an Installation Certification.
Attempt to verify most alarms before requesting emergency dispatch:
- The service provider will call the residence or business and emergency contacts listed to determine if the alarm is false.**

- If the alarm is determined to be false, law enforcement will not be called.

- If law enforcement is already called and alarm is determined to be false, the service provider will immediately attempt to cancel the emergency dispatch. ONLY the alarm monitoring service may cancel an alarm call and must do so to the Combined Communications Center. Fines will not be charged for false alarm calls cancelled prior to the arrival of emergency responders.

**Alarms activated by the user for duress, robbery, hold-up and special medical alarms are exempt and law enforcement will be contacted without verification. These types of dispatches cannot be cancelled.
Notify the F.A.R.U. in writing whenever there is a change in ownership.

Alarm Operator/User Responsibilities*

Ensure your alarm is registered.
Have a current list of at least two emergency contacts on file with F.A.R.U.
Inform the F.A.R.U. of any change regarding your alarm company, mailing address, or emergency contact information within 15 days.
Make certain your house numbers are easily visible from the street, day and night.
Notify the FARU in writing when there is a change in ownership of the property.
Will be fined for false alarms according to an established schedule.
Must pay the imposed false alarm fees unless successfully appealed.
Alarm permits are not transferrable to other persons or businesses.

Security Alarm Responsibilities