Wilmington, DE
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Register Alarm System and Pay Fees Online
False alarms account for 50% of all alarm activation calls responded to by the Wilmington Police Department. To reduce the unnecessary calls for service and to better utilize police resources, all owners of electronic security systems in the City of Wilmington MUST obtain a permit.
What is a false alarm?
An alarm is false when, upon inspection by the City of Wilmington Police Department, evidence indicates that no unauthorized entry, robbery or other such crime was committed or attempted in or on the premises which would have activated a properly functioning alarm system.
What is the fee for a false alarm?
Per permit year, fees for the first two false alarms at a permitted address are waived. Fees for subsequent alarms are as follows:
| False Alarms | Resident | Commercial | Unregistered Systems |
| 1st | No fee | No fee | $100 each response |
| 2nd | No fee | No fee | |
| 3rd | $100 | $250 | |
| 4th | $200 | $400 | |
| 5th or more | $250 | $550 |
If police respond to an unregistered alarm the fee issued to the owner will be $100.
What happens if I fail to pay a fee?
If fees are not paid within 30 days of receiving an invoice, a $25 late fee will be assessed to your account.
Who needs a security alarm permit?
Any person or entity (corporation, partnership, proprietorship, government, educational institution, etc.) owning or leasing a security alarm system, or on whose premises a security alarm system is maintained for protection of the property must have a permit. This includes hold-up, panic and burglar alarms. This does not include fire, car, or medical alert systems.
What is the permit for?
The permit allows you to operate a security alarm system in the City of Wilmington. Permits also provide the Wilmington Police Department with necessary information. With a valid permit, police will respond to an alarm activation.
What happens when my alarm is activated?
If your security alarm system is monitored, the monitoring company will contact the police department. If your alarm system is not monitored, someone must initiate the call to the police.