A false alarm is the activation of an alarm system that results in an RCMP response when no evidence of unauthorized entry, an unlawful act, or an emergency is found.

Common causes of false alarm activation include, but are not limited to:

• testing of the alarm system without prior notice to the RCMP and the monitoring company
• user error, mechanical failure, malfunction, or faulty equipment
• atmospheric conditions, excessive vibration, power failure, or trigger sensitivity

A false alarm does not include alarm activations resulting from proven criminal activity, attempted break-ins, or other legitimate emergencies.

False alarms consume valuable police resources and taxpayer dollars.

In 2025, the RCMP responded to approximately 840 alarm-related calls in Kamloops. Nearly 70% of those calls were determined to be false alarms.

Reducing excessive false alarms helps ensure police resources remain available for emergencies and priority public safety needs.

If you own or occupy a property with a monitored alarm system, you are responsible for:

• ensuring your alarm system is installed, maintained, and operated in such a way as to prevent false alarms
• providing the monitoring agency with at least two contact persons able to attend to an alarm incident within 30 minutes
• ensuring all users, including appropriate contact persons, are trained on how to operate the system
• ensuring contact persons are capable of providing police  with access to the premises

If you are a monitoring agency, you are responsible for:

• ensuring the owner or occupier provides contact information for at least two persons able to attend to an alarm incident within 30 minutes
• making efforts to ensure the alarm is not false before calling the RCMP 
• immediately asking the owner, occupier, or contact person to attend the property within 30 minutes of the request

If you are deemed a contact person for a property with a monitored alarm system, you are responsible for:

• making yourself available to receive telephone calls from the RCMP or monitoring agency in the event of an alarm incident and being able to attend within 30 minutes
• ensuring you are trained on how to operate the alarm system and are capable of providing the RCMP with access to the premises

* False alarms will begin counting toward the new graduated fee schedule on September 1, 2026. Any unpaid service fees incurred before that date will still be payable but will not count toward future fee increases.

** Subject to bylaw provisions and potential additional charges.

Fines and additional charges may apply when:

• the name(s) of appropriate contact persons are not obtained or provided
• an appropriate contact person cannot be reached or fails to attend
• RCMP are required to remain on site awaiting an appropriate contact person for longer than 30 minutes
• alarm users or monitoring companies fail to meet bylaw requirements

Additional standby fees may apply to cover the costs of personnel, vehicles, and equipment.

The RCMP, in its sole and absolute discretion, will determine whether an alarm incident constitutes a false alarm.

If you believe a false alarm service fee has been issued in error, you may request a review by the City's Protective Services Director in writing.

The Protective Services Director may exempt an owner or occupier from all or part of the fees imposed upon consideration of the totality of the circumstances.

Hold-up alarm: a manually activated silent alarm from a commercial property intended to signal that a robbery or other unlawful act is in progress
Intrusion alarm: the activation of an alarm from an alarm system, other than a hold-up alarm or panic alarm
Panic alarm: a manually activated silent alarm from a residential property intended to signal that an intrusion, emergency, or other unlawful act is in progress
 

Hold-up alarm: Your security monitoring company will receive a notification and contact the RCMP to dispatch members to attend the hold-up alarm call.
Intrusion alarm: Your security monitoring company will receive a notification and contact your appropriate contact person(s), who will attend your property to determine whether RCMP attendance is required.
Panic alarm: Your security monitoring company will receive a notification and contact the RCMP to dispatch members to attend the panic alarm call.

No. Alarm activations resulting from proven or attempted criminal activity are not considered false alarms.

Yes. The bylaw applies to alarm systems at both residential and commercial properties.

Property owners or occupiers are responsible for ensuring alarm systems are properly maintained and repaired. Excessive false alarms caused by faulty equipment will result in service fees and/or fines.

Contact your alarm monitoring company immediately to update your records and contact person(s) information.

The Security Alarm System Bylaw takes effect on September 1, 2026.