The primary goal of the False Alarm Reduction Unit is to reduce the number of false alarms to which the Greenville Police Department responds. This allows police officers to concentrate on other areas of crime prevention and law enforcement. The False Alarm Reduction Unit maintains a database of alarm permits, keeps track of false alarms and false alarm fines, educates employees and citizens, and handles false alarm appeals.

Alarm brochure

Alarm Ordinance Highlights

Registration of all burglar alarm systems that summon the Greenville Police Department through a monitoring service is required. The initial registration fee is $15 with annual renewal just $5. Permits are valid for 12 months from the date of issuance. 

Failure to register a system will result in a $200 fine for your first false alarm if you do not register within 45 days of the false alarm. For registered systems, false alarm fines begin on the second false alarm (third if alarm already has a permit).

Schedule of Fines :

In addition to the foregoing fines, an additional civil penalty for false alarms from a non-permitted alarm system is $200. The additional civil penalty will be waived if the alarm system is permitted within 45 days of the false alarm. The counting of false alarms starts over with each permit renewal. 

Alarm Permit Application/Appeals

Print An Alarm Permit Application (.pdf)

Apply Online For a Permit

False Alarm Appeal

Guidelines to Appeal

Paying Fines

If you have received an invoice from the Greenville False Alarm Reduction Unit  or you are setting up a new account via the website and wish to pay the balance, you can pay online by going to this website or clicking this link:  https://crywolf.greenvillenc.gov/. You will need your account/permit number and password or invoice number and a credit or debit card. Please note that you cannot submit payment via cell phone. A computer is required.

We accept these credit/debit cards: VISA, MASTERCARD, DISCOVER and AMERICAN EXPRESS. 

You can also mail your invoice along with a check or money order made payable to the City of Greenville to the following address:

Greenville False Alarm Reduction Unit
Greenville Police Department
PO Box 7207
Greenville, NC 27835-7207

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