The City of Greenville False Alarm Ordinance, Section 12-1-9, defines a “false alarm” as the activation of an alarm system for any reason other than a robbery or unauthorized entry, and a subsequent response by the Greenville Police Department to that alarm site. Activation of an alarm through mechanical or electronic failure, malfunction, improper installation, or the result of negligence of the alarm user, his employees or agents will be deemed a false alarm unless law enforcement response was cancelled by the alarm user or his agent before the Police arrive at the alarm location. An alarm is false within the meaning of this article when, upon inspection by the Greenville 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.

Appeals will NOT be granted for false alarms that are the result of:

1. Faulty, defective, or malfunctioning equipment supplied by an alarm business
2. Improper installation or maintenance by an alarm business
3. Improper monitoring by an alarm business
4. Alarm activations that occur while alarm technicians are repairing or servicing the alarm system
5. An occurrence where no evidence of criminal activity is present
6. Mistakes made by private contractors, maids, cleaning crews, visitors, etc.
7. Items within the home or business that move causing motion detectors to activate (i.e. curtains, signs, balloons, etc.)
8. Glass break detectors which activate due to a noise or sound other than actual glass breakage
9. Door and/or windows that become loose and cause a break in the contacts that activate the alarm system
10. Caretakers who watch homes or businesses when owners are away and who activate the alarm in error or are not familiar with required codes or passwords
11. Pets, rodents or wildlife movement in or near the home or business
12. Alarms caused by apartment management employees

In the case of items 1 and 2 above; if you suspect the false alarm was due to faulty equipment or improper installation contact your alarm company. In such cases, the system should be inspected and repaired where necessary.

This list is intended as a guide to assist you in deciding whether to appeal a false alarm or contact your alarm company for discussion. This list is not intended to cover every situation for which an appeal may be denied.

You may file an electronic appeal with the Greenville False Alarm Reduction Unit by submitting an email.

You may also mail your written appeal to:

Greenville False Alarm Reduction Unit
Greenville Police Department
P.O. Box 7207
Greenville, NC 27835-7207.

Be sure to include your name, the alarm location, date of the false alarm, your permit number, reasons for the appeal, and any supporting evidence. You must file your appeal within 20 days after the date of notification of the assessment of civil penalties or other enforcement decision (suspension or revocation).

Appealing Fines

False Alarm FAQs

Reducing False Alarms