Benefits to Using CentralSquare’s False Alarm Management System 

The U.S. Department of Justice estimates that 98% percent of emergency alarm calls across the nation are false alarms.  

These false alarms, often triggered by security systems in homes or businesses, can substantially strain the resources of agencies. Public safety agencies face a significant challenge with false alarms, which demand an effective management solution. 

Every false alarm requires a response, diverting personnel and equipment away from genuine emergencies and other critical tasks. This not only leads to unnecessary expenditure of time and effort but also increases the risk to the community by potentially delaying responses to real situations that require immediate attention. 

The financial impact of responding to false alarms is another major concern for public safety agencies. Each false alarm response involves costs related to staff time, vehicle usage, fuel and maintenance, cumulatively amounting to millions of dollars annually. These resources could be more effectively utilized in addressing real emergencies  

Thus, having a robust false alarm management system is essential.  

It not only streamlines the administrative process but also helps in accurately identifying and reducing the number of false alarms. By doing so, agencies can ensure that their resources are allocated effectively, improving their overall response to emergencies and enhancing the safety and security of the communities they serve. 

CentralSquare CryWolf® (False Alarm Management) 

CentralSquare’s CryWolf® (False Alarm Management) system provides a comprehensive approach to this widespread issue. It covers every facet of alarm program management, including the registration and renewal of alarm systems, tracking and processing of false alarms and the management of fees and fines.  

The services are customized to align with the specific business objectives of each agency, making CryWolf a valuable partner in reducing false alarms and increasing citizen compliance and engagement. 

The implementation of CryWolf has led to a reduction in false alarms, by more than 80%. This significant decrease frees up time for dispatchers and responders to focus on real emergencies.  

The system prioritizes efficiency with the ability to process up to 250 violations in just 40 minutes. Additionally, our solution has resulted in a substantial increase in permit registrations and collection rate of fees and fines, exceeding 85%. 

Our false alarm management services are offered on a risk-free, revenue-share basis. This model is financially beneficial for agencies as it requires no upfront costs for system development, licensing, implementation, or equipment.  

Instead, service fees are based on a percentage of the revenue collected from the alarm program, making it a cost-effective solution for managing false alarms. This approach not only aids in financial management but also ensures that agencies can focus their resources where they are most needed, improving overall community safety and efficiency. 

Key Benefits of CentralSquare’s False Alarm Management System 

Alarm Permit Management. A primary feature of CryWolf is its robust alarm permit management capability. This feature simplifies the complexities associated with the registration, renewal, and tracking of alarm permits. By automating and organizing these tasks, CryWolf® significantly reduces the administrative burden on agencies, ensuring that permits are kept current and accurately tracked. This not only aids in maintaining an up-to-date database but also helps in identifying and addressing any permit compliance issues promptly. 

Customized False Alarm Processing. Another crucial aspect of the system is its customized false alarm processing. This service is tailored to each agency’s specific ordinance, ensuring that the handling of false alarms aligns precisely with local regulations and requirements. This customization is vital for ensuring that the response to false alarms is both effective and compliant with local policies, thereby enhancing the overall management of these incidents. 

Data Integration. Data integration plays a vital role in the effectiveness of CryWolf. The system seamlessly integrates alarm incident data from Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) systems. This integration ensures that data is accurately and quickly transferred, allowing for real-time tracking and analysis of false alarm incidents. This feature is critical for making informed decisions and for the efficient allocation of resources. 

Distinct Rules and Correspondence. CryWolf also offers distinct rules and correspondence for different services, such as law enforcement and fire services. This distinction acknowledges the unique needs and operational procedures of each service, allowing for more targeted and effective communication strategies. By customizing the approach to each service, CryWolf ensures that the specific requirements of each department are met, improving overall response and management. 

Customized Communication. Customized communication is another key benefit. CryWolf generates agency-specific notices, forms, and invoices, which enhances the clarity and relevance of communications with the public. This customization ensures that all correspondence is pertinent and clearly understood, thereby improving engagement and compliance among community members. 

Efficient Billing and Collections. Efficient billing and collections management is a core functionality of the system. By handling billings, receivables, and collections efficiently, it relieves agencies of the burden of managing these financial processes manually. This efficiency not only optimizes financial management but also ensures timely and accurate billing and collection of fees associated with false alarms. 

Secure Payment Processing. Secure payment processing is another vital feature of CryWolf®. The system utilizes FDIC-insured bank lockbox services and PCI-compliant online payment portals, ensuring that all transactions are secure and reliable. This security is essential for building trust with the community and for the protection of sensitive financial information. 

Support for Hearings and Appeals. CryWolf also provides comprehensive support for hearings and appeals related to false alarms. This support ensures that the processes are managed fairly and transparently, offering a clear avenue for individuals to contest or appeal decisions related to false alarms. This feature is crucial for maintaining public trust and for ensuring that the appeals process is accessible and equitable. 

Informative Reporting. Finally, informative reporting is a significant advantage offered by CryWolf. The system delivers detailed statistics and account reconciliations related to the alarm program, providing agencies with valuable insights into the performance and impact of their false alarm management strategies. This reporting is essential for continuous improvement, allowing agencies to identify trends, assess the effectiveness of their approaches, and make data-driven decisions to enhance their false alarm management processes. 

From an Agency’s Perspective 

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department serves a large area with approximately 1,800 sworn officers and 500 support staff. As a large department in a major city, they faced a substantial challenge in managing a high volume of false alarm calls.  

To address this, they turned to CentralSquare’s False Alarm Management System, which significantly improved their ability to handle these alarms. 

By outsourcing the building and tracking of false alarms to CentralSquare, the department was able to manage the increasing number of alarm users and calls more efficiently.  

Before using CentralSquare’s technology, the department was dealing with around 120,000 alarm calls a year. This number has significantly decreased to about 30,000, despite the number of alarm users rising drastically over the same period. 

A notable benefit was its administrative efficiency. The department found the system helpful in managing collections, tracking alarms using the software, and achieving a high collection rate of around 95%. This ensured timely mailing and fine submissions. 

Using CryWolf also offered significant advantages in terms of accessibility and user experience. Department personnel were able to access permit information and alarm histories in real-time using mobile devices like iPads and phones, especially useful during on-site visits. This feature greatly improved operational efficiency. 

When evaluating the costs and benefits of managing false alarms internally versus outsourcing, the department concluded that outsourcing with CentralSquare’s technology was more cost-effective. They recognized that this approach not only alleviated the workload of their staff but also allowed for maintaining high-quality interactions with the community. 

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg PD’s partnership with CentralSquare has been instrumental in reducing the volume of false alarm calls and enhancing operational efficiency.  

Learn More for Your Agency 

By reducing the incidence of false alarms, enhancing compliance and ensuring efficient resource allocation, CryWolf plays a crucial role in improving false alarm management. As a result, agencies can redirect their focus and resources to where they are most needed. 

Watch our free webinar to learn more about CryWolf and how other agencies are benefiting from CentralSquare’s technology.