DOVER, Del. (AP) - Delaware officials are working to cut down on the number of false alarms to which law enforcement officials must respond.
Officials say false alarms divert police resources from real emergencies, crimes in progress and routine patrols.
Under a 2007 law, all residents and business owners must register their alarm systems with Cry Wolf, a vendor selected by state police.
The law allows up to three false alarms a year with no penalty. Fines of $50, $75 and $100 are levied for fourth, fifth and sixth offenses, respectively. Subsequent false alarms in the same calendar year are subject to a $250 penalty for each offense.
State police are working to implement the program in areas within their jurisdiction. New Castle County and the cities of Wilmington and Newark already have similar programs.
