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- Services
- Get a Police Record Check
- Criminal Record Check
- Judicial Matters Check
- Vulnerable Sector Check
- Request Your Police Reports
- Freedom of Information Request
- Request a Paid Duty Officer
- Bicycle Registration
- Business with Toronto Police
- Parking Services
- Report a Traffic Collision
- Towing
- Report illegal parking
- Resource Centre
- Form Centre
- Understanding Alarm Response
- Victim & Witness Resources
- Attempt/Threaten Suicide Information on CPIC
- Fingerprint & Photograph Destruction
- Vulnerable Persons Registry
- Book A Divisional Community Room
- Get Your Court Documents
- Conferences & Seminars
- Toronto Shield
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Frequently Asked Questions
Here you will find answers to commonly asked questions regarding general and technical alarm safety and policy.
- Toronto Police Service
- Services
- Understanding Alarm Response
- Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
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Why is the TPS changing the way in which they respond to alarm activations?
The change is intended to reduce police response to false alarms and result in the ability to redirect police resources in a more effective and efficient manner, providing an improved response to other calls for service. Year after year, the majority of alarm activations reported to the TPS have been identified as false (97%). This means, police officers are responding to calls for service where there is no requirement for a police response. The TPS is striving to provide the best possible service to all members of the community. Other agencies that have implemented verified response have seen a reduction in the number of calls for service related to alarm events. By reducing response to false alarm events, the call takers, dispatchers and police officers will be more available to provide response to other calls for service and core police duties and responsibilities.
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What is verified response?
A verified response means there is some form of verification that an unwanted intrusion has occurred. The TPS has defined verified response as: The requirement of validation that criminal activity is occurring/has taken place OR there is imminent threat to personal safety PRIOR to requesting a police response. The verification requirement will apply to burglar alarm activations. It will NOT apply to panic alarm activations.
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Has verified response been implemented in other jurisdictions?
Many North American law enforcement agencies have successfully implemented a verified response protocol and have experienced a reduction in the number of false alarm events responded to.
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When will the requirement for verified response be implemented?
Verified response was implemented on September 10, 2018. Confirmation was communicated to all registered monitoring stations and posted on our website.
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Will the TPS continue to respond to alarm activations?
Yes, the TPS will provide a response to alarm activations; however, a burglar alarm must be verified to confirm an unwanted intrusion prior to requesting a police response. Once the burglar alarm activation has been verified, the TPS will provide a response. The TPS will provide a response to panic alarm activations and a verification process will not be required.
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How is a burglar alarm activation to be verified?
A burglar alarm may be verified using one or more of the following methods: • Audio device; • Video device; • Multiple zone activations; or • An eye witness (i.e. private security or person at scene).
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What is considered to be a burglar alarm?
A burglar alarm activation includes, but is not limited to, alarm distinctions described as burglar, motion, door, window, glass break, etcetera.
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What is considered to be a panic alarm?
A panic alarm activation includes, but is not limited to; alarm distinctions described as panic, hold-up, duress, emergency button, etcetera.
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Why doesn’t the TPS increase the false alarm fee?
An increase in the false alarm fee has not seen a significant reduction in the number of alarms reported and identified to be false. In 2010, the false alarm fee was increased to $130 from $83.50. The number of alarm events reported to the TPS have remained over 23,000 and 97% have been identified as false.
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As an alarm client, what should I do?
Owning and operating an alarm system involves a private contract with a private and for-profit business that is providing a private service. The TPS recommends that alarm clients contact the alarm dealer and/or monitoring station to discuss current alarm system set-up, alarm settings and response options.