Los Angeles Police Commissioners’ Decision on Verified Alarm Response Stands at City Council

February 4, 2003

"Los Angeles Police Commissioners’ Decision on Verified Alarm Response Stands at City Council"
 
Los Angeles – Today, the Los Angeles City Council opted to support the Police Commission’s decision to verify alarms before dispatching the Los Angeles Police Department. This policy will go into effect on April 15, 2003, after recommendations and input from a City Council-created task force are reviewed and considered by the Police Commission. When in effect, this new policy will instantly free up patrol resources. Currently, officers spend 15% of their time responding to false alarms. Officers will be able to respond to all calls in less time.
There will be no change to the Department’s response to panic calls. These calls are still a top priority and receive immediate response.
In addition, the Los Angeles City Council asked the Police Commission to consider, and if deemed appropriate, adopt, a policy of verified response for all Los Angeles City Council field offices and any other appropriate city government facilities.
Police Commission President Rick Caruso stated, "I am very pleased to work with the members of the City Council on verified alarm response. We are looking forward to the task force’s input and creating a policy which is in the best interest of the people of Los Angeles."
For additional information, please contact Tamryn Cantania (213) 485-3531