Aurora PD won't dispatch when my alarm goes off?

[Teufelhund]

While I was in Texas visiting family for the holidays, ADT called to tell me my alarm had gone off, and that the garage door zone had been tripped. I asked them to dispatch police to check on things. A buddy of mine had been house-sitting for us, so I called him next. He was close by and said he would go by there to talk to the police. I asked him to wait outside by his car to avoid any confusion. An hour later, the cops still had not shown up. I called ADT, who confirmed they had requested a dispatch. I then called Aurora PD, who told me their policy is to not dispatch a unit unless two or more zones have been tripped, or if a key-holder specifically requests a walk-through. The dispatcher said ADT should have explained this when they set up the system, but ADT did not have any notes regarding such a policy for Aurora.

So essentially, if someone kicks in my door at night to kill us all, as long as they leave through the same door, the cops aren't coming. Can anyone else verify this is the case?

We had the alarm installed after the house was broken into and robbed a couple years ago. Now I'm wondering why I've been paying $52/mo for monitoring.



TL;DR - Aurora PD won't respond to a house alarm unless two zones are tripped or a walk-through is requested by a key-holder. Can anyone verify this is true?

[rfizzle]

While I can't speak to Aurora's Policy, I can say that there is nothing statutorily requiring police respond to alarms. Alarm companies sell their product as though police are required to respond.

Many agencies won't respond after 3 false alarms, but I've never heard of a minimum number of zone trips...

[Teufelhund]

Understood. I worked for an alarm install company a long time ago, and saw the high number of false alarms you're talking about. I totally understand if that's the PD's policy, but it seems pretty dishonest for ADT to sell it to me that way. I'm going to take a look at my contract and perhaps research a legal course to recover the money I've paid them over the past couple years under false pretenses.

On the bright side, this was finally enough to prompt my wife to sign up for a CCW class and start looking at pistols.

I'm also going to invest in some VPN-capable IP cameras, if anyone has recommendations.

[Brian]

Yes, ADT pretty much sucks and has a horrible reputation for lying to customers. Sorry you're having to deal with it.

I'm no expert, but I think it's pretty common to either not respond or put it at the absolute lowest priority, unless the alarm company tells the police specifically that they've verified that there is currently an intruder in the house. There's also a false alarm delay that's built into some systems that won't alert for a minute or two (due to false alarm trips) that some people consider a risk.

For IP cams: Blue Iris software and Hikvision cameras are hugely popular for the DIY crowd. I use them in a few locations and am very pleased. I would definitely consider it, especially over a big-box package.

[rfizzle]

I'm also going to invest in some VPN-capable IP cameras, if anyone has recommendations.

We use the D-link cameras as "baby monitors" they work great.

[def90]

Every city has their own response protocol and requirements.. In order for Denver police to dispatch you have to have an alarm permit for your system. The local alarm equipment distributor I use used to have all the different local city requirements but they got tired of updating it every couple weeks. Some PDs have the info online.. I don't see anything on the Aurora website so you would have to call them..

[ruthabagah]

and wanna know the fun part of this: ADT's main monitoring center is in (drumroll) Aurora Co!!!!!

[Great-Kazoo]

Understood. I worked for an alarm install company a long time ago, and saw the high number of false alarms you're talking about. I totally understand if that's the PD's policy, but it seems pretty dishonest for ADT to sell it to me that way. I'm going to take a look at my contract and perhaps research a legal course to recover the money I've paid them over the past couple years under false pretenses.

On the bright side, this was finally enough to prompt my wife to sign up for a CCW class and start looking at pistols.

I'm also going to invest in some VPN-capable IP cameras, if anyone has recommendations.

What false pretense? AS one is always asked. You did read your ENTIRE Contract , before signing.

It's a salespersons job to convince you EVERYTHING they say is The Truth. It's up to you to verify anything a salesperson tells / guarantees you, Prior to signing. As for reimbursement, don't hold your breath. Their claim will be. You've been happy with their service, why give you money back for a service there were no complaints on. Sure a judge would say the same thing.

IF you do get some money back, they will probably pro-rate the last 6 months.

IF you were sitting on a jury, after finding a lawyer to take the case and it actually went that far. Would you reward someone who failed to read their contract before signing. Even after it was made clear, for the last 2-3 years that person never complained about the service they received?

[gnihcraes]

I listen to Lakewood PD on the scanner frequently. They will call out a tripped alarm, but usually won't assign it to any unit. It seems that they will roll on it if nothing else is happening. Low priority?

They will respond to hold up alarms at businesses though.

Smartthings, HKVision, Blue Iris software here. Monitor my own stuff. I can call PD or someone if I feel it necessary and probably get a unit to stop by.

[trlcavscout]

They are great revenue generators i am surprised the Pd doesnt roll on them, at least in Greeley and windsor you get two freebies then its $75 per false alarm. I know they roll on them because the cops will show up during the install if you forget to put it in test mode. Greeley even makes the alarm installers pay for licenses every year since comcast started doing alarms, they seen the cash cow coming. Even if the cops wont show up at least you get a discount on homeowners insurance and a CYA on shooting the burglar.

[Jim B]

While I was in Texas visiting family for the holidays, ADT called to tell me my alarm had gone off, and that the garage door zone had been tripped.
So...what was it?

[davsel]

Just add a motion sensor for a second alert?

[sniper7]

Sentry gun. That is all.

[Teufelhund]

What false pretense? AS one is always asked. You did read your ENTIRE Contract , before signing.

It's a salespersons job to convince you EVERYTHING they say is The Truth. It's up to you to verify anything a salesperson tells / guarantees you, Prior to signing. As for reimbursement, don't hold your breath. Their claim will be. You've been happy with their service, why give you money back for a service there were no complaints on. Sure a judge would say the same thing.

IF you do get some money back, they will probably pro-rate the last 6 months.

IF you were sitting on a jury, after finding a lawyer to take the case and it actually went that far. Would you reward someone who failed to read their contract before signing. Even after it was made clear, for the last 2-3 years that person never complained about the service they received?

Thanks, ya crotchety old bastard.

I'm just mad about it. In reality I'll probably call them and try to talk them out of some money, and call it a win if they cave on anything at all.


I listen to Lakewood PD on the scanner frequently. They will call out a tripped alarm, but usually won't assign it to any unit. It seems that they will roll on it if nothing else is happening. Low priority?

[B]They will respond to hold up alarms at businesses though.

Smartthings, HKVision, Blue Iris software here. Monitor my own stuff. I can call PD or someone if I feel it necessary and probably get a unit to stop by.

I think this is what I was expecting, having worked in the alarm industry on the commercial side, but no experience in residential.


They are great revenue generators i am surprised the Pd doesnt roll on them, at least in Greeley and windsor you get two freebies then its $75 per false alarm. I know they roll on them because the cops will show up during the install if you forget to put it in test mode. Greeley even makes the alarm installers pay for licenses every year since comcast started doing alarms, they seen the cash cow coming. Even if the cops wont show up at least you get a discount on homeowners insurance and a CYA on shooting the burglar.


So...what was it?

My idiot friend who was watching the house didn't close the man door into the garage all the way, and one of the dogs opened it when they went through the doggy door.


Just add a motion sensor for a second alert?

We have a motion sensor in the hallway in case someone crawls through the big ass doggy door, but it only covers that hall. A second one is a good idea.


Sentry gun. That is all.

Yes!


https://youtu.be/RxBa5bQfTGc?t=1m14s

Thanks everyone for the replies. Looks like I have some research to do.

[TFOGGER]

Just let dispatch know there's a dozen donuts unprotected on site...

[jhood001]

My brother's place was robbed a few years back in Broomfield. He then installed an alarm.

When my brother's wife was out of town on business and my brother was occupied with parent-teacher conferences, he asked me to bring his boys home from day-care, settle them in, make them some dinner and hang-out until he got home. I obliged.

He then gave me the wrong instructions for disabling his alarm. I brought the boys in, went to disable the alarm... and couldn't. It went off and the alarm noise was deafening. I couldn't reach either my brother or his wife.

After 10 minutes, I assumed that Broomfield PD would be responding so I got the boys set up in the play room (despite their complaints that the ALARM WAS GOING OFF) and I went out and stood on the front lawn.

No sooner had I walked out the front door, I saw a Broomfield PD vehicle parked 2 blocks down and an officer approaching on the side-walk. Hand on his holstered weapon.

I stood and waited.

When he hit the edge of the property, I asked him if he would like to see identification. He replied with: 'That would be a good idea'.

I moved across the lawn and met him at the side-walk and was surprised by a second officer who was waiting at the edge of the garage outside of my view from the front door. He stepped within a foot of me as I passed the garage and stayed behind me while I spoke with the officer that made first contact. I provided IDs (DL and CCW), informed them that I had a weapon and answered their questions.

They told me that my weapon was fine on my person after I explained where it was located and that I should keep my hands away from it. They then asked if they could come into the home. I agreed without hesitation.

Now it gets a little funny - My brother was remodeling the immediate living room at the front door as well as the washer/dryer room immediately adjacent. THE PLACE LOOKED LIKE A CRIME SCENE: Appliances were un-hooked and out in the main area, there were tool bags with expensive tools scattered across the floor, etc. etc. It really looked bad.

Both Broomfield PD officers came inside and exchanged 'that' glance. Then they asked where my brother's kids where. I called out for them.... no reply. I called out for them 2 or 3 times more and finally the oldest (5) came out of the play room where I set them up and said 'hello'.

The officers asked how he was and if he knew who I was. He replied 'That is Uncle Justin' nonchalantly and went back around the corner to go back to whatever he was building/playing with. The younger of the two boys also came around the corner to the area near the front door and mimicked the same answer.

My brother's wife had left her ski pass sitting at the stairs that shared the same last name as mine and one or both of the officers had noticed it.

My brother also called in around this time and assured the alarm company that everything was fine and that I was supposed to be there.

The Broomfield PD officers explained to me (as I had my back to the kitchen) that everything checked out and that they had no further cause for concern... No smirks or smiles on their face. Dead serious. Then they told me that they would be leaving me to my business because it 'looked like I had my hands full'. I turned and glanced back toward the kitchen and saw that the younger of the two boys (3 year old) had pulled a chair up to the counter while I was distracted, opened the flour jar and was 'making it rain' with flourr over himself and everything around him. Then both officers smiled and started to let themselves out.

On the way out, one of the officers said 'You have a good night. And thank you for carrying'.

And that was that.

I'm not sure if this response was a result of Broomfield PD, the alarm company, or the fact that my brother's home had been robbed before.

Regardless, the response was within 15 minutes. The encounter was handled professionally. And I lived to tell about it while being a potential home-invader with two young boy's lives on the line.

But I will say that Broomfield PD (and this wasn't my first lawful encounter with them) was amazing in how they handled things. Broomfield runs a great law enforcement outfit.

As with all things, (depending on where you live, who your alarm company is and how the residence at the address conduct themselves) your mileage may vary.

[Great-Kazoo]

Thanks, ya crotchety old bastard.[blaster]

I'm just mad about it. In reality I'll probably call them and try to talk them out of some money, and call it a win if they cave on anything at all.

Me, Crotchety? [Beer] Better than being called a bully, [panic]

[ChunkyMonkey]

My brother's place was robbed a few years back in Broomfield. He then installed an alarm.

When my brother's wife was out of town on business and my brother was occupied with parent-teacher conferences, he asked me to bring his boys home from day-care, settle them in, make them some dinner and hang-out until he got home. I obliged.

He then gave me the wrong instructions for disabling his alarm. I brought the boys in, went to disable the alarm... and couldn't. It went off and the alarm noise was deafening. I couldn't reach either my brother or his wife.

After 10 minutes, I assumed that Broomfield PD would be responding so I got the boys set up in the play room (despite their complaints that the ALARM WAS GOING OFF) and I went out and stood on the front lawn.

No sooner had I walked out the front door, I saw a Broomfield PD vehicle parked 2 blocks down and an officer approaching on the side-walk. Hand on his holstered weapon.

I stood and waited.

When he hit the edge of the property, I asked him if he would like to see identification. He replied with: 'That would be a good idea'.

I moved across the lawn and met him at the side-walk and was surprised by a second officer who was waiting at the edge of the garage outside of my view from the front door. He stepped within a foot of me as I passed the garage and stayed behind me while I spoke with the officer that made first contact. I provided IDs (DL and CCW), informed them that I had a weapon and answered their questions.

They told me that my weapon was fine on my person after I explained where it was located and that I should keep my hands away from it. They then asked if they could come into the home. I agreed without hesitation.

Now it gets a little funny - My brother was remodeling the immediate living room at the front door as well as the washer/dryer room immediately adjacent. THE PLACE LOOKED LIKE A CRIME SCENE: Appliances were un-hooked and out in the main area, there were tool bags with expensive tools scattered across the floor, etc. etc. It really looked bad.

Both Broomfield PD officers came inside and exchanged 'that' glance. Then they asked where my brother's kids where. I called out for them.... no reply. I called out for them 2 or 3 times more and finally the oldest (5) came out of the play room where I set them up and said 'hello'.

The officers asked how he was and if he knew who I was. He replied 'That is Uncle Justin' nonchalantly and went back around the corner to go back to whatever he was building/playing with. The younger of the two boys also came around the corner to the area near the front door and mimicked the same answer.

My brother's wife had left her ski pass sitting at the stairs that shared the same last name as mine and one or both of the officers had noticed it.

My brother also called in around this time and assured the alarm company that everything was fine and that I was supposed to be there.

The Broomfield PD officers explained to me (as I had my back to the kitchen) that everything checked out and that they had no further cause for concern... No smirks or smiles on their face. Dead serious. Then they told me that they would be leaving me to my business because it 'looked like I had my hands full'. I turned and glanced back toward the kitchen and saw that the younger of the two boys (3 year old) had pulled a chair up to the counter while I was distracted, opened the flour jar and was 'making it rain' with flourr over himself and everything around him. Then both officers smiled and started to let themselves out.

On the way out, one of the officers said 'You have a good night. And thank you for carrying'.

And that was that.

I'm not sure if this response was a result of Broomfield PD, the alarm company, or the fact that my brother's home had been robbed before.

Regardless, the response was within 15 minutes. The encounter was handled professionally. And I lived to tell about it while being a potential home-invader with two young boy's lives on the line.

But I will say that Broomfield PD (and this wasn't my first lawful encounter with them) was amazing in how they handled things. Broomfield runs a great law enforcement outfit.

As with all things, (depending on where you live, who your alarm company is and how the residence at the address conduct themselves) your mileage may vary.

Similar experience we have had. Each time we were gone for a month, something always manage to set off the alarm. Last September, I got a call at 3am in Bali, and ignored it (completely forgot it's the alarm company), then in the morning got a selfie picture text from the in law. It was her and two arapahoe county deputies.

She forgot both the code and the emergency password, but being older than dirt helps. Deputies cleared the house, chatted with her and left.

In the same week, one of the deputies had to come back because the in law left the garage open. He closed it and left a business card behind.

I am happy with the police coverage in the area, but really need a better in law.


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[RblDiver]

Just let dispatch know there's a dozen donuts unprotected on site...

Delicious donuts spotted!
(a few NSFW lines)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f-yqFhkFvKc

[ronaldrwl]

Similar experience we have had. Each time we were gone for a month, something always manage to set off the alarm. Last September, I got a call at 3am in Bali, and ignored it (completely forgot it's the alarm company), then in the morning got a selfie picture text from the in law. It was her and two arapahoe county deputies.

She forgot both the code and the emergency password, but being older than dirt helps. Deputies cleared the house, chatted with her and left.

In the same week, one of the deputies had to come back because the in law left the garage open. He closed it and left a business card behind.

I am happy with the police coverage in the area, but really need a better in law.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Dang! Good experiences like that ruin my whole image of the police.

[Monky]

You guys should see how quick cherry hills pd responds



Sent by a free-range electronic weasel, with no sense of personal space.

[KevDen2005]

While I was in Texas visiting family for the holidays, ADT called to tell me my alarm had gone off, and that the garage door zone had been tripped. I asked them to dispatch police to check on things. A buddy of mine had been house-sitting for us, so I called him next. He was close by and said he would go by there to talk to the police. I asked him to wait outside by his car to avoid any confusion. An hour later, the cops still had not shown up. I called ADT, who confirmed they had requested a dispatch. I then called Aurora PD, who told me their policy is to not dispatch a unit unless two or more zones have been tripped, or if a key-holder specifically requests a walk-through. The dispatcher said ADT should have explained this when they set up the system, but ADT did not have any notes regarding such a policy for Aurora.

So essentially, if someone kicks in my door at night to kill us all, as long as they leave through the same door, the cops aren't coming. Can anyone else verify this is the case?

We had the alarm installed after the house was broken into and robbed a couple years ago. Now I'm wondering why I've been paying $52/mo for monitoring.



TL;DR - Aurora PD won't respond to a house alarm unless two zones are tripped or a walk-through is requested by a key-holder. Can anyone verify this is true?

I believe that is their policy. More than 99 percent of alarms are false and this helps keep call load down. Two zone trips makes it more likely that someone is in your home. One zone trip could be caused by anything. My PD policy is very similar. Even during the day or swing shifts, an alarm that would be dispatched may not be handled for hours depending on call volume, keeping in mind the likelihood that the alarm is not false.

Colorado also has case law in this state when an agency used to treat all alarms as emergencies requiring emergent response. An officer was in an accident that injured another person. Those people sued the police and the courts ruled that the policy is ridiculous because of the statistics that alarms have an extremely high probability of being false. Most cops don't get home alarms because of how often they are false and the response requirements of the jurisdiction they live in.

There are a lot of other things you can do with that money for home and property protection, even when you are not there in my opinion.

[Teufelhund]

You got it right, brother. I'm going to keep the alarm just to wake me up and give me enough warning to arm myself in the middle of the night, but the monitoring service is cancelled. I'll be installing motion cameras that will alert me so I can monitor it myself.

Mostly thankful this is my last year in Saudi Aurora. The oldest is graduating HS in May, and we are looking to move West and out of the 'burbs as soon as he is done.


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[KevDen2005]

You got it right, brother. I'm going to keep the alarm just to wake me up and give me enough warning to arm myself in the middle of the night, but the monitoring service is cancelled. I'll be installing motion cameras that will alert me so I can monitor it myself.

Mostly thankful this is my last year in Saudi Aurora. The oldest is graduating HS in May, and we are looking to move West and out of the 'burbs as soon as he is done.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk


Something I really want in my house is the garage door opener that will text you can control from your phone. I am paranoid and I am thinking about so many other things that I often think I left the thing open when I didn't. I just really want it for peace of mind, but a lot of home burglaries occur through the garage and it would be another monitoring system directly to you. Along with cameras that you can monitor remotely. With all this new technology becoming less expensive a lot of alarm companies are trying to offer extremely good deals because they are losing customers.

[Ronin13]

Kinda on topic, I remember growing up our neighbors up in Evergreen were probably one of 4 households in the entire area that had an alarm, and for some reason the wind was the main culprit in at least one false alarm a month. The husband was a Federal Prosecutor and the wife worked til late at night, so neither was ever home during the week. Every time their alarm went off a few minutes would elapse and a Jeffco Deputy would drive by the house slowly and check the exterior of the house. This was back in the mid-90's, so I would imagine that it was a time when alarms could be dispatched to more simply.