All residential and commercial alarms required to register with the city 

McKINNEY, Texas (Sept. 17, 2008) – All homeowners and business owners in McKinney have been required to register their alarm systems with the city since Oct. 1, 2007. Beginning Oct. 1 this year, the McKinney Police Department will end the year-long grace period and will no longer respond to burglar alarm systems not registered. In addition, failure to register an alarm system could result in a fine of up to $500. 

“We have given businesses and residents a year to adjust and register their alarm systems to be in compliance with the ordinance,” said McKinney Police Chief Doug Kowalski. “Responding to burglar alarms is our number one call for service. About 99 percent of the alarm calls we receive are false alarms, which takes time away from responding to true emergency calls.  

“Registering alarm systems with the city will enable the Police Department to build an accurate data base concerning which premises are protected by alarms and which locations are experiencing an inordinate number of false burglar alarms,” he continued. “By solving the false burglar alarm problem, our department will be able to devote more resources to pressing crime and quality of life issues. Additionally, the completion of the yearly registration will insure that the department has accurate emergency contact information for the permit holder in the event of true alarm activation.” 

The annual registration fees are $50 for residential and $100 for commercial/business alarm systems. An alarm system may consist of one type or various types of alarms including burglary, robbery, panic, duress, medical or fire. Each permit for an alarm system covers one building. All alarms initiated by a person, for example panic, hold-up or eye witness report of a crime, will continue to be responded to regardless of a permit. 

Alarm system registration payments can be made online at www.mckinneytexas.org; check by mail to City of McKinney, Alarm Program, P.O. Box 140549, Irving, TX 75014; or dropped off at the McKinney Police Department 2200 Taylor Burk Dr. during regular business hours. A new alarm system permit form must be filled out when making payment. Questions regarding obtaining permits may be directed to 972-831-7493.