Dispatch Guidelines for Alarm Monitoring Companies

Dispatch Guidelines for Alarm Monitoring Companies

Submission of audio or video clips:

When an alarm activation is verified by audio or video, dispatch will be made based on the testimony of the alarm company. However, a short media clip must be provided to ChatComm (911 center) within 24 hours of requesting dispatch to the alarm.  Media clips should be emailed to alarms@chatcomm.org. 

Please include in the subject line: date of activation and property address | Please include in the body of the email: contact information of the sender;,alarm company name, phone # and contact name; and property owner name, phone # and time of alarm activation.  Clips should be no more than 25MB and in standard formats (mpg, wav, etc)

There are options available to meet the requirements of the City’s Alarm Ordinance.

First, please remember that SSPD and SSFD will ALWAYS respond to a panic button push, a duress code entry, a residential fire alarm, and a 911 call from your home. It is only when no one is home that verification is required.

In addition to the audio and video systems that most companies provide, other means of verification include private guard response (where a private guard responds to the alarm in that same manner as a police officer) and self-installed/self-monitored systems.  Several companies are offering the private guard response option at relatively low cost.

You can choose to install a self-monitored system, which can be a stand-alone system or in conjunction with a traditional perimeter alarm. Self-installed camera systems are substantially less expensive than alarm company installed systems and operate in the same manner. If a burglar enters your home and you see the intrusion on your device, you may call 911 directly, and officers will respond as a high priority crime in progress. Or, if you have a self-monitored video system in conjunction with a traditional alarm, the alarm company can make the call on your behalf once you have verified the criminal activity.

Some self-installed systems also have the option of a low cost monthly monitoring fee if that is the route that suits you best. Self-installed options include Ring, Nest, Arlo, Kuna, SImpliSafe, Blink, and EMC Security to name a few. Most are available at electronics stores or online. They have many options and features to help you build a system suited to your particular needs. If you self monitor and are out of the city limits and need to reach our 911 emergency services, call 404.843.6680. This number will connect you with someone who can dispatch public safety within Sandy Springs. 

A monitored alarm system is a tool but does not prevent crimes from occurring. You need to consider what options work best for your situation.   

Monthly Fine Report:

Sandy Springs Aging - 03.11.2021

Fines paid after aging was posted:

• Stanley Security Systems
• Cornerstone Control Systems