Dispatch Guidelines for Alarm Monitoring Companies

Dispatch Guidelines for Alarm Monitoring Companies (PDF)

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. A media clip must be provided to ChatComm within 24 hours of requesting dispatch for the alarm activation.

Media clips should be emailed to alarms@chatcomm.org.

Email Subject Line: Date of activation and property address

Email Body Must Include:

• Sender contact information
• Alarm company name
• Alarm company phone number
• Alarm company contact name
• Property owner name
• Property owner phone number
• Time of alarm activation

Media clips should be no larger than 25 MB and submitted in standard file formats such as MPG or WAV.

Alarm Verification Options

Several options are available to help meet the requirements of the City's Alarm Ordinance.

Note: Sandy Springs Police Department (SSPD) and Sandy Springs Fire Department (SSFD) will always respond to:

• Panic button activations
• Duress code entries
• Residential fire alarms
• 911 calls originating from a residence

Verification is only required when no one is present at the property.

In addition to audio and video verification systems offered by alarm companies, other verification options include private guard response services and self-installed or self-monitored alarm systems. Private guard response services dispatch a security officer to the property in a manner similar to law enforcement response.

Self-monitored systems may be installed as standalone systems or used in conjunction with a traditional perimeter alarm. If an intrusion is observed through a self-monitored system, the resident may call 911 directly and officers will respond as a high-priority crime in progress. When a self-monitored video system is used with a traditional alarm system, the alarm company may contact emergency services after criminal activity has been verified.

Many self-installed systems also offer optional monitoring services for a monthly fee. Examples of self-installed systems include Ring, Nest, Arlo, Kuna, SimpliSafe, Blink, and EMC Security. These products are commonly available through electronics retailers and online vendors.

If you self-monitor your system and are outside Sandy Springs city limits when an emergency occurs, call 404-843-6680. This number connects callers to personnel who can dispatch public safety services within Sandy Springs.

A monitored alarm system is one component of a comprehensive security strategy and does not prevent crimes from occurring. Property owners should evaluate available options and choose the solution that best fits their needs.

Monthly Fine Report

Monthly Fine Report – Sandy Springs Aging Report (March 11, 2021) (PDF)

Fines Paid After Aging Report Publication

• Stanley Security Systems
• Cornerstone Control Systems