Toronto Police Service Announces Verified Response Effective September 10, 2018
Effective September 10, 2018, the Toronto Police Service will be fully implementing a “verified response” requirement for all burglar alarm activations. As such, a revised Alarm Policy will be issued. This method of response has been found to be an effective way to reduce police attendance at false alarm related calls for service; allowing for a more effective deployment of police resources.
What does this mean?
• The Toronto Police Service will no longer respond to alarms solely on the request of alarm monitoring stations
• The verification requirement will apply to burglar alarm activations
• Panic Alarms will NOT be included in the verified response requirement
Verified response is defined as:
The requirement of validation that criminal activity is occurring/has taken place OR there is imminent threat to personal safety PRIOR to requesting a police response.
Burglar Alarm – includes, but is not limited to; alarm distinctions described as burglar, motion, door, window, glass break, etc.
Verification of a burglar alarm can be established using one or more of the following methods:
• Audio device
• Video device
• Eyewitness (private security or person on scene)
• Multiple zone activation
Panic Alarm activation includes, but is not limited to; alarm distinctions described as panic, hold-up, duress, emergency button, etc.
The Toronto Police Service will continue to treat alarm activations as a high priority call for service with response being determined by the nature of the call, demand, priorities and resources available at the time of the request for service.
For questions regarding the verified response policy, contact the Alarm Response Coordinator, Sergeant Wendy Drummond or a member of the Alarm Unit via email at alarms.program@torontopolice.ca or call 416-808-8860.
See full communique from Toronto Police Service