The primary goal of the False Alarm Reduction Unit is to reduce the number of false alarms that the Greenville Police Department responds to. This allows police officers to concentrate on other areas of crime prevention and law enforcement. The False Alarm Reduction Unit maintains a database of alarm permits, keeps track of false alarms and false alarm fines, educates employees and citizens, and handles false alarm appeals.

During a five year span, there were more than 30,000 false alarms in the City before the implementation of a false alarm ordinance on July 1, 2007. Police officers during those five years spent more than 3,292 manpower hours responding to those calls rather than patrolling neighborhoods or serving the public in other ways.  Since the ordinance passed, a reduction in the numbers of calls has occurred progressively over the years.

Alarm Ordinance Highlights

Registration of all burglar alarm systems that summon the Greenville Police Department through a monitoring service is required. The initial registration fee is $15 with annual renewal just $5. Permits are valid for 12 months from the date of issuance. 

Failure to register a system will result in a $200 fine for your first false alarm if you do not register within 45 days of the false alarm. For registered systems, false alarm fines begin on the second false alarm (third if alarm already has a permit).

Schedule of Fines (Updated As of September 10, 2013):

In addition to the foregoing fines, an additional civil penalty for false alarms from a non-permitted alarm system is $200. The additional civil penalty will be waived if the alarm system is permitted within 45 days of the false alarm. The counting of false alarms starts over with each permit renewal. 

Alarm Permit Application

Print An Alarm Permit Application (.pdf)
Apply Online For a Permit 

Register Online

The printable application must be mailed to False Alarm Reduction Unit, Greenville Police Department, P.O. Box 7207, Greenville, North Carolina 27835-7207. A non-refundable registration fee of $15.00 is required along with the application. The online application, once submitted, will generate a $15 invoice which will be mailed to the mailing address that you list on your application. Permit renewal fee will be $5.00 annually.

An alarm permit will be issued to the address you specified. It is non-transferable which means that you cannot transfer the permit to another address nor can the permit be transferred to a new alarm user who takes over occupation of the residence or business.

Paying Fines

If you have received an invoice from the Greenville False Alarm Reduction Unit  or you are setting up a new account via the website and wish to pay the balance, you can pay online by going to this website or clicking this link:  https://crywolf.greenvillenc.gov/. You will need your account/permit number and password or invoice number and a credit or debit card. Please note that you cannot submit payment via cell phone. A computer is required.

We accept these credit/debit cards: VISA, MASTERCARD, DISCOVER and AMERICAN EXPRESS. 

You can also mail your invoice along with a check or money order made payable to the City of Greenville to the following address:

Greenville False Alarm Reduction Unit
Greenville Police Department
PO Box 7207
Greenville, NC 27835-7207

Appealing Fines

False Alarm FAQs

Reducing False Alarms

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