'Alarm School': LAPD creates program to cut down on false alarm calls

We've all done it, those of us that have home alarms at least. Set it off by accident.

The system was armed and you let the dog out, you opened a window by mistake, a child pushed the wrong button. False alarms are a huge industry problem. They waste valuable police resources if law enforcement is dispatched.

LA and most major municipalities have long had fines for false alarms as a deterrent.

Years back, the LAPD also added the option of ''Alarm School." The same concept as traffic school, you go online or get a mailed test, you answer some questions, and the fine is waived -- one time.

In LA, the fine is $189, certainly worth going to ''school'' for.

In the meantime, you might learn something about your system to make sure you don't set it off accidentally again.

For example, make sure your call list is up to date. If the alarm company can't reach you, they really have to dispatch -- even if ultimately there was no emergency.

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