Police reinstate alarm response program: Alarm registration required
Published on June 08, 2026
Menlo Park, Calif. –The Menlo Park Police Department is reinstating its Alarm Response Program effective July 1, 2026, to improve emergency response efficiency, reduce false alarm calls, and ensure accurate contact information during real emergencies. As part of this reinstatement, all Menlo Park residential and commercial alarm systems must be registered annually, beginning July 1 and renewing each fiscal year.
The program is being reinstated in part because the police department previously processed alarm registrations and fee payments manually, which created delays and made it difficult to maintain accurate records. To streamline the process and improve customer service, the City has contracted with a third‑party vendor, Turbo Data, to manage alarm registrations and payments electronically. This modernized system will support faster processing, easier renewals, and more reliable information for emergency responders.
Under the City of Menlo Park Municipal Code Section 5.72 – Burglar Alarms, all burglar alarm systems must be registered to ensure the Police Department is notified of such installations.
Alarm system registration requirements
Beginning July 1, 2026, all residents and commercial property owners with a monitored alarm system are required to register their system with the City of Menlo Park. Registration ensures that emergency responders have up‑to‑date contact information and helps reduce delays during actual emergencies.
Alarm registration permits are $50 annually. New households and commercial buildings should register for a permit if they have not already done so. For properties with an existing alarm permit, a notice will be mailed to the address associated with the registration. Alarm permit renewal notices will be sent each June, reminding residents and businesses to review and update their alarm information so the most accurate records remain on file.
Registration details, including instructions and forms, are available at https://www.menlopark.gov/alarms.
Updated false alarm response fees
False alarms account for a significant number of emergency response calls each year. Reinstating the Alarm Response Program helps:
- Reduce excess alarm-related emergency dispatches
- Improve officer availability for priority calls
- Ensure accurate information during real emergencies
- Strengthen overall community safety and service efficiency
False alarms are most often caused by errors, such as doors being opened or closed unexpectedly, or by equipment malfunctions. Each alarm activation requires a minimum of two patrol officers to respond to the call.
In alignment with the City’s recently updated Master Fee Schedule, updated false alarm response fees will take effect on August 1, 2026. These updates support cost recovery for emergency responses and encourage proper system maintenance to reduce excess emergency calls for service. A full list of updated fees(PDF, 508KB) is published on the City’s website.
Beginning each fiscal year, the first false alarm response does not incur a charge. The second response is $88, and fees increase by $25 for each response from the third through the sixth. After the sixth false alarm response in a fiscal year, each additional response is $213.
For high‑risk alarm responses, generally associated with business/commercial properties, separate fee rates apply; See master fee schedule.
Key dates
- July 1 — Alarm registration required for all residential and commercial alarm systems
- August 1 — Updated false alarm response fees take effect
- Annual Renewal — Registration required each fiscal year thereafter
The City appreciates the community’s partnership as we reinstate this program and work together to reduce false alarms and support a safer, more efficient emergency response system.
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For questions about registration, fees or program requirements, contact:
Menlo Park Police Records Department
Email: alarmpermits@menlopark.gov
Phone: 650-330-6310
Website: https://www.menlopark.gov/police