In 2016, the Edmonton Police Service determined that 96% of all reported intrusion alarms were false, resulting in an increased demand on police resources. As a result, the Edmonton Police Service adopted Enhanced Call Verification (ECV).

Dispatch to an intrusion alarm will not occur unless the following exist:

1. A combination of an exterior breach (door/window breach, glass break, etc.) and an interior motion alarm activation.

2. An attempt to contact all keyholder(s) and the alarmed premise to determine the legitimacy of the alarm.

ECV has significantly reduced the number of dispatched false alarms in addition to reducing the number of false alarm response fees issued to home and business owners. The Edmonton Police Service will continue to respond to intrusion alarms where a risk to public safety has been identified. Alarm system owners are encouraged to obtain an alarm that employs live video surveillance as this is currently the most effective means in determining the legitimacy of an intrusion alarm.

Alarm system owners are reminded to ensure that their alarm company has been provided with up-to-date keyholder contact information. Any changes in keyholder information should be immediately reported to your alarm company. A minimum of three (3) keyholders should be provided to your alarm company.

Please ensure that a City of Edmonton Alarm Systems Permit has been purchased prior to the installation of an alarm system. The City of Edmonton Alarm Systems Bylaw 10922 requires all residential and commercial alarm system owners to have a valid alarm systems permit.