Midland Police Department introduces new tool to reduce false alarm activations

The Midland Police Department has introduced a new tool to help reduce the number of false alarm activations their officers respond to.

According to a release, the new tool allows residents to apply and pay for alarm permits

.

In 2016, the Midland Police Department received a total of 6,746 alarm calls. 82% of those were false alarms, according to a release.

MPD states that responding to false alarms causes a strain on their resources and takes officers away from actual emergencies.

Alarm users are required to obtain a permit from the police department for $20 for each residential location and $25 for each commercial location.

Permits must be renewed annually, $15 for residences and $20 for commercial locations.

Police in Midland will respond to five false alarm calls per year with no fine. A fee of $50 will occur for each alarm over the first five.

Anyone with questions on the program can call (888) 250-5690 from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.