Direct Alarm Monitoring

UP Direct AlarmThe City of University Park Police Department has offered this unique service to residents since 1999. We provide the monitoring of home and business alarm systems directly from the Police Dispatch Center at 3800 University Boulevard

To provide the Direct Alarm Office with new contact information, or to notify the office of your decision to cancel Direct Alarm service, please email Direct Alarm.

Specific questions or concerns about the Direct Alarm program can be emailed to:

Keith Niette
Phone: 214-987-5318
Email Keith Niette

or

LaShonne Jones
Phone: 214-987-5372
Email LaShonne

This information explains how to join those who subscribe to police monitoring of home / business alarm systems. Residents and business owners should note that all active alarm systems are required to have a permit on file with the Police Department.

If you do not wish to sign up for Direct Alarm service, to satisfy the City permit requirement, click on Step 1 and fill out the necessary information. To sign up for Direct Alarm coverage, click on Step 2 and fill out the necessary information.

View the Direct Alarm Benefits Video.

New Alarm Service

  1. Register for an alarm permit
  2. Sign up for direct alarm monitoring

City of University Park Direct Alarm Advantages

  • The Police Department receives your alarm signal directly, rather than through a third party, for a faster response.
  • You will always speak with the Direct Alarm office or the Police Department's Communications Dispatchers in regard to your alarm issues or questions.
  • The Police Dispatch Center has your emergency information on file.
  • Yard signs and window decals, which advertise that your home alarm system is monitored by the Police Department, are provided to our subscribers.

Two Levels of Alarm Monitoring Service Offered

  • Alarm monitoring by Telephone Line or Cellular Radio device ($25 per month - this does not include the $4 alarm permit renewal)
  • Alarm monitoring by Telephone Line and a Backup Cellular Radio device ($32 per month - this does not include the $4 alarm permit renewal )
  • Alarm monitoring by Cellular Radio device with the use of a Mobile Alarm Application ($32 per month - this does not include the $4 alarm permit renewal )

Advantages of Cellular Alarm Radio Monitoring

  • A cellular alarm radio system is not dependent on telephone lines for communication with the Police Department. If the telephone line should be out of service, a radio signal will still get through.
  • Alarm monitoring by cellular alarm radio provides a higher level of protection, as it is independent of the telephone line.
  • With a few exceptions, your present alarm system can be reprogrammed by one of our qualified alarm company contractors for monitoring by the City. If you desire a high level of protection, a cellular alarm radio can be installed.
  • If you presently don't have an alarm system, one of our contractors can install a system for you with or without the cellular radio alarm.
  • Some burglars cut telephone lines prior to entering a home. With a cellular radio alarm, cutting phone lines does not defeat the alarm system. Your signal will get through with or without a telephone line.
  • A cellular radio alarm provides a high level of redundancy, which enhances communication under the most adverse conditions. The additional fee is $7 a month.

Voice Over IP "VoIP" & Alarm Monitoring

Many homes now use a broadband connection to place phone calls. This technology is known as Voice over Internet Protocol "VoIP." Most of the time this connection works well as your home's primary source for communications. However, when paired with some alarm systems, VoIP does not provide enough electrical voltage for the alarm system to know that your phone line is working properly. Additionally, since VoIP comes through your home internet, if for any reason you lose internet service, phone service is also lost. Before changing to VoIP service, the University Park Police Department encourages you to discuss these concerns with your alarm system provider. If you already have VoIP service, the Department recommends that you test the reliability of your system monthly.

House Watch

If you are going to be away from home for an extended period, you can have your home checked daily by a UPPD officer. The process is simple. You can make the request online, or you can download and complete the form below, and return it to the City's 911 Dispatch Center.

Online House Watch Request

Visit the Resident Online Center. If this is the first time you have entered a request for service using the Resident Online Center, you must create an account. You will be asked to provide your name, address, and email.

House Watch Form

View and download the House Watch Form (PDF).

Return the completed form to the City's 911 Dispatch Center (3800 University Boulevard) or fax it to 214-987-5364.