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 regards 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 - includes permit renewal)
• Alarm monitoring by Telephone Line and a Backup Cellular Radio device ($32 per month - includes permit renewal)
• Alarm monitoring by Cellular Radio device with the use of a Mobile Alarm Application ($32 per month - includes 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" and 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 alarms 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.