Alarm Permits

The City of Bedford Ordinance requires businesses and residents to obtain a permit from the Bedford Police Department should they own and operate a monitored security/broadcast alarm system in which the provider may contact the Police Department in the event of an alarm signal.

Permit Applications and Cost

The Records Division processes the following type of permit applications, which have non-refundable application and renewal fees:

Applications can be downloaded and returned to:

Bedford Police Department
2121 L. Don Dodson Drive
Bedford, Texas 76021

Payment

The Police Department accepts payment in the form of cash (exact change only), check, or credit cards (Visa and Mastercard only). The Police Department cannot take payment online or over the phone for permit fees.

To pay for an alarm permit registration/renewal or false alarm fee, please do so through one of the two following ways:

In Person:
Bedford Police Department
2121 L Don Dodson Dr.
Bedford, TX  76021

By Mail:
Bedford Police Department
Attn: Alarm Permits
2121 L Don Dodson Dr.
Bedford, TX  76021

Common Alarm Questions

What alarm systems need to be registered? 

All monitored and broadcast alarm systems need to be registered. Monitored alarm systems relay a signal to a monitoring company who will then notify the Bedford Police Department. Broadcast alarm systems are intended to alert, visually or audibly, from the exterior of a building.

What happens if I don’t register my alarm?

According to the City of Bedford's Code of Ordinances, a person commits an offense if they operate or cause an alarm system to be operated without a permit issued by the Bedford Police Department. A person could be subject to citation if they do not register their alarm once they have been notified by their alarm company or by the Bedford Police Department.

What if we have more than one property (Residential or Commercial) in Bedford?

A separate permit is required for each street address.

When will my permit expire?

Alarm permits are valid for one year from the purchase date. A permit will need to be renewed by the end of the month that the permit expires. The permit sticker will indicate the expiration month and year.

Are permits refundable or transferable?

Alarm permits are neither refundable nor transferable.

False Alarm Fees and Prevention Tips

We ask that you take good care of your system and help us to reduce the number of false alarms we receive. On average, 99 percent of all police responses to security system alarms are prompted by false alarms in Bedford. 

False alarms happen for a variety of reasons, but most are caused by human error. The City of Bedford allows for three free false alarms within a 12-month period. Please use the following tips to help prevent false alarms: 

  • Enhanced Call Verification – This requires an alarm company to attempt to verify a burglar alarm activation by making a minimum of two phone calls to two different numbers before dispatching law enforcement. 
  • Place sensors in proper places – Turn sensors away from air/heat vents, fans, and windows so they don’t pick up any breezes or drafts that could prompt a false alarm. Make sure to keep all moving objects away from sensors when the alarm is set.
  • Properly train all users – Properly train everyone who may need to use the system, to arm and disarm your system properly.  The most effective way to train them is to explain how the system works, demonstrate it yourself, and then have them arm and disarm the system multiple times under your supervision. 
  • Equipment checkups – Make sure you schedule regular inspections of your security system equipment a few times each year to ensure it is still running properly. Alarm Monitoring companies can even set up annual tests to make sure signals are transmitting properly. If you have glass-break detectors, make sure they are adjusted properly so they aren’t set off by loud noises, like thunder. Also, check the batter backup- low batteries are the second most common cause of false alarms. 
  • Secure doors and windows – Have a professional technician check your system at least once a year to ensure you don’t have any broken sensor connections or loose-fitting doors or windows. Also, make sure you close and lock all your doors and windows before you set the alarm. 
  • Pet-friendly sensors – Talk to your alarm company about different sensors or sensor locations to help avoid a roaming pet setting off the alarm. 
  • Inform your security company of any changes - If you plan on having renovations done, speak to your alarm company before any work begins that may interrupt your security system.

False Alarm Fees

  • 4th and 5th False Alarm: $50 each
  • 6th and 7th False Alarm: $75 each
  • 8th and up False Alarm: $100 each