Akron police want alarms double-checked

Associated Press

AKRON

Akron, where 98 percent of security alarms turn out to be false, is beginning a new policy requiring confirmation of a possible crime.

The Akron police department’s new policy will require prior verification of need of help before officers respond to an alarm. The policy is scheduled to go into effect March 1.

The shift was announced in December by Chief James Nice, who cited statistics showing that 98 percent of the 10,000 annual alarm calls in Akron turn out to be false.

According to the Akron Beacon Journal, the chief said his depleted force needs to be more efficient.

Security-alarm companies complain that the policy change could put the public at risk.