LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) – The Lubbock Police Department is defending the city’s updated alarm ordinance after residents and business owners criticized the policy online as a “cash grab” for the city.
The department said the ordinance, which went into effect Oct. 1, is designed to reduce false alarms and keep more officers available for true emergencies.
Police first posted about the policy on social media Tuesday. Since then, the department has received hundreds of comments, emails and phone calls from people with concerns.
Policy targets false alarm costs
In the department’s Facebook post, LPD says in any given year, officers respond to about 18,000 alarm calls – more than 75% of which are false alarms. In a press conference hoping to clear up misconceptions Thursday, Assistant Chief Nathan White said at least three out of every four alarm calls are false alarms. The City’s website says those false alarms cost LPD about $255,000 annually…