Pasadena Has One New Billing Company

Burglar alarm system (Photo – technofaq.org)

On Tuesday, January 23, 2024, the City of Pasadena will begin using a third-party partner, Central Square Corporation, for the management of its alarm permitting and billing.

By News Desk

The partnership includes a website using Central Square Corporation’s proprietary software, CryWolf, to facilitate alarm permitting, billing, and appeals. Central Square Corporation will administer all false alarm notifications, billing, and collections for the City. The program will help to encourage alarm users and alarm companies to maintain the proper working order of alarm systems. The new software service will improve the reliability of alarms, and the readiness of public safety resources to better serve the community.

Thousands of False Alarms

In calendar years 2022 and 2023, the Pasadena Police Department responded to approximately 4,800 and 4,300 incidents relating to false alarms, unintentional alarm system activation, system malfunctions, and other types of false alarms. Effectively processing false alarm fees helps to reduce responses to false alarms and allows police department resources to respond to actual emergencies.

Pasadena Municipal Code 5.24:

• Requires that each City resident and business with an installed alarm system purchase an alarm permit from the City of Pasadena. The alarm permit covers a one-year period and expires on February 1^st. The fee for the permit is prorated based on the application date and is adjusted annually on July 1^st.
• Establishes a fee for police response to two or more false burglar alarms in a twelve-month period. An alarm signal activated by violent conditions of nature or other extraordinary circumstances not subject to the control of the alarm subscriber, shall not constitute a false alarm.
• Requires that an alarm company be responsible for ensuring that an alarm system is registered prior to installation. Central Square Corporation will begin working with the City of Pasadena on January 23, 2024. Alarm companies can register their clients online with City of Pasadena’s False Alarm Reduction Program at this link or at its customer service phone number: (626) 744-7998.

Pasadena residents with questions regarding the registration of alarm systems and false alarm fees can contact Central Square Corporation at (626) 744-7998.  Customer support is available from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday.

For general questions concerning the false alarm program, contact the City of Pasadena Finance Department at (626) 744-4291 or the City’s Alarm Permits page.