Security systems

ACPO policy and Kent Police variations

A number of organisations provide alarm systems and monitoring services to give you peace of mind while you're out/away.

Some of these systems link in to the police. Responding to alarms is a small part of the service we provide but can place a large burden on our resources, particularly when more than 90% of activations are false. As such, procedures are in place with alarm providers to effectively manage this and allow us to target our responses to genuine alarm activations.

Policies and guidance

Our management and response to alarms is in accordance with the Association of Chief Police Officers' (ACPO) published policy. Visit the Secured by Design website to read the full policy document.

Kent Police follows the ACPO security systems policy. However, individual police forces are allowed some variations.

• View Kent Police permitted variations (Appendix A)   49kb.

Responding to alarm activations

Kent Police is not contractually bound to respond to any activation of an electronic security system and will only do so:

• for the type of system and circumstances of activation detailed in the ACPO Security System Policy 2011 as needing a response
• when the security system has not had 'police response' withdrawn
• there are sufficient police resources available.

Reference number charges

On 1 April 2011 the charge for the issue of a unique reference number (URN) from Kent Police was increased - find out more.

Further information

Please contact: The alarms administration team, Kent Police Force Control Room, Sutton Road, Maidstone Kent ME15 9BZ

Telephone: 01622 636227 or send us an email.