SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) - City officials say that just 18 of the nearly 2,000 alarm activations at residences and businesses last year in Sioux Falls were valid.
A proposed city ordinance amendment aims to lower the number of false alarms by allowing one free false alarm per home or business in a 12-month period - then charging a penalty if it happens again.
The charges would be $50 for the second false alarm, $100 for the third and $200 for the fourth and subsequent false alarms.
The City Public Services Committee unanimously voted to forward the amendment to City Council for consideration. A first reading will be held in a few weeks.
Police Chief Doug Barthel says at least two officers are dispatched every time an alarm sounds.
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AP-WF-07-17-12 0933GMT
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