Lubbock Leaders Plan to Amend False Alarm Law Following Confusion, Backlash

The Lubbock City Council plans to take another look at a contentious ordinance concerning burglary and robbery alarms following several weeks of public outcry and uncertainty.

On Tuesday, council members will receive updates from the Lubbock Police Department concerning suggested changes to Chapter 8, Article 11 of the city's Code of Ordinances, which pertains to burglar and robbery alarms. The modifications received unanimous approval during both readings in late August, proceeded without public discussion, and went into effect on October 1.

At that time, Police Chief Seth Herman informed the council that the objective was to minimize false alarm calls that deplete police resources. “This ordinance is designed to guarantee that officers are accessible for genuine emergencies, rather than responding to repeated false alarms,” Herman stated during the introduction of the measure in August.

Following the implementation of the ordinance, residents expressed their dissatisfaction with the new regulations, claiming they were ambiguous and excessively demanding. The proposed modifications seemed to mandate that individuals pay a fee for a permit to utilize a third-party security system designed to alert law enforcement about possible criminal incidents.

A Lubbock resident expressed in a column for the Avalanche-Journal, “This ordinance is well-intentioned.” However, compelling the residents of Lubbock to take this action is simply too much for any sensible individual.

In response to growing public confusion, the Lubbock Police Department conducted a media availability on Oct. 16 to explain the implications of the ordinance and its enforcement procedures. In a recent development, the city revealed that it would be halting the implementation of the “false alarm ordinance,” providing the council an opportunity to review and modify the regulation.

"To facilitate additional dialogue, clarification, and possible adjustments to more effectively meet community needs," city officials announced the suspension of the ordinance.

We encourage community members to attend the meeting at Citizens Tower this Tuesday to share their thoughts on the suggested modifications. As per the regulations set by the council, individuals intending to address the assembly are required to register by 2 p.m. on October 28.

In the upcoming public comment period, community members will have the opportunity to share their thoughts on various agenda items, including the alarm ordinance.

City officials have yet to outline the specific revisions they plan to propose, but discussions are anticipated to center around clarifying the language and tackling concerns regarding fees associated with private security systems.