In 2002, the Lafayette Police Department responded to 16,448 burglary alarm calls. At the time it was 10% of the total number of calls responded to by the Lafayette Police Department. More than 98% of those calls were deemed false. At an estimated amount of $55 dollars per call it cost taxpayers $895,565.00 to respond to the alarm calls in 2002.

All users of alarm systems installed in buildings, structures or facilities which alert persons of hazardous conditions or unlawful entry are required by Ordinance #0-246-98 to pay a one-time fee of $20.00. This cost is designed to offset the cost of regulating false alarms. The ordinance prohibits operating an alarm system within the City of Lafayette without a permit. The following are frequently asked questions:

How do I obtain a permit for my alarm system?

A citizen may obtain an alarm permit application by contacting the Lafayette Police Department’s permit section at 337-291-7262, or print out the form online (Alarm User Permit Application). Once the application is complete, mail the application and a check or money order in the amount of $20, to the address below (make check or money order payable to Lafayette City-Parish Consolidated Government).

Lafayette Police Department
Alarm/Permit Section
P.O. Box 4308
Lafayette, LA 70502

Full article at: http://www.lafayettela.gov/policedepartment/publicassistance/pages/alarms-and-permits.aspx