WASHINGTON CO. SHERIFF GIVES REMINDER ABOUT FALSE ALARM REDUCTION PROGRAM
Update 1/25/23: Washington County Sheriff Otto Hanak reminds the public that the False Alarm Reduction Program is only intended for county residents, not City of Brenham residents. Hanak said the administrators of the program, PM AM Corporation, mistakenly sent registration notices to some city residents which led to some confusion, but the program is only for residents that live outside city limits.
Original Story 10/27/22: County residents with a current alarm system will need to abide by a new set of rules. Washington County Sheriff Otto Hanak reports that in an effort to reduce false alarms within the County, they have adopted Alarm Rules and collaborated with PM AM Corporation to implement and administer the False Alarm Reduction Program for county residents. The program was approved by county commissioners at their May 31st meeting. This program will not affect City of Brenham residents, unless they own property in the county and that property has a functioning alarm system installed. Should any city resident receive a request to submit an alarm application, please disregard the notice.
The goal of the Rules and the County’s partnership with PM AM is to reduce the number of false alarm activations requiring a fast response by the Washington County Sheriff’s Office. With fewer false alarm activations, the officers will be able to handle more urgent calls as well as reducing officer and citizen risks while responding to these type calls. At the time of the program's approval in May, Sheriff Hanak told commissioners that the sheriff's office had received 204 alarm calls—199 of them false—to date. In comparison, last year the sheriff’s office received 446 alarm calls, with 437 being false.
Washington County Alarm Rules requires all homeowners and businesses with addresses in the county, not the city, to apply for an alarm permit by completing an alarm permit application available at FAMSpermit.com/WashingtonCounty. This web portal will activate the permit once the application is completed. For those that are unable to complete the new account setup, you may contact PM AM at 1-877-356-7884 for assistance.
The annual registration fee is $20.00.
Operating an alarm system at a suspended, unregistered, or expired location will result in supplemental fine of $500 and be considered as not having a valid permit. Alternatively, citizens can also complete the application by hand and mailed to:
Washington County Sheriff’s Office False Alarm Reduction Program
P.O. Box # 142378
Irving, TX 75014
For any questions related to the Washington County Alarm Reduction Program please call PM AM at 1-877-356-7884, Monday through Friday, 8:30 to 5:30.