Will SimpliSafe Call the Police? Understanding How SimpliSafe’s Monitoring Works

When considering home security systems, one of the critical questions homeowners ask is whether the system will effectively respond in emergencies. For SimpliSafe users, a common concern is, “Will SimpliSafe call the police?” The answer is yes—SimpliSafe will call the police if the alarm is triggered, but only under certain conditions. This article will delve into how SimpliSafe’s monitoring service works, the nuances of their response protocols, and what homeowners can expect when they rely on SimpliSafe for home security.

Table of Contents

How SimpliSafe’s Monitoring System Works

SimpliSafe offers a range of home security products, from basic alarm systems to comprehensive home monitoring services. The heart of the SimpliSafe security system is its 24/7 professional monitoring, which ensures that your home is protected around the clock. When an alarm is triggered, the system communicates with SimpliSafe’s monitoring center, where trained professionals assess the situation.

Key Components of SimpliSafe Monitoring:

Sensors and Devices: SimpliSafe’s systems include entry sensors, motion detectors, glass break sensors, and cameras. These devices work together to monitor various aspects of your home.
Base Station: This is the system’s central hub, connecting all sensors and communicating with SimpliSafe’s monitoring center.
SimpliSafe App: The app allows users to control their security system remotely, receive alerts, and monitor the status of their home in real-time.

What Happens When an Alarm is Triggered?

When any sensor in the SimpliSafe system is activated, the base station immediately sends a signal to the monitoring center. The monitoring professionals then begin a multi-step process to determine the appropriate response.

Verification Process: SimpliSafe’s monitoring center first attempts to verify whether the alarm trigger is a genuine emergency. They do this by contacting the primary contacts listed on the account. The goal is to confirm the nature of the incident before dispatching emergency services.
30-Second Disarm Window: If the alarm is triggered accidentally, homeowners have a 30-second window to disarm the system using their PIN. If the system is disarmed within this period, the monitoring center is notified, and the alarm is considered false. In such cases, no further action is taken, and the police are not called.
Contact Attempts: If the system is not disarmed, or if there is no response from the primary contact, the monitoring center escalates the situation. They will then attempt to reach the secondary contact. It is crucial that these contacts are reliable and informed about the system to prevent unnecessary dispatches.
Dispatching the Police: If the alarm is not disarmed and the contacts cannot be reached or confirm a break-in, the monitoring center will dispatch the police to the property. This ensures that in the event of a real emergency, law enforcement is notified as quickly as possible.

The Importance of Choosing the Right Monitoring Plan

SimpliSafe offers multiple monitoring plans, each with varying levels of service. It’s important to choose a plan that aligns with your security needs. The key differences between these plans primarily revolve around the response times and the additional features offered.

Standard Monitoring Plan: This plan provides basic 24/7 monitoring, including the verification and police dispatch process as described above.
Interactive Monitoring Plan: In addition to the standard features, this plan offers advanced features like video alarm verification, which can be crucial in assessing the situation before police are dispatched.

Choosing the right plan depends on the level of security you need and the features you find most beneficial. For homeowners seeking maximum protection, the Interactive Monitoring Plan offers the best combination of quick response and comprehensive security features.

Avoiding Unnecessary Police Dispatches

False alarms can be frustrating and costly. Unnecessary police dispatches not only waste valuable resources but can also result in fines in some jurisdictions. To avoid these issues, it is important to ensure your SimpliSafe system is properly installed and maintained.

Tips to Prevent False Alarms:

Secure Sensor Placement: Ensure that all sensors are correctly placed and securely mounted. Loose sensors can trigger false alarms.
Update Contact Information: Regularly update the contact information in your SimpliSafe account to ensure that the monitoring center can reach the right people in an emergency.
Educate All Users: Make sure everyone in the household knows how to use the system, including how to disarm it correctly.
Regular Testing: Periodically test your SimpliSafe system to ensure all components are functioning properly and to familiarize yourself with its operation.

The Role of Reliable Primary Contacts

Having reliable primary and secondary contacts is critical for the effective operation of your SimpliSafe system. These contacts are the first line of communication in the event of an alarm trigger. If they cannot be reached or are unaware of the alarm situation, it may lead to an unnecessary police dispatch.

Choosing Primary Contacts:

Availability: Choose contacts who are readily available and can quickly respond to a call from the monitoring center.
Proximity: Contacts who live nearby or work close to your home can be more effective in assessing a situation quickly.
Familiarity with the System: Ensure that your contacts understand how the SimpliSafe system works and what to do if they receive a call from the monitoring center.

SimpliSafe and Emergency Response Time

The effectiveness of any home security system is measured by how quickly it can respond to emergencies. With SimpliSafe, the response time can vary depending on several factors, including the type of alarm, the monitoring plan, and the local police response protocols.

Alarm Type: Some alarms, such as those triggered by motion detectors or glass break sensors, may be treated with higher urgency.
Monitoring Plan: The Interactive Monitoring Plan, with features like video verification, can expedite the dispatch process by providing real-time evidence to the monitoring center.
Local Law Enforcement: Response times also depend on the policies and procedures of your local police department. In some areas, verified alarms may receive a faster response than unverified alarms.

Conclusion: Ensuring Peace of Mind with SimpliSafe

In summary, SimpliSafe’s monitoring service is designed to provide a reliable and effective response in the event of an emergency. Yes, SimpliSafe will call the police if an alarm is triggered and not disarmed within the designated time frame. By choosing the right monitoring plan, keeping your system well-maintained, and ensuring your contacts are reliable, you can enhance your home’s security and minimize the risk of false alarms.

For homeowners looking for a security system that balances ease of use with robust protection, SimpliSafe offers a compelling solution. Whether you’re home or away, you can rest assured that your property is being monitored by professionals who are ready to act when it matters most.