Alarm Permits

Requirements by Town Code

Any alarm system that transmits a request for police response to the Salem Police Department must be registered with the Salem Police Department. You can apply for a permit using this document.

Town of Salem code 178-1 defines an alarm system as:

Any combination or assembly of electronic devices or a single device at premises or location designed to transmit to the police, either directly or through an intermediary, a warning signaling a hazard or intrusion to which police are expected to respond. In this chapter, the term "alarm system" shall apply to all electronic security systems, services, and alarms defined herein by which police are notified and expected to respond.

It is a violation to operate an alarm system without first acquiring a permit. Permits have a one-time fee of $25 for a residence and $50 for a commercial alarm. There is an exemption of this fee if the principal occupant of a private residence is age 65 or older. It is the responsibility of the alarm user to update the Salem Police Department with contact information of individuals who can be reached day and night to respond to an emergency reported by an alarm system.

Businesses, with or without an alarm system, can update their emergency contact information at any time on this link.

Charges

The Salem Police Department tracks false/accidental alarm calls by calendar year. The Board of Selectman has set the following fine schedule for false alarms per calendar year:

  • First 3 Alarms in a calendar year - No Charge
  • 4th Alarm - $25
  • 5th and 6th Alarm - $50 each
  • 7th and 8th Alarm - $75 each
  • 9 and More - $100 each

How to Apply

Permits may be applied for using the Alarm System Permit Application (PDF).

Please drop off or mail the form to the Salem Police Department at:
9 Veteran's Memorial Parkway
Salem, NH 03079

A check or money order made out to the Town of Salem for the applicable permit fee must be included for the application to be processed.

Contact Us

If you have any questions on alarm permits please contact our Dispatch center at 603-893-1911, ext. 0, or stop by the Police Department at:
9 Veteran's Memorial Parkway
Salem, NH 03079