Press Releases

Alarm and Camera Registration - Security camera mounted on a building wall overlooking a city street at night with blurred lights in the background

Enhancing Community Safety – Alarm and Camera Registration with APD

Feeling safe in your home and neighborhood is a top priority, and the Alexandria Police Department (APD) is committed to making that a reality. Two initiatives that help support this mission are the Alarm Registration and Camera Registration programs. While alarm registration is mandatory for all residential and commercial alarm users in Alexandria, camera registration is entirely voluntary. Both programs help improve emergency response, reduce false alarms, and enhance community safety.

Alarm Registration – Required for All Alarm Users

If your home or business is equipped with an alarm system, you are required to register it with the Alexandria Police Department. This registration ensures accurate information is on file and helps officers respond more effectively in emergencies.

Why Register Your Alarm System?

  • Faster Response Times
    Registered alarm systems allow APD to quickly confirm your details and dispatch officers. This can significantly reduce response time when every second matters.
  • Reduced False Alarm Fees
    Many false alarms occur due to incorrect or missing information. By registering your system, APD can verify real threats and reduce the risk of unnecessary fines.
  • Improved Investigations
    If a break-in or emergency occurs, officers can access critical details provided during registration to support a more effective response and follow-up.

How to Register Your Alarm System

  1. Visit the Alarm Registration Form.
  2. Fill out the required information, including up-to-date contact details.
  3. Submit the form and update your registration as needed.

Camera Registration – Optional but Highly Encouraged

While not required, registering your security cameras with APD is a proactive way to support public safety efforts. This voluntary program helps officers know where to look for possible video evidence during investigations.

Benefits of Camera Registration

  • Community Collaboration
    Your footage may help solve crimes, offering key evidence during investigations.
  • Crime Deterrence
    Visible security cameras are proven deterrents that can discourage criminal behavior.
  • Faster Investigations
    Knowing where registered cameras are located helps officers act quickly when tracking suspects or reviewing crime scenes.

How to Register Your Camera System

  1. Visit the Camera Registration Form.
  2. Provide basic details about your camera setup and its location.
  3. Submit the form to help APD enhance safety in your neighborhood.

Why These Programs Matter

Whether required or voluntary, both programs strengthen public safety in Alexandria. Alarm registration ensures faster, more informed responses to emergencies, while camera registration supports efficient, evidence-based investigations.

Your Privacy is a Priority

APD handles all registered information with the utmost care. Data is used strictly for public safety purposes and stored securely under strict privacy protocols.

Help APD Help You

By registering your alarm system and considering camera registration, you’re taking active steps to protect your property and support the safety of your community. These small efforts can make a big impact in making Alexandria a safer place to live and work.

Take the next step—register today and be part of the solution.