Question:
Looking for info/opinions on whether the police should check fire alarm calls without fire dispatch or whether the fire department should be dispatched to all. In my county, it is done both ways. My company is averaging 500 calls per year with approx 60% false alarm calls (~300).

What do you think, and why?

Answer: One engine response and bill them $250 for each false after the third in any 90 day period. That's what we do in Bellingham WA The objective is to get the system in reliable condition and reduce the false alarms. We also have a periodic "Confidence Test" required for all fire protection systems. This is monitored via fire company inspection program and in some cases the fire prevention folks in the office. BTW, if a fire alarm system is placed out of service in an assembly or multi-family residential facility because the system cannot be reset before the fire company returns to quarters, we require a 'fire watch', generally hired out by the local security company. The bottom line... if it doesn't cost the building owner/manager anything, they have no incentive to fix the problem.