NPCC Police Requirements for Security Systems (2026), explained
Summary written and checked by the SPS Technical team · Last checked 1 November 2026
Quick answer
The NPCC Police Requirements for Security Systems set the rules for getting a police response to a monitored intruder alarm or detector-activated CCTV system in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The system must be installed and maintained by a certified company to the relevant standards, and it is given a unique reference number (URN). Police response is withdrawn after three false alarms in a rolling 12 months.
What it means for you
- Use a certified installer and an approved alarm receiving centre if you want police response.
- Make sure your system is designed to give confirmed alarms, not single-detector activations.
- Keep keyholder details up to date, as keyholders must attend when called.
- Manage false alarms closely: three in 12 months and police response is withdrawn until the cause is fixed.
Who it applies to
Any business or home with a monitored intruder alarm or remotely monitored CCTV that relies on police response.
Common questions
What is a URN?
A unique reference number issued by the police for a compliant monitored system. Without one, the alarm receiving centre cannot request a police response.
How many false alarms before police response is withdrawn?
Three false alarms in a rolling 12-month period. Response can be restored once the cause has been fixed and the system has gone a set period without further false alarms.
Does a bells-only alarm get police response?
Not as a matter of course. Police respond to bells-only alarms only where there is other evidence that an offence is in progress.
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Official sources
This page is a plain-English summary, not a copy of the official document.
Page updates
- 12 October 2026: Updated to the current Police Requirements for Security Systems published by Police Crime Prevention Initiatives.
Reviewed by the SPS Technical team · Last updated October 2026