"Regardless of that possibility we need a Priority One response--particularly the panic alarms," she adds.
The alarms also tie up police who are needed for patrolling and responding to other calls--wasting money and manpower.
On the night of April 4, for example, HUPD received alarm calls at 7:51 p.m., 8 p.m. and 8:02 p.m.
In a little over 10 minutes, six out of about 15 officers on the night shift responded to alarms.
Regardless, police say responding to the alarms is part of their job and they will continue to do it well.
"Our response will never diminish," McNamara promises.
Harvard's problem is not unique. New technology that makes alarms more sensitive and easier to install has led to an explosion of burglar alarms, motion detectors and panic alarms nationwide--and with it has come an explosion of false alarms.
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