Short Answer: Yes, SimpliSafe contacts police during emergencies if you subscribe to their 24/7 Professional Monitoring plan. When alarms trigger, monitoring agents verify threats via your system’s cameras or two-way audio before dispatching authorities. Self-monitored users must contact emergency services themselves. Response times vary based on location and verification protocols.
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How Does SimpliSafe’s Professional Monitoring Service Operate?
SimpliSafe’s monitoring centers use AI-driven sensors and live agent verification to assess threats. Agents review footage from security cameras or use two-way talk to interact with occupants before escalating to police. This reduces false alarms, a critical factor since 94% of security dispatches are accidental (Source: Urban Institute).
The AI algorithms prioritize events based on sensor patterns – for example, simultaneous door forced entry and glass break triggers receive immediate attention. Monitoring agents undergo rigorous training through UL-certified programs to handle high-pressure scenarios. During power outages, cellular backups ensure uninterrupted communication between your system and the monitoring center. Users receive SMS and email updates at every escalation stage, from initial alarm trigger to final resolution.
What Triggers a Police Dispatch via SimpliSafe?
Police dispatch occurs only after agent verification of events like break-ins (triggered by entry sensors), glass breaks, or panic button activation. Environmental sensors (e.g., fire/water) alert firefighters instead. Monitoring teams follow jurisdictional protocols, prioritizing threats like verified intrusions over unverified motion alerts.
Which SimpliSafe Plans Include Police Dispatch Capabilities?
Only the Fast Protect and Standard Monitoring plans ($29.99–$39.99/month) include police dispatch. The self-monitored Self-Protect plan sends alerts to your phone but requires manual emergency calls. Upgrading to Professional Monitoring adds 24/7 agent support and direct authority contact during verified crises.
| Plan | Price/Month | Police Dispatch | Camera Storage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fast Protect | $39.99 | Yes | Unlimited |
| Standard | $29.99 | Yes | 30 Days |
| Self-Protect | $0 | No | None |
The Fast Protect plan offers priority response queues and video verification credits that reduce police confirmation time by up to 40%. Both professional plans include fire department dispatch and insurance documentation services. Users can switch plans monthly without equipment changes.
Why Might SimpliSafe Delay or Avoid Police Involvement?
Delays occur if agents cannot confirm threats (e.g., cameras offline, no audible intrusion). False alarms from pets or user errors also prevent dispatch. Some municipalities penalize repeated false alarms, so SimpliSafe adheres to strict verification standards. Users in areas with “non-response” policies may need private security partnerships.
Expert Views
“SimpliSafe’s layered verification process addresses the Achilles’ heel of home security: false alarms. By requiring audio/visual confirmation before dispatching, they balance urgency with caution. However, users in high-crime areas should supplement with neighborhood watch programs, as police response times remain a wildcard.” — Home Security Analyst, TechGuard Insights
FAQ
- Does SimpliSafe call police without a subscription?
- No. Police dispatch requires a paid Professional Monitoring plan ($29.99+/month).
- Can I cancel police dispatch after triggering an alarm?
- Yes. Contact SimpliSafe’s monitoring center immediately to halt dispatch if the alarm was accidental.
- Does SimpliSafe work during power outages?
- Yes. Battery backups (24+ hours) and cellular connectivity maintain monitoring during outages.