ALBUQUERQUE, NM (July 29, 2008) – Mayor Martin Chavez announced today that the city has contracted with Armed Response Team (ART) to respond to burglar alarms for 40 city facilities with the highest levels of false alarm calls.
This move will free up police resources to focus on the highest priority calls with an immediate threat to life and property, and to dedicate more time to crime suppression. The city estimates it will also save over $10,000 during the six month pilot project for the taxpayers of Albuquerque.
Larry Sonntag, ART’s Chief of Operations, said: “I have worked on reducing the problems of false alarms – first as an APD Captain and now with the Armed Response Team. This project is a win-win – we free up APD resources to focus on fighting crime, and help the City budget by reducing the need to add police resources.”
The contract will also be good for ART’s customers. Steve Dichter, CEO, commented: “This is a great vote of confidence in ART’s unique business model which only employs retired Police officers for our response units. The added revenue from this relationship will help us retain the highest qualified people and keep our rates affordable.”
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About Armed Response Team, Inc.
Armed Response Team (ART) is a privately-held C Corporation located in Albuquerque, New Mexico that provides alarm monitoring and immediate armed response services to businesses and residences with security systems. Its entire officer corps consists of professional, previously sworn police officers who have recently retired from law enforcement agencies. Currently, ART serves over 1,600 clients throughout the Albuquerque metro area.