Alarm Requirements?

[CountyMike]

Hi all. We're a new type 07 FFL with our state applications in process. ATF mentioned CA requires FFLs to have alarm systems, but all I can find is detail for the camera system.

We have cameras and an alarm system, but I need to make sure it complies with any requirements. Where can I find the specifics for any alarm requirements?

[ugimports]

No specific alarm requirements I recall ever seeing. Not sure if there's something new.

[tenpercentfirearms]

Hi all. We're a new type 07 FFL with our state applications in process. ATF mentioned CA requires FFLs to have alarm systems, but all I can find is detail for the camera system.

We have cameras and an alarm system, but I need to make sure it complies with any requirements. Where can I find the specifics for any alarm requirements?

No alarm requirements. Maybe that is your local license authority. Make sure your cameras are storing constant recording 24/7 for 365 days.

[CountyMike]

No alarm requirements. Maybe that is your local license authority. Make sure your cameras are storing constant recording 24/7 for 365 days.

Ok, maybe they were generalizing when referring to the cameras then. Thank you.

[Eddy's Shooting Sports]

Hi all. We're a new type 07 FFL with our state applications in process. ATF mentioned CA requires FFLs to have alarm systems, but all I can find is detail for the camera system.

We have cameras and an alarm system, but I need to make sure it complies with any requirements. Where can I find the specifics for any alarm requirements?

There is only one place I have ever seen an alarm listed as a requirement. Under the definition of "secure facility", if you do not have metal bars or grates on your HVAC entry points, then you must have an alarm. There are no specifics mentioned on alarm specs, but common sense dictates, door switches, motion sensors, siren, and glass break sensor. Your system should also have at least two methods of communication. Usually these days it usually TCP/IP and Cellular backup.

You need not have a secure facility if you do safes and or other methods to secure the firearms per DOJ requirements.

[CountyMike]

There is only one place I have ever seen an alarm listed as a requirement. Under the definition of "secure facility"...[/LIST]

Excellent, thanks Greg!

[Quiet]

Hi all. We're a new type 07 FFL with our state applications in process. ATF mentioned CA requires FFLs to have alarm systems, but all I can find is detail for the camera system.

We have cameras and an alarm system, but I need to make sure it complies with any requirements. Where can I find the specifics for any alarm requirements?

CA laws for firearm manufacturers in CA... Note parts in bold below...

Penal Code 29135
(a) A licensee shall allow the department to inspect the building designated in the license to ensure compliance with the requirements of this chapter.
(b) A licensee shall allow any peace officer, authorized law enforcement employee, or Department of Justice employee designated by the Attorney General, upon the presentation of proper identification, to inspect facilities and records during business hours to ensure compliance with the requirements of this chapter.

Penal Code 29140
A licensee shall store in a secure facility all firearms manufactured and all barrels for firearms manufactured.

Penal Code 29141
Except as otherwise provided in Section 29142, as used in this chapter,
(a) The facility is equipped with a burglar alarm with central monitoring.Penal Code 29142Penal Code 29150
(a) A licensee shall notify the chief of police or other head of the municipal police department in the city or city and county where the building designated in the license is located that the licensee is manufacturing firearms within that city or city and county and the location of the licensed premises.
(b) If there is no police department in the city or city and county where the building designated in the license is located, the licensee shall notify the sheriff of the county where the building designated in the license is located that the licensee is manufacturing firearms within that county and the location of the licensed premises.

[CountyMike]

Penal Code 29140
A licensee shall store in a secure facility all firearms manufactured and all barrels for firearms manufactured.

Penal Code 29141
Except as otherwise provided in Section 29142, as used in this chapter,
(a) The facility is equipped with a burglar alarm with central monitoring.

... and there we have it. Thank you sir.

[Eddy's Shooting Sports]

... and there we have it. Thank you sir.

That's exactly the words I said in my head. LOL!

And there we have it...

Not being an 07, I don't think I've ever read that PC section.

[ggoingpostal]

I am a home-based FFL since 2021 and had my first DOJ audit on Friday. I don't have a surveillance system, and she did not inquire about an alarm system. She did take pictures of my safe. I was resigned to the fact that I would get shut down. She informed me that at this time they are not enforcing surveillance requirements because they have not been trained on it and it was being fought. I ask her why so many shops shut down and her response was the shops panicked and shut down. She was super informative answered all my questions and told me she would see me in 2027.

My initial feelings when she called me for the audit is she wanted to find any reason to shut me down. But it was anything but that, she made the statement that if DOJ shut down all the shops possible, she would be out of a job. She was there to get me on the right track. She found some things I wasn't doing correctly educated me on the topics. She handed me my sheets of papers that needed correction, and I have a month to get it done. To my surprise it was a pleasant and welcomed interaction.

[Eddy's Shooting Sports]

That sounds similar to my last DOJ audit. She was very pleasant to deal with and I never got that "adversarial" feeling that you tend to get from ATF auditors. I was able to correct four minor violations on the spot and the fifth I just needed to send her a picture of the correction. The camera requirement had just become law but wasn't in effect yet during her visit. We talked about it and in so many words, she said they would not be enforcing it to the letter, but rather "suggesting" compliance. I think the higherups at DOJ realize that it is a flawed law. If nobody gets in trouble for it, where do you get a plaintiff to fight it? I was also surprised at how little interest she took in ammo DROS records and FSC records. Basically I just showed her a pile of papers and she was good. It seems their focus is the DROS packets and supporting documentation along with signage, and such.