# The Differences Between Alerts, Plate, Vehicle Alarms and DNTT

<p class="callout info">This article outlines the differences between **Alerts**, **Plate and Vehicle Alarms**, and **Do Not Ticket or Tow (DNTT)** statuses in OPS-COM. These features enable administrators to flag specific vehicles for enforcement personnel to identify during patrols or scanning activities.</p>

### Setup and Configuration

#### <span style="text-decoration: underline;">DNTT (Do Not Ticket or Tow)</span>

The **[DNTT](https://opscom.wiki/books/the-opscom-admin-portal/page/dntt-do-not-ticket-or-tow)** feature allows you to schedule exemptions and restrict them to specific locations.

1. Navigate to the relevant **Vehicle Profile** in the administration portal.
2. Locate the **DNTT** configuration section.
3. Enter the **Start Date** and **End Date** to define the validity period of the exemption.
4. Specify the applicable **Location** if the exemption is site-specific.
5. Click the **Save** button to apply the status.

#### <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Alerts and Alarms</span>

**[Alerts and Alarms](https://opscom.wiki/books/the-opscom-admin-portal/page/plate-and-vehicle-alarms)** are general flags that are not limited by schedule or location.

1. Navigate to the relevant **Vehicle Profile**.
2. Locate the **Alerts/Alarms** configuration section.
3. Enter the necessary details or select the appropriate alarm type from the menu.
4. Click the **Save** button to activate the flag.

<p class="callout warning">Unlike **DNTT** statuses, standard **Alerts** and **Alarms** remain active until they are manually removed by an administrator.</p>

### Using this Feature

Administrators and enforcement personnel interact with these features primarily through scanning devices.

#### <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Visual Cues and Status Indicators</span>

- **DNTT Status:** When a vehicle with an active **DNTT** status is scanned, a **Red Exclamation Mark** icon appears on the handheld device. No audible alarm will sound.
- **Alerts and Alarms:** When a vehicle with an active **Alert** or **Alarm** is scanned by a handheld device or detected by an LPR camera, the system triggers an immediate notification.

#### <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Available Actions</span>

- **Dispatch Logs:** Once an **Alert** or **Alarm** is triggered, it can be converted into a **Dispatch Log**. This allows your security team to track, investigate, and document the resolution of the alert.

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<span style="color: rgb(22, 145, 121);"><span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Oxygen, Ubuntu, Roboto, Cantarell, 'Fira Sans', 'Droid Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; font-size: 1.3em; font-weight: 400;">Best Practices and Considerations</span></span>

- <span style="color: rgb(22, 145, 121);">**Define Clear Business Rules:** Organizations should establish clear policies regarding who has the authority to apply a **DNTT** status and the circumstances under which it is granted (e.g., medical exemptions, maintenance vehicles).</span>
- <span style="color: rgb(22, 145, 121);">**Maintain Accurate Records:** Regularly review active **Alerts** and **Alarms** to ensure that outdated flags are removed, preventing unnecessary notifications during enforcement activities.</span>
- <span style="color: rgb(22, 145, 121);">**Utilize Dispatch Logs:** Always convert triggered **Alerts** into **Dispatch Logs** to maintain an audit trail of how security personnel responded to the notification.</span>