Critical Reasoning

Mayor: False alarms from home security systems waste so much valuable police time that in many communities police have stopped responding to alarms from homes whose systems frequently produce false alarms. This policy reduces wastage of police time but results in a loss of protection for some residents. To achieve a comparable reduction in wastage without reducing protection for residents, the council has enacted a measure to fine residents for repeated false alarms.

Which of the following, if true, casts the most doubt on whether the measure enacted by the council will achieve its goal?

A. A fine in the amount planned by the council will not cover the expenses police typically incur when they respond to a false alarm.
B. Homes equipped with security systems are far less likely to be broken into than are homes without security systems.
C. The threat of fines is likely to cause many residents to deactivate their security systems.
D. The number of home security systems is likely to increase dramatically over the next five years.
E. Many home security systems have never produced false alarms.

C

Source: Official Guide 2020