For purposes of this chapter, the following terms are defined
as follows:
ALARM
A communication to the 911 Emergency Dispatch System indicating
that a crime, fire or other emergency situation warranting immediate
action by the Fire or Police Department has occurred or is occurring.
ALARM DEVICE
A mechanical device designed to automatically transmit an
emergency alarm by wire, telephone, radio or other means to the dispatch
system.
DIRECT ALARM DEVICE
An alarm device that is directly tied into the dispatch system
of the 911 Emergency Dispatch System.
DISPATCH SYSTEM
The control panel or communication system installed in the
911 Emergency Dispatch System for the purpose of giving visual or
audio response to direct alarm devices.
FALSE ALARM
An alarm to which the Fire or Police Department responds
and which results from the activation of an alarm device when a fire,
crime or other emergency warranting immediate action by either Department
has occurred.
FIRE DEPARTMENT
The Fire Department of any municipality belonging to the
911 Emergency Dispatch System.
INDIRECT ALARM DEVICE
An alarm device that transmits an alarm to a person who is
instructed to notify the dispatch system of the 911 Emergency Dispatch
System.
INTENTIONAL FALSE ALARM
A false alarm that results from the intentional activation
of an alarm device by an individual under circumstances where said
person has no reasonable basis to believe that a fire, crime or other
emergency warranting immediate action by the Fire or Police Department
has or is occurring.
PERMIT HOLDER
A person, company or corporation to whom the 911 Emergency
Dispatch System has issued an alarm device installation, operation,
vendor registration fee or vendor annual renewal fee.
POLICE DEPARTMENT
The Police Department of any municipality belonging to the
911 Emergency Dispatch System.
[Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General
Provisions, Art. I)]
A person that owns, uses or possesses an alarm device or automatic
dialing device may not, after causing or permitting three false alarms
to occur in a consecutive twelve-month period, cause or permit a subsequent
false alarm to occur in the same consecutive twelve-month period.
A person that violates this section commits a summary offense and
shall, upon conviction, be sentenced to pay a fine of not more than
$300.
If the location of the headquarters of the 911 Emergency Dispatch
System should change at any time, 911 Emergency Dispatch System shall
not be responsible for any cost incurred by permit holders or other
persons in the relocation of alarm devices because of said change
in location.
The issuance of any permit shall not constitute acceptance by
the 911 Emergency Dispatch System of any liability to maintain any
equipment to answer alarms or anything in connection therewith.
Whenever, under the provisions of this chapter, the 911 Emergency
Dispatch System is empowered to make a decision with respect to the
installation, operation or maintenance of any alarm device or with
respect to the denial or revocation of any permit relating thereto,
any applicant for a permit or permit holder aggrieved by said decision
may, within 10 days following said decision, file a written appeal
with the 911 Emergency Dispatch System, whereupon the 911 Emergency
Dispatch System shall promptly conduct a hearing and affirm, modify
or reverse the decision appealed. The decision of the 911 Emergency
Dispatch System shall be final.