[Ord. No. 11-1997, § 1, 8-5-1997]
The purpose of this article is to establish regulations that
apply to the operation of alarm systems within the City, and to encourage
the installation and maintenance of reliable alarm systems, and the
responsible use of those alarms. It is a further purpose of this article
to ensure that police officers have current and pertinent information
about alarm locations. Nothing in this article creates a duty on the
part of the City police department, however alarms are given priority
subject to available manpower and other calls of higher priority.
[Ord. No. 11-1997, § 2, 8-5-1997]
The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this article,
shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where
the context clearly indicates a different meaning:
Any system or device in which a signal, audible or otherwise,
is emitted or transmitted for the purpose of notifying persons located
off the premises containing the alarm and which elicits a police response,
directly or indirectly, as a result of the signal. This term includes
alarms installed or monitored by an agency which then contacts the
police department for a response. This term includes burglar or other
emergency alarms intended to elicit a police response, as opposed
to a medical or fire department response.
A police response to any premises when the activation of
an alarm system elicited the response and a criminal act has not occurred.
The property owner as contained in the City assessor's
records, unless a tenant or other person submits or possesses documentation
which contains the written consent of the property owner to install
or operate the alarm. In such an instance, the tenant or other person
will be considered the alarm user.
Any object, terrain, barrier, or other item that may create
a risk of injury to a person not aware of the hazard. Examples include
but are not limited to the following:
The persons listed on the alarm user permit application as
persons to be contacted in case of emergency, or the alarm company
responsible for the alarm service.
An alarm that is designed to summon help when it is activated
by the person it is designed to protect. This definition applies only
to alarms that are meant to protect persons who are on their own property,
and are usually designed to work in conjunction with a premises alarm.
This does not apply to personal alarms that are carried while in public
areas.
An alarm that is designed to protect buildings or other nonmovable
property.
The owner of the property, if residing on the premises, or
otherwise the head of household or spouse residing on the premises.
[Ord. No. 11-1997, § 8.7, 8-5-1997]
Appeal of any denial or revocation of a permit or from any penalties
assessed under this article shall be to the superior court in accordance
with Rule 80B of the Maine Rules of Civil Procedure.
[Ord. No. 11-1997, § 6, 8-5-1997]
The City council will, from time to time, establish fees for
applications under this article and response to alarms. These fees,
when billed, shall be paid within 30 days of the billing date, and
if not paid may be recovered by civil action by the City.
[Ord. No. 11-1997, § 5, 8-5-1997]
An alarm user, permit holder or permit applicant shall have
the street number attached to the building in a manner and place and
of material so as to be easily seen from the street.
[Ord. No. 11-1997, § 7, 8-5-1997]
Inspection of premises subsequent to an alarm shall be in accordance
with the following:
(1)
Procedure in case of suspected illegal activity. Upon arrival, if
an officer finds that illegal activity may have occurred, the officer
shall investigate in an attempt to find the extent of the illegal
activity and identify the person responsible. As soon as practical,
attempts will be made to notify a key holder. If contact is made with
a key holder, it will be the key holder's responsibility to make
arrangements to secure the premises. If contact cannot be made with
a key holder, the officer will make a reasonable effort to secure
the premises prior to departure.
(2)
Procedure when premises appear secure. If upon inspection an officer
determines that the premises appear to be secure and there is no apparent
illegal activity, attempts will be made as soon as practical to contact
a key holder. If contact is made and the key holder indicates a response
is forthcoming, the officer, unless reassigned to an incident of higher
priority, will remain at the scene. When the key holder arrives, further
investigation may be initiated to determine the cause of the alarm.
If a key holder cannot respond so as to arrive at the premises within
15 minutes, the officer will be released from the scene.
[Ord. No. 11-1997, § 8.6, 8-5-1997]
No alarm shall be installed which has an audible signal with
a duration of longer than 15 minutes. Upon a finding by a court that
this section has been violated, the alarm user shall be subject to
a civil fine of $100 for each and every occurrence. Any alarm which
is activated for longer than one hour of continuous operation may
be silenced by the police department using any reasonable means necessary.
[Ord. No. 11-1997, § 3, 8-5-1997]
(a)
Every person who has an alarm system shall obtain an alarm user permit
from the City for each separate alarm system installed or operated
on the property.
(b)
The permit shall be obtained by application to the City police department
on a form developed by the City.
(c)
The permit must be renewed biannually upon the anniversary of the
original date of issuance.
(d)
Applicants must truthfully provide all information requested on the
application form in order for a permit to be issued. No incomplete
application will be acted upon.
(e)
Alarm user permits will expire two years from the date of issuance.
Permittees must submit renewal applications not less than 30 days
prior to the expiration date to ensure the timely issuance of a renewal
permit. No renewal permit will be granted unless or until all outstanding
alarm response fees are paid in full.
[Ord. No. 11-1997, § 4, 8-5-1997]
(a)
Alarm user permit applicants shall provide their name, mailing address,
alarm location address, termination point, alarm company information
(name, address, telephone number), the names and telephone numbers
of at least two persons to notify in the event of an alarm, and information
about any potentially hazardous conditions about the premises.
(b)
Information about the type of alarm protection (premises, personal
protection, or both) and alarm system (motion, infrared, contact,
etc.) may be provided with the application as an aid to the police
department, but such information is not required. Any such information
provided to the police department will be kept confidential pursuant
to 16 M.R.S.A. § 611-622.
(c)
Alarm user permit holders shall ensure that all information submitted
on an alarm user permit application is kept current.
(d)
Any changes made to any termination point, mailing address, or list
of persons to be notified in the event of an alarm shall be reported
to the police department in writing within 10 days of any such change.
Any alarm user who operates an alarm without a permit shall
be assessed an after-the-fact permit fee as from time to time established
by the City. Failure to obtain a permit for an alarm will relieve
the City from any and all liability on account of the City failing
to respond to an alarm for a system which is not properly registered.
[Ord. No. 11-1997, §§ 8.2-8.5, 8-5-1997]
(a)
Any false statement or misrepresentation of material fact made by
an applicant for the purpose of obtaining an alarm user permit or
for renewal may result in a refusal to issue a permit. Additionally,
a permit may be revoked for any material misrepresentation of fact
following notice and hearing before the City Council.
(b)
Failure to have the premises properly identified will result in revocation
of the alarm user permit.
(c)
Failure to pay any invoice within 30 days of receipt will result
in revocation of the alarm user permit.
(d)
Failure to report changes as required in this article will result
in revocation of the alarm user permit.
