The purpose of this chapter is to establish regulations concerning
the operation and maintenance of certain alarm systems within the
Borough of Bellmawr and to provide penalties upon conviction for a
violation of any of the provisions set forth herein.
For the purpose of this chapter, certain words and phrases are
defined as follows:
ALARM SYSTEM
Any mechanical, electrical or electronic device which is
designed or used for the detection of an unauthorized entry into a
building, structure or facility, or for alerting others about the
commission of an unlawful act within a building, structure or facility,
or for alerting others about the existence of any other condition
requiring response of police and which emits and/or transmits an audible
and/or visual signal or message when actuated. "Alarm system" includes
but is not limited to direct-dial telephone devices, audible alarms
and subscriber alarms.
AUDIBLE ALARM
A device that emits an audible signal from the premises that
it is designed to protect.
DIRECT-DIAL ALARM
A device that, when actuated, causes a recorded message to
be transmitted, via telephone, to the Bellmawr Police Department stating
that emergency response is necessary.
FALSE ALARM
An alarm signal, necessitating response by the Bellmawr Police
Department, where an emergency situation does not exist. An alarm
that has been activated by an external source that is beyond the reasonable
control of the subscriber shall not be considered false.
POLICE
The Bellmawr Police Department.
SUBSCRIBER ALARM
An alarm system that is terminated by direct connection to
the Bellmawr Police Department, in accordance with regulations prescribed
in separate legislation.
The provisions of this chapter shall not apply to the general
alerting alarms that may be used by fire companies, ambulance squads
or civil defense agencies to summon response of their members. The
provisions of this chapter shall not apply to alarm systems that are
affixed to motor vehicles.
Any person, entity, firm, corporation or other group that is
found guilty of violating any of the provisions of this chapter shall
be subject to a fine not exceeding $2,000 or imprisonment for a term
not exceeding 90 days or a period of community service not exceeding
90 days, or any combination thereof. Each incident shall be considered
as a separate violation. In addition to any penalty that may be ordered
by the court, the Chief of Police may authorize the disconnection
of subscriber alarms from the Police Department after giving written
notice to the subscriber.
The provisions contained herein shall apply equally to those
alarm systems that were placed in service prior to or subsequent to
the effective date of this chapter.