[Ord. No. 33 §1, 6-8-1995]
As used in the Chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings
and definitions hereinafter provided:
ALARM SYSTEM
Any mechanical or electrical device which is designed to
be actuated manually or automatically upon the detection of an unauthorized
entry, intrusion, or other emergency in or on any building, structure,
facility or premises through the emission of a sound or transmission
of a signal or message.
ALARM USER
A person who uses an alarm system to protect any building,
structure, facility or premises.
AUDIBLE ALARM
An alarm system equipped with an exterior sound-producing
device such as a gong, buzzer, siren, bell or horn.
AUTOMATIC DIALING DEVICE
An alarm system which automatically dials a specific telephone
number and transmits an emergency message by recording over regular
telephone lines when actuated.
CHIEF OF POLICE
The Chief of the Police agency responsible for law enforcement
services in the City of Green Park, including any duly authorized
agents.
DEPARTMENT
The Police agency responsible for law enforcement services
in the City of Green Park.
DIRECT SIGNAL ALARM SYSTEM
An alarm system which provides for a special telephone line
that is directly connected to a Police Department and has an outlet
at the Department which emits a sound or transmits a signal, or both,
when actuated.
FALSE ALARM
Any activation of an alarm system intentionally or by inadvertence,
negligence or unintentional act to which Police Department personnel
respond, including activation caused by the malfunction of the alarm
system, except that the following circumstances shall not be considered
false alarms, to wit:
1.
When the Superintendent determines that an alarm has been caused
by the malfunction of the indicator at the Department;
2.
When the Chief of Police determines that an alarm has been caused
by damage, testing or repair of the telephone equipment or lines by
a telephone company, provided that such incidents are promptly reported
by the company which caused them;
3.
When an alarm is caused by an attempted and unauthorized or
illegal entry of which there is visible evidence;
4.
When an alarm is intentionally caused by a person at the premises
acting under a reasonable belief that a need existed for calling emergency
or Police personnel;
5.
When an alarm is followed by notice to the Police Department
canceling the alarm by giving proper information, prior to the arrival
of Police or emergency personnel at the source of the alarm; or
6.
When the alarm is caused by an act of God, such as earthquake,
flood, windstorm, thunder or lightning.
[Ord. No. 33 §2, 6-8-1995]
A. All
false alarms to which the Police Department respond shall result in
the following charges to the alarm user:
1. For the first (1st) false alarm in a calendar year there shall be
no charge, but a warning shall be issued;
2. A fifteen dollar ($15.00) service charge for the second (2nd) false
alarm at a premises in any calendar year;
3. A twenty dollar ($20.00) service charge for the third (3rd) false
alarm at a premises in any calendar year; and
4. A twenty-five dollar ($25.00) service charge for the fourth (4th)
and any subsequent false alarms at a premises in any calendar year.
B. Upon
determination by the Police Department that a false alarm has occurred,
the Police Department shall send a notice to the alarm user notifying
the alarm user of the determination and directing the payment within
ten (10) days of any service charge that may be due.
C. The Police Department shall cancel any notice or service charge upon satisfactory proof by the alarm user that a particular alarm falls within the exceptions enumerated in the definition of the term False Alarm as noted in Section
220.010 of this Chapter.
D. Refusal
to pay such a service charge within ten (10) days of such notice shall
constitute a violation of this Chapter.
[Ord. No. 33 §3, 6-8-1995]
A. All
direct signal alarm systems which connect to the Police Department
are prohibited, except for Federal institutions which are required
to have such an alarm system under Federal law.
B. Any
Federal institution which is permitted to have a direct signal alarm
system shall be required to pay for all costs for the installation,
maintenance and repair of the alarm system.
[Ord. No. 33 §4, 6-8-1995]
A. No
person shall install or use an audible alarm without a fifteen (15)
minute timer.
B. On
or after August 1, 1995, any alarm user having an audible alarm shall
be required to have and be responsible for equipping such an alarm
with a fifteen (15) minute timer.
[Ord. No. 33 §5, 6-8-1995]
A. No
person shall install or use an automatic dialing device which is programmed
to dial the Department's telephone number.
B. On
or after August 1, 1995, all automatic dialing devices programmed
to dial Department's telephone number shall be reprogrammed to dial
any other consenting person who may relay the emergency message to
the Department by live voice.
[Ord. No. 33 §6, 6-8-1995]
The County Counselor may bring an action in the name of the
City of Green Park, Missouri, to restrain or prevent a violation of
any provision of this Chapter or any continuance of any such violation.