The purpose of this chapter is to establish regulations concerning
the operation and maintenance of certain alarm systems within the
Borough of Somerdale and to provide penalties upon conviction for
violations of any of the provisions set forth herein.
[Amended 6-12-1991 by Ord. No. 91:08]
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 existence
of any other condition requiring response of police, fire or ambulance
personnel 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.
AMBULANCE
The Magnolia Ambulance Corps or any other emergency ambulance
service that may be utilized by the Borough of Somerdale.
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 police communications center stating
that emergency response is necessary.
FALSE ALARM
An alarm signal requiring response of police, fire or ambulance
personnel where an emergency situation does not exist.
FIRE DEPARTMENT
The Magnolia Heights Volunteer Fire Company, the Somerdale
Fire Company or any other fire company that may be utilized by the
Borough of Somerdale.
POLICE
The Somerdale Police Department.
SUBSCRIBER ALARM
An alarm system that is terminated by direct connection to
the Somerdale police communications center 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.
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.
[Added 6-12-1991 by Ord. No. 91:08]
The Borough of Somerdale or any of its police, fire or ambulance
personnel shall not assume any responsibility whatsoever to any person,
entity, firm, corporation or other group with respect to the adequacy,
operation or maintenance of any private alarm system. No action taken
by any Borough personnel pursuant to the provisions of this chapter
shall create any liability upon the Borough by reason of any failure
of any private alarm system or any failure to respond to any private
alarm system.
[Amended 9-12-1990 by Ord. No. 90:09]
A. Any person who violates any provision of this chapter shall, upon
conviction thereof, be subject to any combination of the following:
(1) A fine of not less than $100 nor more than $1,000.
(2) A term of imprisonment not exceeding 90 days.
(3) A period of community service not exceeding 90 days.
B. Each incident shall be considered a separate offense.
C. In addition to any penalty that may be ordered by the court, the
Police Chief may authorize the disconnection of subscriber alarms
from the communications center after giving written notice to the
subscriber.
[Amended 6-12-1991 by Ord. No. 91:08]