(a)
BURGLAR ALARM SYSTEM
FALSE ALARM
Definitions. For the purpose of this section, the following terms,
phrases, words and their derivations shall have the meanings given
herein. When not inconsistent with the context, words used in the
present tense include the future; words used in the plural number
include the singular number; and words in the singular number include
the plural number. The word "shall" is always mandatory and not merely
directory.
An assembly of equipment and devices or a single device, such as a solid-state unit which plugs directly into a 110V AC line, arranged to signal the presence of a hazard requiring urgent attention and to which police are expected to respond. Fire alarm systems and alarm systems which monitor temperature, smoke, humidity or any other condition not directly related to the detection of an unauthorized intrusion into a premises or an attempted robbery at a premises are specifically excluded from the provisions of this section. The provisions of Subsection C of this section shall apply to all users.
The activation of an alarm system through mechanical failure,
malfunction, improper installation or negligence of the user of an
alarm system or his employees or agents; or any signal or oral communication
transmitted to the Police Department when in fact there has been no
unauthorized intrusion, robbery or burglary or attempt thereat. For
the purposes of this definition, activation of alarm systems by acts
of God, including but not limited to power outages, hurricanes, tornadoes,
earthquakes and similar weather or atmospheric disturbances, shall
not be deemed to be a false alarm.
(b)
Control and curtailment of signals permitted by alarm systems.
1.
Every alarm user shall submit to the Police Chief the names and telephone
numbers of at least two other persons (aka "key holders") who are
authorized to respond to an emergency signal transmitted by an alarm
system and who can open the premises wherein the alarm system is installed.
It shall be incumbent upon the owner of said premises to immediately
notify the Weymouth Police Department of any changes in the list of
authorized employees so named in the business listing to respond to
alarms.
2.
All alarm systems which use an audible horn or bell shall be equipped
with a device that will shut off such bell or horn within 15 minutes
after activation of the alarm system. All alarm systems in the Town
of Weymouth must have a shut-off device installed.
3.
Any alarm system emitting a continuous and uninterrupted signal for
more than 15 minutes between 7:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. which cannot
be shut off or otherwise curtailed due to the absence or unavailability
of the alarm user or those persons designated by him under Subsection
(b)(1) of this section and which disturbs the peace, comfort or repose
of a community, a neighborhood or a considerable number of inhabitants
of the area where the alarm system is located shall constitute a public
nuisance. Upon receiving complaints regarding such a continuous and
uninterrupted signal, the Police Chief shall endeavor to contact the
alarm user or members of the alarm user's family or those persons
designated by the alarm user under Subsection (b)(1) of this section
in an effort to abate the nuisance. The Police Chief shall cause to
be recorded the names and addresses of all complainants and the time
each complaint was made.
4.
No alarm system which is designed to transmit emergency messages
or signals of intrusion to the Police Department will be tested until
the Police Dispatcher has been notified.
(c)
Penalties.
1.
Upon receipt of three or more false alarms within a calendar year,
the Police Chief may order the user to discontinue the use of the
alarm, or may disconnect any direct connections to the Police Department.
2.
The user shall be assessed $50 as a false alarm service fee for each
false alarm in excess of three occurring within a calendar year. The
Police Chief shall notify the alarm user either by certified mail
or by service in hand by a police officer of such violation, and said
user shall submit payment to the Town Treasurer within 15 days of
said notice for deposit to the general fund.
