This chapter shall be known as the "Automated Alarm Device Systems
Law of the Village of New Hempstead."
The Police Department of the Town of Ramapo has reported large
numbers of false alarms emanating from automated alarm device systems.
These false alarms unnecessarily require that our police and volunteer
fire departments respond in an emergency fashion to signals which
should not have been created, thereby interfering with services of
these departments that protect the health, safety and welfare of all
residents. It is the intent of this chapter to reduce the occurrence
of false alarms and provide a mechanism whereby those responsible
for the creation of these false alarms be dealt with in an appropriate
manner. It is not the intent of this chapter to discourage the use
of automated equipment but rather to encourage the use of automated
equipment in a manner that fulfills the function that the equipment
is intended to perform.
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the
meanings indicated:
ALARM DEVICE SYSTEM
One or more mechanical, electrical, or electronic devices
which, when activated, will transmit a signal which is intended to
create a response from either a fire department or police department
or other emergency service, whether or not the signal generated is
audible, visible or electronic, and whether such signal is automatic
or otherwise.
ALARM INSTALLER
Any person, firm, corporation or business entity who or which
has installed and/or receives compensation for service or maintenance
of a burglar or fire alarm device system from a resident upon whose
property the device has been installed.
ALARM USER
Any person, firm, corporation or business entity upon whose
premises an alarm device system is installed or operating.
FALSE ALARM
A signal transmitted to either fire or police departments,
or a central alarm station, or an outside audible signal indicating
that a fire or criminal act or emergency is occurring, when in fact
neither a criminal act nor fire nor emergency is occurring.
PREMISES
Any building, dwelling or residence on which an alarm device
system has been installed.
Any alarm installer contracted to install an alarm device system
shall be licensed to perform home improvements pursuant to a license
issued by the Rockland County Office of Consumer Protection.
It shall be unlawful for any alarm user or alarm installer to
permit or allow an alarm device system to signal a false alarm, whether
intentionally or unintentionally, or whether due to malfunction or
otherwise.
If an alarm device system activates an outside audible signal,
such outside audible signal shall not be broadcast for more than 30
minutes after initial activation.
The Police Department shall have the power, right and authority
to issue appearance tickets as the same is defined in Article 150
of the Criminal Procedure Law of the State of New York for the violation
of any section of this chapter.