This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the "False Alarm
Ordinance."
As used in this chapter, the following words, terms and phrases
shall have the following meanings unless it is apparent from the context
that a different meaning is intended:
AUTOMATIC PROTECTION DEVICE (ALARM SYSTEM)
Any mechanical or electrically operated device or instrument
composed of sensory apparatus and related hardware which is designed
or used for the detection of an unauthorized entry into a building,
structure or facility or an attempt thereof or designed or used for
alerting others of the commission or attempted commission of an unlawful
act within a building, structure or facility or designed or used for
the detection of fire, flames or smoke within a building, structure
or facility, or any combination thereof; and which emits a sound or
transmits a signal or message when activated. "Automatic protection
devices" include but are not limited to audible alarms, automatic
dialing devices, alarms connected directly to a communications center,
alarms relayed through any private central station and proprietary
alarms. The following devices shall not be included under the definition:
A.
Devices which are not designed or used to register alarms that
are audible, visible or perceptible outside of the protected building,
structure or facility such as those systems designed for the detection
of equipment malfunctions.
B.
Devices which are designed, used or provided for the sole purpose
of evacuation of occupants of industries, institutions and other similar
premises.
C.
Devices which are designed for and installed upon motorized
vehicles or trailers.
D.
Devices maintained and/or operated by the Carroll Township Police
Department and/or any volunteer fire company serving Carroll Township
used for the detection of unlawful acts or for demonstration purposes.
COMMUNICATION CENTER
The York County Communications Center, the Carroll Township
Police Department headquarters, any base of any Volunteer Fire Company
serving Carroll Township or any other specifically authorized location.
FALSE ALARM
Any activation of an automatic protection devise signal or
notification of such activation by any means resulting in or expecting
the response of the Carroll Township Police Department and/or any
fire company where an emergency situation does not or did not exist
at the time of such activation. The term does not include alarms caused
by hurricane, tornados, earthquakes, floods or other violent acts
or acts of God.
FIRE DEPARTMENT
Any and all officers, members and equipment of any volunteer
fire department serving Carroll Township.
PERSON
Any person, group, firm, partnership, association, corporation,
company or organization of any kind.
POLICE CHIEF
The Chief of Police of the Carroll Township Police Department
or his designated representative.
RECORDS
The reports, incidents, statistics or files of the Carroll
Township Police Department and/or any volunteer fire company serving
Carroll Township.
TROUBLE ALARM
A condition whereby an automatic protection device is in
a pre-alarm condition, commonly referred to as a "trouble setting,"
and a communications center receives notification of such condition.
In the absence of an actual emergency, a "trouble alarm" shall be
considered a false alarm.
When the police disconnect an automatic protection device under §
123-4C of this chapter, no liability shall incur to the Township of Carroll or any of its employees through such action.
The information furnished and secured pursuant to this chapter
shall be confidential in nature and shall not be subject to public
inspection and shall be kept so that the contents thereof shall not
be known except to those persons charged with the administration of
this chapter.
The Police Department and the Fire Department shall respond
without charge for the first three false alarms recorded at any protected
premises during a calendar year. After three false alarms have been
recorded against any protected premises during a calendar year, the
Police and/or Fire Department shall respond to any alarm call received.
When such response actually occurs and there is more than three false
alarms that have been recorded against the protected premises during
the calendar year, service fees shall by assessed against the person
responsible for the protected premises as follows:
A. Eighty dollars for each half hour or part thereof of response or
service time involving the Police Department.
[Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General
Provisions, Art. I)]
B. One hundred dollars for each half hour or part thereof of response
or service time involving the Fire Department.
[Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General
Provisions, Art. I)]
C. In the event both the Police Department and the Fire Department respond,
the service fee assessed shall be $180 for each half hour or part
thereof of response or service actually rendered.
[Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General
Provisions, Art. I)]
D. The service fees are due and payable within 30 days to Carroll Township.
E. When such service fees are assessed, Carroll Township shall notify
the responsible party of the fees due for services rendered.
F. Any person or entity failing to pay the fee due for services rendered
under this chapter within 30 days shall be considered in default of
payment and in violation of the payment of service fees provisions
of this chapter.