The following terms shall have the following meanings within
this part:
ALARM SYSTEM
Any device designed for the detection of unauthorized entry
or attempted unauthorized entry on premises for alerting others of
the commission of an unlawful act or the detection of fire, and which,
when actuated, emits a sound, light, transmits a signal or message,
including an automatic protection device.
AUDIBLE ALARM SYSTEM
Any alarm device or system which causes an alarm to be sounded
in such manner that it may be heard by any person not within the premises
from which it is transmitted or received.
AUTOMATIC PROTECTION DEVICE
A device which is interconnected to a telephone line and
is programmed to select a predetermined telephone number and transmit,
by voice message or code signal, an emergency message indicating a
need for police or firefighting response. For the purposes of this
part, an automatic dialing device is deemed an alarm system and subject
to the regulations set forth herein.
COMMERCIAL BUILDING
All structures whose primary use is not a dwelling and more
than 50% of the floor space is not used as a dwelling.
FALSE ALARM
A visual and/or audible signal transmitted by an alarm device
which indicates the existence of an emergency situation, when in fact
no such emergency exists.
SUBSCRIBER
Any user, tenant, lessee, agent, employee or resident which
owns or is entitled to possession of any premises on which an alarm
has been installed.
The Chief of Police or his designee shall have the right to
inspect any alarm system or automatic protection device on the premises
where it is installed, at reasonable times, to determine if the device
is being used in conformity with the provisions of this part. Subscribers
shall maintain said alarm devices in proper operating conditions and
shall, at least once yearly, arrange for a test of the system with
the Police Department, if requested by the Chief of Police. If required,
each subscriber shall supply to the Chief of Police the date of installation
of such alarm device; date of termination of such alarm device; the
subscriber's name, address and telephone number, and the name, address
and telephone number of an agent or other responsible person designated
to respond to the location from which the alarm is sounded, when notified
by the police or firefighting units. The person designated by the
subscriber to respond to the alarm location shall do so expeditiously;
in any case no longer than one hour from the time of notification
by police or firefighting units. Audible alarms shall have, as part
of the device, a system whereby the alarm is shut off, automatically
or manually, within a maximum of 30 minutes from the time of activation.
[Amended 2-21-2013 by Ord. No. 13-05]
Effective June 1, 1982, for each false alarm received in excess
of three in a twelve-month period, commencing June 1, 1982, a service
fee in an amount established from time to time by resolution of Borough
Council shall be imposed on the subscriber. This fee shall apply to
both commercial buildings and private residences.
Any subscriber charged with a false alarm fee may appeal such
charge, in writing, to the Chief of Police within 10 working days
from the receipt of such charge notification. The Chief of Police
shall meet with the subscriber, and if in the opinion of the Chief
of Police the fee is unwarranted, the fee may be waived.
[Amended 2-21-2013 by Ord. No. 13-05]
Any person, firm or corporation who shall violate any provision
of this part shall, upon conviction thereof, be sentenced to pay a
fine of not more than $1,000 plus costs and, in default of payment
of said fine and costs, to a term of imprisonment not to exceed 30
days. Each day that a violation of this part continues or each section
of this part which shall be found to have been violated shall constitute
a separate offense.