For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions shall
be applicable unless the context clearly indicates to the contrary.
CALENDAR YEAR
The period beginning January 1 and terminating on December
31, both dates inclusive.
FALSE ALARM
Includes the activation of a security or alarm system through
mechanical failure, malfunction, improper installation or because
of negligence of the owner or lessee or the agent, servant, employee
or business invitee of the owner or lessee, including the use of an
alarm to summon police personnel for reasons other than those listed
on the alarm system, but shall not include alarms which, in the opinion
of the Chief of Police of the Town of Milton, are caused by electrical
interruptions, floods, or other natural events.
SECURITY OR ALARM SYSTEM
Includes any mechanical or electrical device used for the
detection of burglars, robbery, fire or other hazard within a building,
structure or facility or for alerting others to the commission of
an unlawful act or hazard, or either or both, within a building, structure
or facility, including all necessary equipment designed and installed
for the detection of burglars, robbery, or other hazard in a single
building, structure or facility or for alerting others of the commission
of an unlawful act within a building, structure or facility.
SECURITY OR ALARM SYSTEM USER
Includes any person, firm, partnership, corporation, or other
entity, or any agent, officer, or employee thereof on whose premises
a security or alarm system is maintained within the Town.
Security or alarm system users shall not cause more than three
alarm signals within a calendar year that elicit notification to the
Milton Police Department where it is discovered that a situation requiring
a response by the police does not exist and that is further defined
as a "false alarm."
Every security or alarm system user shall maintain their system
in such a manner as to minimize the number of incidents of false alarms
to the police.
A notice of violation shall be sent by the Town of Milton Code
Enforcement Officer to the security or alarm system user for each
false alarm. The notice shall contain the number of false alarm violations
by that security or alarm system user for the calendar year and the
corresponding civil penalty being assessed, if any. The notice of
violation may be issued by mailing such notice to the security or
alarm system user at the address where the alarm system is located
or registered.
All payments for civil penalties received under this chapter
shall be delivered to the Town of Milton within 30 days of receipt
of the notice of violation.
A security or alarm system user who wishes to contest the validity
of the false alarm violation under this chapter may contest the violation
by appealing the decision to the Justice of the Peace Court, which
shall have exclusive jurisdiction to hear the appeal.
If the security or alarm system user fails to pay the civil
penalty within 30 days from the receipt of the notice of violation,
the Town of Milton may enforce the civil penalty by any means available
in law or equity, including but not limited to civil action in the
Justice of the Peace Court, including seeking judgement and execution
on a judgement against the security or alarm system user.
In the interest of public safety, all information contained
in and gathered through the security system registration applications
shall be confidential information.