The purpose of this chapter is to establish regulations concerning
the operation and maintenance of certain alarm systems within the
Borough of Lawnside and to provide penalties upon conviction for violation
of any of the provisions set forth herein.
For the purpose of this chapter, certain words and phrases are
defined as follows:
ALARM SYSTEM
Any mechanical, electrical or electronic device which is
designed or used for the detection of an unauthorized entry into a
building, structure or facility or for alerting others about the commission
of an unlawful act within a building, structure or facility or for
alerting others about the existence of any other condition requiring
response of police, fire or ambulance personnel and which emits and/or
transmits an audible and/or visual signal or message when actuated.
"Alarm systems" include but are not limited to direct-dial telephone
devices, audible alarms and subscriber alarms.
AUDIBLE ALARM
A device that emits an audible signal from the premises that
it is designed to protect.
DIRECT-DIAL ALARM
A device that, when actuated, causes a recorded message to
be transmitted, via telephone, to the Camden County Communications
Center, stating that emergency response is necessary.
FALSE ALARM
An alarm signal, necessitating response by the Lawnside police,
where an emergency situation does not exist. An alarm that has been
activated by an external source that is beyond the reasonable control
of the subscriber shall not be considered false.
POLICE
The Lawnside Police Department.
SUBSCRIBER ALARM
An alarm system that is terminated by the direct connection
to the Camden County Communications Center, in accordance with regulations
prescribed in separate legislation.
The provisions of this chapter shall not apply to the general
alerting alarms that may be used by fire companies, ambulance squads
or civil defense agencies, to summon response of their members. The
provisions of this ordinance shall not apply to alarm systems that
are affixed to motor vehicles.
Any person, entity, firm, corporation or other group that is
found guilty of violating any of the provisions of this chapter shall
be subject to a fine of not more than $350. Each incident shall be
considered as a separate violation. In addition to any penalty that
may be ordered by the court, the Chief of Police may authorize the
disconnection of subscriber alarms from the Communications Center
after giving written notice to the subscriber.
The provisions contained herein shall apply equally to those
alarm systems that were placed in service prior to or subsequent to
the effective date of this chapter.