Advances in technology have engendered the creation and deployment of
sophisticated systems using a variety of protocols to monitor premises and
persons and activities on them, and to generate signals of various types to
which the Police Department is expected to respond. When these systems work
properly in a coordinated system, they can be a significant aid to safe and
efficient law enforcement. When they do not work properly, they can be dangerous,
wasteful and a public nuisance. This chapter is designed to facilitate the
proper use and prevent the improper use of such systems which presume the
response of the Barnstable Police Department. It is also designed to implement
a regulatory framework which is able to keep pace with rapid changes in the
technology involved.
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings
indicated:
ALARM SYSTEM
A.
Any system which:
(1)
Transmits a signal to the Barnstable Police Department; or
(2)
Transmits a signal to a third party who relays information to the Barnstable
Police Department; or
(3)
Produces an audible or visible signal to which the Barnstable police
are expected to respond.
(4)
The term "alarm system" shall include, but not be limited to, systems
which generate signals to or from vehicles to telephone, satellite or cellular
communications and geographic positioning systems and forwarded to the Town
of Barnstable Police Department.
The Chief of Police is hereby authorized to adopt regulations, subject
to the approval of the Town Manager, to govern the use of alarm systems within
the town. Such regulations shall be based upon considerations of safety, reliability,
control, accountability, efficiency and the avoidance of waste and unnecessary
noise and other public nuisance. Such regulations shall be maintained on file
with the Town Clerk comport with the requirements of the town, if any, with
respect to their publication and codification. Unless some other date is specified
therein or by law, such regulations shall take effect upon filing with the
Town Clerk.
The Chief of Police is hereby authorized to issue permits, to be valid
for terms of one year unless otherwise provided by regulation, for:
A. Engaging in the business of installing, maintaining or
interfacing with alarm systems within the Town; or
B. Installing or maintaining an alarm system on premises
owned or controlled by them within the Town.
Nothing herein shall be construed by any person to be an assurance of
safety or assistance upon which reliance is warranted within the meaning of
Section 10 of Chapter 258 of the General Laws.