This chapter is adopted to regulate the use of alarm systems and penalize
those responsible for alarm systems which give false alarms, thereby diverting
the resources of the Township away from actual alarms.
These words and phrases shall be defined as follows:
ALARM SYSTEM
A detection device or an assembly of equipment and devices arranged
to signal the presence of a hazard or the commission of a crime requiring
urgent attention or to which police or firemen are expected to respond. This
definition includes fire alarm systems which monitor temperature, humidity
or other conditions and alarm systems directly related to the detection of
an unauthorized intrusion into a premises or an attempted robbery at a premises.
FALSE ALARM
The activation of an alarm system through mechanical failure, malfunction,
improper installation or the negligence of the owner or lessee of an alarm
system or of his employees or agents. "False alarm" does not include an alarm
caused by a hurricane, tornado, earthquake or other violent condition beyond
the control of the owner or lessee of an alarm system or of their employees
or agents and does not include a prearranged alarm system test.
POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS
The Police and Fire Departments of the Township, including the Police
and Fire Dispatch Center of the Township or of any agency providing that service
to the Township.
The owner or lessee of an alarm system shall be responsible for the
proper installation, operation, and maintenance of the alarm system in compliance
with this chapter and state law and may be charged and prosecuted for any
violation.
Following three false alarms from an alarm or three violations of this
chapter by those responsible for an alarm system during any twelve-month period,
the Police or Fire Department may remove, disconnect and refuse to respond
to further alarms from that alarm system until it has been inspected and recertified
by a licensed alarm systems contractor as being properly installed, operated
and maintained in compliance with this chapter and the laws of the State of
Michigan. The Police and Fire Departments shall not take any action pursuant
to this section or refuse to respond to further alarms until 10 days after
the party responsible for maintaining the alarm system has been served by
registered mail, return receipt requested, with a written notice of intent
to take action pursuant to this section and, if at the expiration of the 10
days, documentation of inspection and recertification has not been delivered
to the Police or Fire Department. If the Police or Fire Department is unable
to effect service by registered mail, then service may be effected by posting
the notice on any exterior door of the premises, which the alarm system serves
and action may be taken under this section 10 days after posting.
The owner or lessee of the alarm system shall be liable to the Township
for any expenses incurred by the Township in controlling or responding to
false alarms after the third occurrence within any twelve-month period.
Any person who shall violate any of the provisions of this chapter shall
be responsible for a municipal civil infraction, subject to the following
penalties:
A. The following civil fines shall apply in the event of
a determination of responsibility for a municipal civil infraction, unless
a different fine is specified in connection with a particular section:
(1) First offense. The civil fine for a first offense violation
shall be in the amount of not less than $150, plus costs and other sanctions,
for each offense.
(2) Repeat offense. The civil fine for any offense which
is a repeat offense shall be in an amount of not less than $300, plus costs
and other sanctions for each offense.
B. In addition to ordering the defendant determined to be
responsible for a municipal civil infraction to pay a civil fine, costs, damages
and expenses, the Judge or Magistrate shall be authorized to issue any judgment,
writ or order necessary to enforce, or enjoin violation of the chapter.
C. Continuing offense. Each act of violation, and on each
day upon which any such violation shall occur, shall constitute a separate
offense.
D. Remedies not exclusive. In addition to any remedies provided
for by the Code of the Charter Township of Northville, any equitable or other
remedies available may be sought.
E. The Judge or Magistrate shall be authorized to impose
costs, damages and expenses as provided by the law.
F. A municipal civil infraction shall not be a lesser included
offense of a criminal offense or of an ordinance violation which is not a
civil infraction.