This chapter shall be known as the "Automated Alarm Systems Law of the
Village of Montebello."
The Police Department of the Town of Ramapo has reported to the Village
Board extraordinary numbers of false alarms emanating from automated alarm
systems. These false alarms unnecessarily require that our police and volunteer
fire departments respond in an emergency fashion to signals which should not
have been created in the first place, depriving the citizens of this Village
from the sorely needed services of our emergency forces and expose the police
and firemen to unnecessary hazards and risks. Therefore, it is the intent
of this chapter to reduce the occurrence of false alarms and provide a mechanism
whereby those responsible for the creation of these false alarms to be dealt
with in an appropriate fashion. It is not the intent to discourage the use
of automated equipment, but rather to encourage the use of automated equipment
that fulfills the function it is intended to perform. To facilitate enforcement
the Police Department has requested standardized legislation within its jurisdiction.
This chapter complies with that request and is enacted by authority of § 20,
Subdivision 5, of the Municipal Home Rule Law and all other statutory authority.
For the purposes of this chapter, the following terms shall have the
following meanings:
ALARM DEVICE
A mechanical, electrical, or electronic device which when activated,
will transmit a signal, which is intended to create a response from either
a fire department or police department, or other emergency service, whether
or not the signal generated be audible, visible or electronic, and whether
such signal be automatic or otherwise.
ALARM INSTALLER
Any person, firm, corporation or business entity which has installed
and/or receives compensation for service or maintenance of a burglar or fire
alarm device from an alarm user.
ALARM USER
Any person, firm, corporation or business entity, upon whose premises
an alarm device is installed or operating.
FALSE ALARM
A signal transmitted to either fire or police departments, or a central
alarm station, or an outside audible signal indicating that a fire or criminal
act or emergency is occurring, when in fact neither a criminal act or fire
or emergency is occurring.
POLICE DEPARTMENT
Police Department of the Town of Ramapo or such department which,
at the time, may then be providing police services to the Village.
PREMISES
Any building, dwelling, or residence on which an alarm device has
been installed.
Any alarm installer contracted to install an alarm device or system
of alarm devices must be licensed to perform home improvement pursuant to
a license issued by the Rockland County Office of Consumer Protection and
must possess a state license issued pursuant to Article 6-B of the General
Business Law.
It shall be unlawful for any alarm user or alarm installer to permit
or allow an alarm device to signal a false alarm whether intentionally or
unintentionally, or whether due to malfunction or otherwise.
If an alarm device activates an outside audible signal, such outside
audible signal cannot be broadcast for more than 30 minutes after initial
activation.
The Police Department shall have the power, right and authority to issue
an appearance ticket as the same is defined in Article 150 of the Criminal
Procedure Law of the State of New York, for the violation of any section of
this chapter.