[Adopted ATM 4-3-1985, Art. 38]
As used in this article, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
ALARM DEVICE
Any device which when activated by a criminal act:
A. 
Transmits a signal to the Police Department.
B. 
Transmits a signal to a person or company who relays information to the Police Department.
C. 
Produces an audible or visible signal to which the police are expected to respond.
ALARM USER
The owner or, if not owner-occupied, the tenant of any premises where an alarm device is maintained within the Town of Falmouth.
FALSE BURGLAR ALARM
The activation of an alarm through negligence of an alarm user or employee, improper installation, mechanical failure, malfunction or any other cause which results in the police responding where it is determined after investigation by the Police Department that no criminal activity or attempted criminal activity has occurred.
All alarm users shall submit to the Police Department their name, address and telephone number and the name, address and telephone number of at least one (1) other person who is authorized to respond to an emergency signal transmitted by an alarm device or system and who can open the premises in which the alarm device is located.
All alarm systems which use an audible bell, horn or siren shall be equipped with an automatic shutoff device, which will deactivate the alarm system within twenty-five (25) minutes. All alarm users with an audible bell, horn or siren must comply with this section within ninety (90) days of the effective date of this article.
All alarm users shall notify, in advance, the alarm company or person providing the alarm service or, in the case of an alarm device or system directly connected to the Police Department, the Police Department, of any testing of the equipment. Failure to do so resulting in police response shall constitute a false alarm.
After the Police Department has recorded three (3) separate false alarms from an alarm user within a calendar year, the Police Chief or his designee shall notify the alarm user, in writing, of such facts, including the dates and times of each alleged false alarm. For the fourth false alarm a fine shall be assessed, as well as for each subsequent false alarm within said calendar year. For penalty, see Chapter 1, General Provisions, Article I, Penalties.
Neither the Town of Falmouth nor any of its officers shall be under any obligation or duty to an alarm user, or to any other person hereunder, by reason of this article. The Town of Falmouth specifically disclaims liability for any damages which may be caused by failure to respond to an alarm.
The provisions of this article shall not apply to alarm devices owned or controlled by the Town of Falmouth nor to alarm devices installed in a motor vehicle, watercraft or aircraft.