The purpose of this Article is to establish
standards and regulate the various types of intrusion, hold-up, and
other emergency signals from alarm users that require police response
or investigation.
Unless it is apparent from the context that
another meaning is intended, the following terms, phrases, words,
and their derivations shall have the meaning given herein. When not
inconsistent with the context, words used in the present tense include
the future, words used in the plural number include the singular number
and words in the singular number include the plural number. The word
"shall" is always mandatory and not merely directory.
ALARM SYSTEM
An assembly of equipment and devices, including, but not
limited to, automatic dialing devices, automatic hold-up alarm systems,
burglar alarm systems, and hold-up alarm systems, as those terms are
defined in this ordinance, arranged to signal the presence of a hazard
requiring urgent attention and to which police are expected to respond.
This definition does not include alarms on motor vehicles or fire
alarm systems. If, however, an alarm system on a motor vehicle is
connected with an alarm system on premises, the system is an alarm
system as defined in this ordinance. This definition also does not
include alarm systems that are used only to alert or signal persons
located within the premises in which the alarm system is located of
an attempted unauthorized intrusion or holdup attempt. If such a system,
however, employs an audible signal or a flashing light or beacon designed
to signal persons outside the premises, such a system shall be subject
to the provision of this ordinance.
ALARM USER
Any person owning, occupying, or controlling any building
or premise, in Harford County, in, on, or at which an alarm system
is maintained. For purposes of this ordinance, any tenant, lessee,
licensee, or invitee who or which causes an alarm system to be maintained
within Harford County shall be deemed to be an alarm user subject
to this ordinance.
AUTOMATIC DIALING SERVICE
An alarm system which automatically sends over regular telephone
lines, by direct connection or otherwise, a pre-recorded voice message
or coded signal indicating the existence of an emergency situation
that the alarm system is designated to detect.
BURGLAR ALARM SYSTEM
An alarm system signaling an entry or attempted entry into
the area protected by the system.
COUNTY
Harford County, Maryland.
DIRECT CONNECT
An alarm system which has the capability of transmitting
system signals directly to the Sheriff's Office communication center
or the Bel Air Barrack of the Maryland State Police.
[Amended by Bill No. 07-22]
FALSE ALARM
The activation of an alarm system, to include an automatic
dialing device, through mechanical failure, malfunction, improper
installation, or the negligence of the owner or lessee of an alarm
system or of his employees or agents that results in a response by
the Harford County Sheriff's Office. Such terminology does not include,
for example, alarms caused by hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes,
electrical storms or other violent conditions, or an alarm signal
activated during the first 60 calendar days after an alarm system
is installed.
[Amended by Bill No. 07-22]
LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY
The Harford County Sheriff's Office or any authorized agent
thereof, to include the Maryland State Police.
PERSON
Any person, firm, partnership, association, corporation,
company or organization of any kind.
No direct connections shall be permitted in
Harford County unless authorized by the Sheriff or the commander of
the Bel Air Barrack of the Maryland State Police.
[Amended by Bill No. 07-22]
No person shall allow, permit, cause or fail
to prevent the emission, for any reason, by any alarm used by him,
or any alarm serving a premises or a building occupied and controlled
by such person, of more than 2 false alarms within any calendar year.
The emission by any alarm system of more than 2 false alarms in any
calendar year is deemed to be excessive and constitutes a serious
public nuisance, and is subject to service charges set out in the
section following.
Service charges will be deposited to the general
fund.