Chapter 9.17
ALARM SYSTEMS
Sections:
9.17.050 Termination – Excessive false alarms.
9.17.060 Evidence of false alarms.
9.17.010 Definitions.
The following terms are defined for use in this chapter:
A. “Alarm system” means an assembly of equipment and devices or a single device such as a solid state unit which uses electrical energy to signal the presence of a hazard requiring urgent attention and to which the Police Department or Fire Department is expected to respond. In this chapter, the term “alarm system” includes but is not limited to the terms “automatic holdup alarm system,” “burglar alarm system,” “holdup alarm system,” “fire alarm system,” and “manual holdup alarm system,” as those terms are hereinafter defined. Alarm systems which monitor temperature, humidity or any other condition not directly related to the detection of an unauthorized intrusion into premises or an attempted robbery at premises are specifically excluded from the provisions of this chapter. Also excluded from this definition and from the coverage of this chapter are alarm systems used to alert or signal persons within the premises in which the alarm system is located of an attempted unauthorized intrusion or holdup attempt. If a system employs an audible signal emitting sounds or a flashing light or beacon designed to signal persons outside the premises, the system is within the definition of “alarm system” and is subject to this chapter.
B. “Automatic holdup alarm system” means an alarm system in which the signal transmission is initiated by the action of the robber.
C. “Burglar alarm system” refers to an alarm system signaling an entry or attempted entry into the area protected by the system.
D. “False alarm” means the activation of an alarm system through mechanical failure, malfunction, improper installation, without an unlawful entry, or through the negligence of the owner or lessee of an alarm system or said person’s employees or agents or other cause.
E. “Holdup alarm system” refers to an alarm system signaling a robbery or attempted robbery.
F. “Manual holdup alarm system” refers to an alarm system in which the signal transmission is initiated by the direct action of the person attacked or by an observer of the attack.
G. “Subscriber” means a person who buys or leases or otherwise obtains an alarm signaling system and contracts with or hires an alarm business to monitor or service the alarm device. (Ord. 675 § 2, 2011).
9.17.020 Purpose.
The City of Calistoga declares that law enforcement responses to repeated false alarms as defined in this chapter pose a critical drain on limited police personnel resources, endanger responding officers, and deprive the general taxpayer of a preventive police presence, thereby endangering the general health and welfare of the community at large. (Ord. 675 § 2, 2011).
9.17.030 Testing.
A. No alarm system designed to transmit emergency messages directly to the Police Department or Fire Department shall be tested or demonstrated without first notifying the Police Department dispatcher.
B. No alarm system relayed through intermediate services to the Police or Fire Department will be tested to determine police response without first notifying the police dispatcher.
C. Any testing done without proper advance notification shall be classified as a “false alarm” for purposes of this chapter. All notices shall be prior to the testing date unless the Police Chief gives special permission otherwise. All notices shall include the time, date, owner’s or subscriber’s name, address and the name of the representative responsible for the testing, and said person’s employer’s name, address and telephone number. (Ord. 675 § 2, 2011).
9.17.040 Violation.
There shall be no charge for four false alarms per calendar year. Any false alarms over four false alarms per year shall be deemed a public nuisance and subject to penalty as provided in CMC 1.08.010. (Ord. 675 § 2, 2011).
9.17.050 Termination – Excessive false alarms.
The Police Chief or Fire Chief is authorized to require that the owner or lessee of any alarm system directly connected to the department disconnect such device until it is working in such a manner as will not produce a high frequency of false alarms. The Police Chief or Fire Chief may require disconnection if 10 false alarms are received in any 12-month period. The Police Chief or Fire Chief may, after giving notice to the subscriber, order disconnection of the system for non-cooperation of the subscriber, or for violations of this chapter. (Ord. 675 § 2, 2011).
9.17.060 Evidence of false alarms.
In determining whether an alarm is a false alarm, all circumstances shall be considered. Setting off an alarm may cause a person who was attempting a break-in to flee. In investigating whether an alarm is false, a careful check will be made for signs of attempts to break in, such as scratches around windows. (Ord. 675 § 2, 2011).