Chapter 5.40
ALARM RESPONSE
Sections:
5.40.010 Purposes and definitions.
5.40.010 Purposes and definitions.
A. The city council states that alarm systems have proven to be an effective crime deterrent and detection product. Properly used and maintained, they assist police and fire departments in the protection of life and property. It is the policy of the Patterson police and fire departments to respond to all alarms that are received, as such; they do not respond to false and malfunctioning alarms.
B. Currently, the costs associated with responding to false and malfunctioning alarms is borne by the general taxpayer, even though it is a selective type of service not utilized by the public at large. In addition, there currently are no regulations governing the use, type and service of alarms used without the city.
C. The following words and phrases, whenever used in this chapter, unless the content indicates otherwise, shall be construed as defined in this section.
“Alarm system” means any device designed for the detection of an unauthorized entry on or into any building, place or premises, or for the alerting of others to the existence of an emergency situation, or of the commission of an unlawful act, which when activated emits a sound or transmits a signal or message, and which directly or indirectly initiates or causes a response by the police or fire departments.
“Audible alarm” means the type of alarm system, which when activated, emits an audible sound outside of the structure, including vehicles, in which it is located.
“False alarm” means any alarm or signal activated through alarm user negligence or error for reasons not of an emergency nature, or when activated due to malfunction of any segment of the alarm system, and which results in a response by city police or fire personnel where an emergency situation does not exist.
“Fire chief” means the chief of the Patterson fire department or his/her authorized subordinate.
“Police chief” means the chief of the Patterson police department or his/her authorized subordinate. (Ord. 509 (part), 1993).
5.40.020 Alarm regulations.
A. Public safety and safety of police officers and fire fighters requires that any alarm causing false alarms be corrected immediately. In the case of fire and smoke alarms, the fire chief shall make the determination whether or not response shall be terminated and shall have the same duties, responsibilities and discretion as the police chief would have on alarms as set forth in this chapter.
B. The maximum number of false alarms which may be reported by any alarm system in a twelve-month period shall be three. On the fourth false alarm, the following fee schedule will be imposed:
1. Fourth false alarm, twenty-five dollar response fee;
2. Fifth false alarm, fifty dollar response fee;
3. Sixth false alarm, seventy-five dollar response fee;
4. Seven or more, one hundred dollar response fee.
C. No person shall install an audible alarm system without a mechanical, electronic or other device which will shut off the audible sound of the alarm system after a period of not more than thirty minutes.
D. No person shall by means of any mechanical device call and deliver a recorded message to any telephone number that terminates in the Patterson police or fire department business offices advising of an alarm activation.
E. No person or business shall sell, install or operate an alarm system without first obtaining a city building permit and/or business license. (Ord. 509 (part), 1993).
5.40.030 Penalty.
A violation of this chapter shall be deemed an infraction. In addition to the response fee, a person or business found in violation of this chapter may be cited and punished by the following fines:
A. A fine not exceeding twenty-five dollars for the first violation in any twelve-month period;
B. A fine not exceeding fifty dollars for the second violation in any twelve-month period;
C. A fine not exceeding seventy-five dollars for the third and any subsequent violations in any twelve-month period. (Ord. 509 (part), 1993).