Sec. 58-31. Definitions.
The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this article, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:
Audible alarm device means any alarm device which produces an audible signal at the premises where it is installed, whether by means of bells, horns, sirens or other mechanisms, thereby notifying persons within audible range of the signal that the police department should be notified.
Central alarm station means any facility which is manned at all times by trained operators employed to receive, record and validate alarm signals and to relay the information about validated signals of the police department when appropriate.
Dial alarm means any police alarm device which is a telephone device or telephone attachment that automatically or electronically selects a telephone line connected to a central alarm station or the police department and reproduces a prerecorded message to report a criminal act or other emergency requiring police department response.
False alarm means any alarm signal originating from a police alarm device, dial alarm, audible alarm device or central alarm station to which the police department responds and which results from:
(1) False activation, where the activator knows or should reasonably know that such alarm is false, including reporting a robbery where no actual or attempted robbery has occurred or reporting a burglary where there is no evidence to substantiate an attempted or forced entry to the premises.
(2) An alarm triggered by negligence, including overly sensitive settings.
(3) Failure to correct a malfunction in an alarm system which has previously resulted in a false alarm.
After the adjustment period, as defined in section 58-43, ends or where no installation notice has been given in accordance with section 58-43, a false alarm shall be deemed to have occurred when there are more than five false alarms in any calendar year. The term "false alarm" does not include alarms which arise from conditions which are clearly beyond the control of the alarm user, e.g., electrical storms, strong winds, tornadoes, floods or other acts of God.
Police alarm device means any mechanical or electrical (AC/DC) device or system which is designed or used for the detection of an unauthorized entry into a building, structure or facility or used for mechanically or electronically alerting others to the commission of an unlawful act, whether installed within or without a building. Alarm devices which are only audible or visible on the interior of the protected building, structure or area are not included within this definition or within this article. (Code 1979, § 27-130)
Cross reference: Definitions generally, § 1-2.