For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
ALARM CONTRACTOR. Any person, corporation, proprietorship, partnership or other organization engaged in the business of selling, leasing, installing, maintaining, and/or monitoring alarm systems installed on the premises of another for the purpose of protection of such premises.
ALARM SYSTEM. Any electronic or mechanical device which emits any signal (electronic, visible, audible, silent, recorded or otherwise) which is designed, intended or used to detect an unauthorized entry into a building, structure, or premises, or to signal an attempted robbery, burglary or holdup. ALARM shall be deemed to include any device which initiates a telephone call and delivers a recorded message to any emergency telephone number assigned to the Communications Center or by which a third party telephones any emergency telephone number and requests enforcement services on the basis of having received an automatic signal from a subscriber of an alarm service.
ALARM USER. Any person, corporation, partnership, proprietorship, governmental or educational entity owning or leasing an alarm system, or on whose premises an alarm system is maintained for the protection of such premises.
FALSE ALARM. The activation of an alarm system through mechanical or electronic failure, malfunction, improper installation or the negligence of the subscriber, his employees or agent, and signals purposely activated to summon Sheriff personnel in non-emergency situations unless law enforcement response was canceled by the alarm user or his agent before officers arrive at the alarm location. A false alarm shall not include an alarm which can reasonably be determined to have been activated by adverse weather conditions, a failure in the electrical power to the alarm, or other conditions beyond the control of the alarm user. In addition, an alarm activated during an alarm system testing procedure shall not be considered a false alarm if the alarm user first notifies and receives permission from the Davidson County Sheriff’s Office Communications Center to test the system. An alarm is false within the meaning of this section when, upon inspection by the Sheriff, evidence indicates that no unauthorized entry, robbery, or other such crime was committed or attempted in or on the premises which would have activated a properly functioning alarm system.
SHERIFF. The Sheriff of Davidson County, Lexington, North Carolina, or his designee or agent.
(Ord. passed 5-12-96)