For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
ALARM COMPANY. Any person, retail establishment, organization, answering service, central station or modified central station that installs, connects, or monitors burglary, robbery, or other security alarm systems for consideration. Such companies shall be licensed in accordance with the provisions of Business and Professions Code § 7590 et seq.
ALARM SYSTEM. Any mechanical or electrical device designed to emit a sound or generate a signal or message during the commission of an unlawful act in or an unauthorized entry into a building, structure or facility. The following devices shall not constitute an alarm system:
(1) Alarm devices affixed to motor vehicles; boats, boat trailers, house trailers used for traveling or recreational purposes, recreational vehicles, or aircraft.
(2) Alarm devices installed on a temporary basis by the Madera Police Department;
(3) Hand-held/portable personal safety devices.
ALARM USER. Any person responsible for operating an alarm system.
ANSWERING SERVICE. A telephone answering service which provides as one of its services the receiving, on a continuous basis, of emergency signals from alarm systems. Immediately upon receiving the signal, the answering service relays a message by live voice to the Madera Police Department's communication center.
AUTOMATIC DIALING DEVICE. An alarm system that automatically sends over regular telephone lines, by direct connection or otherwise, a prerecorded voice message indicating the existence of the emergency situation that the alarm system is designed to detect.
BURGLARY SYSTEM. Any electrical or mechanical device installed at a residence or business and designed to instantly emit a signal when there is an attempted unlawful entry.
CENTRAL STATION. An office to which alarm systems are connected, where operators supervise the circuits, and where security or other service personnel are continuously present to investigate signals.
CHIEF OF POLICE. The person who occupies the office of the Chief of Police for the Madera Police Department, or any person(s) the Chief of Police designates to administer this chapter.
DIRECT LINE. A telephone line leading directly from a central station to the communication center of the Madera Police Department which is used solely to report emergency signals on a person-to-person basis.
EMERGENCY. Any condition which results in, or which could result in, the response of police in an authorized emergency vehicle, or any condition which jeopardizes or could jeopardize public safety and results in, or could result in, the evacuation of any area, building, structure, facility, vehicle or any other place which an individual may enter.
EMERGENCY POWER SUPPLY. An uninterruptable power supply that will prevent the failure or interruption of normal utility electricity.
EXCESSIVE FALSE ALARMS. All false alarms actuated in excess of three false alarms within 365 consecutive days.
FALSE ALARM. The activation of an alarm system which results in a response or the commencement of a response by the police where an emergency does not exist.
FALSE ALARM SERVICE FEE. The amount a permittee shall pay the City of Madera for police response to excessive false alarms to defray the cost of responding to false alarms prompting the response.
INFRACTION. An infraction as defined in the California Penal Code as a public offense which is not punishable by imprisonment. A person charged with an infraction shall not be entitled to a trial by jury. A person charged with an infraction shall not be entitled to have the public defender or other counsel appointed at public expense. Unless otherwise specified, infractions under this chapter are punishable as provided in § 3-10.99 of this chapter.
INTERCONNECT. To connect an alarm system to a telephone line, either directly or through a mechanical device that utilizes a standard telephone, for the purpose of using the telephone line to transmit an emergency message upon the activation of the alarm system.
MODIFIED CENTRAL STATION. An office to which alarm systems are connected, where operators supervise the circuits but where security or other service personnel are not present to investigate alarm signals.
NOTICE. A sign or notice.
OPERATIONAL TESTING. Any test of an alarm system conducted by a firm, person, or corporation.
PANIC ALARM. Any electrical or mechanical device designed to enable an individual, 24 hours a day, to instantly alert others of the existence of an emergency by the transmitting of a signal and/or sounding of audible alarm when activated.
PERMITTEE. The person to whom an alarm system permit is issued.
PERSON. Natural persons without regard to number or gender, and any partnership, corporation, and any other type of legal entity.
PERSON-TO-PERSON. The method by which alarm activity is discussed by a person in his or her actual live voice with a live voice at the Madera Police Department.
PRIMARY TRUNK LINE. A telephone line leading directly into the communication center of the Madera Police Department, including 9-1-1 emergency lines, used to respond to emergency calls on a person-to-person basis. A primary trunk line is identified as such by a specific number included among the emergency numbers listed in the telephone directory issued by the telephone company servicing area within which the Madera Police Department has jurisdiction.
REVOKE OR REVOCATION. The permanent cancellation of a permit. If an individual's permit has been revoked and he or she desires to operate an alarm system, he or she will be required to apply for a new permit.
ROBBERY ALARM. Any device or system designed to operate 24 hours a day to instantly transmit a silent signal from a business to alert others of an actual armed robbery in progress.
SIREN. Any audible noise similar to the sound that authorized emergency vehicles are required to produce under the conditions set forth in § 21055 of the California Vehicle Code.
SUSPENSION. A period of time determined by the Chief of Police in which a person with an otherwise valid permit is prohibited from operating an alarm system. After the duration of the suspension, the permittee is not required to reapply for a new permit. However, he or she may be required to comply with conditions imposed by the Chief of Police.
(Ord. 761 C.S., passed 10-15-03)