For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
ALARM HOLDER. The owner, lessee or person responsible for the existence of an alarm system device within or upon his or her premises.
ALARM SYSTEM.
(1) Any device, silent or audible, which is designed to actuate or activate manually or automatically upon the detection of an unauthorized entry, intrusion, fire or other emergency, in or on any building, structure, facility or premises, which when activated, leads to notifications being made directly or indirectly to the Public Communications Center which serves as dispatcher.
(2) This definition shall not include:
(a) An alarm system installed on a motor vehicle;
(b) A medical alarm system; or
(c) An alarm system installed upon premises occupied by the United States, the State of Indiana or any political subdivision thereof.
BUSINESS. A building, dwelling or structure either occupied or unoccupied that was either designed for the purpose or serves the purpose of manufacturing, storing or selling of goods and/or services.
EXEMPT. A status assigned to any number of “false” alarms that in the responding officer’s opinion, arrived at by either investigation, observation, training or experience, were not caused by a malfunction of the alarm, operator error of the alarm or other actions that could have been controlled by the residence or business owner.
FALSE ALARM. Any signal request or similar event, the purpose of which is to summon Police or Fire Department assistance, but which is not in response to an actual or threatened emergency or criminal activity. FALSE ALARMS include any communication, either directly or indirectly, to the Police or Fire Department, by a central station, intermediary or signal device, which is in response to a signal or warning issued intentionally or accidentally; negligently or accidentally activated signals; signals which are the result of faulty, malfunctioning or improperly installed or maintained equipment, and signals which are purposely, but improperly, activated to alert or summon the Police or Fire Department; FALSE ALARMS shall not include signals activated by unusually severe weather conditions, or timely and proper telephone call to the Public Safety Communications center canceling any response by police to the alarm signal.
MUNICIPAL EMERGENCY SERVICES. Services, responses and actions taken by the Town Police Department, Town Volunteer Fire Department, Inc. and any department of the town (such as the Street Department) that responds to a false alarm, as defined herein. This includes responses by the County Sheriff’s Department, the Fortville Police Department, the state police and neighboring fire departments that have a mutual aid agreement with the town or who without any agreement, nonetheless responds to a call for service that results in a false alarm, as herein defined, within the town.
RESIDENTIAL. A home, house, dwelling either occupied or unoccupied that was designed for the purpose of providing a living space for individuals. For the purpose of this chapter, RESIDENTIAL shall include buildings located on the property where the residence is also located. BUILDINGS shall include, but not be limited to, outbuildings, attached or unattached garages or other similar facilities.
(Ord. 101204B, passed 12-14-2004)