Many businesses and residents throughout the City have purchased and installed private burglary alarm systems to secure their premises. When a quality alarm system is properly installed, maintained and used, it helps protect the owners and occupants of the premises from injury or loss and contributes to overall crime prevention in the community. When alarm systems are of inferior quality, are not maintained or used properly, they are a threat to community safety and the safety of its police officers; tend to reduce the level of service police maintain, and create a risk of accidents. Problem alarm systems also represent a significant cost factor in terms of personnel time, vehicle fuel wasted and general wear and tear on public equipment. The City Council finds that there is a need to reduce the incidence of false alarm calls within the community and to balance the legitimate right of citizens to utilize alarm systems against the public’s right to regulate the use of poorly designed, installed, or maintained alarm systems.
(§ 2, Ord. 918-NS, eff. April 15, 1986)