A. The purpose of this chapter is to encourage alarm users to assume increased responsibility for maintaining the mechanical reliability and the proper use of alarm systems, to prevent unnecessary police and fire response to false alarms and to protect the emergency response capability of the city. By coming to the understanding that, other than actual criminal activity or a fire emergency, there is no valid reason for an alarm to activate, the police and firefighters can better target responses to actual emergencies.
B. This chapter draws a distinction between responses to requests by individual persons and responses to requests made by mechanical devices. It is the policy of the police and fire departments to respond to valid requests for service. Nothing in this chapter lessens or increases that responsibility. It is also understood that many requests for service to mechanical activations are not valid calls for service and the resident does not want the police or firefighters to respond.
C. The reduction of false alarms will significantly improve the effectiveness of the police and fire department responders.
D. No provision within this chapter shall be construed as to apply to any building, structure or facility owned, controlled or occupied by the United States Of America, the state, or any county or city of this state. (Ord. 1624, 11-2-2015)