§ 25-63. Automatic dialing systems; standards.

(a)

An alarm system, other than an alarm system in a local, state or federal governmental entity or a financial institution, which transmits automatic alarm notifications directly to the communications center of the police and fire departments shall be prohibited. No automatic dialing device shall be keyed or interconnected to a primary trunkline (or the 911 emergency number). Automatic dialing devices designed to transmit signals directly to the police or fire department may be interconnected to a special trunkline into the department as designated by the chief for that purpose. Before such a device is interconnected to a special trunkline as herein provided, the person performing such interconnection shall first obtain instructions from the chief concerning the procedure to be followed. The chief shall designate the telephone number to be used for this purpose.

(b)

Automatic dialing devices installed on any premises within the city which are interconnected to a special trunkline transmitting signals into the police or fire department that will be responded to by members of the police or fire department shall meet the following minimum standards:

(1)

The content of the type of recorded message to be transmitted by such device must be intelligible and in a format approved by the chief or his designated agent as appropriate for the nature of the alarm.

(2)

No recorded message shall be delivered to the police or fire department more than three (3) times as the result of a single stimulus of the sensory mechanism.

(3)

The length of time for transmitting the recorded message must not exceed fifteen (15) seconds.

(4)

The time gap between delivery of each recorded message must be in the range from ten (10) to twelve (12) seconds.

(5)

The sensory mechanism used in connection with such devices must be adjusted to suppress false alarm notifications so that the devices will not be actuated by impulses due to transient pressure changes in water pipes, fire alarm systems, short flashes of light, wind noise such as the rattling or vibration of the doors or windows, vehicular noise adjacent to the installation, or other forces unrelated to genuine alarms.

(6)

All components comprising such a device must be maintained by the owner or lessee in good repair to ensure reliability of operation.

(c)

Every person who has interconnected any automatic dialing device in the city to a special trunkline in the communication center of the police or fire department shall provide a current list of such installations to the chief or his designated agent. The list shall include:

(1)

The name, home address and telephone number of the owner or lessee of the device.

(2)

The address of the location where the device is installed and the telephone number at such location.

(3)

The name and telephone number of at least two (2) other persons who can be reached at any time and who are authorized to respond to any emergency signal transmitted by the automatic dialing device, and who can grant access to the premises wherein the device is installed and to deactivate the alarm system if such becomes necessary.

The information required to be provided herein shall be available only to the chief or his designated agent for use in the course of his official duties. Such information shall be used only in connection with official law or fire code enforcement matters.

(d)

Any person who sells or installs automatic dialing devices shall give written notice to the purchaser or customer that interconnection of the device to a special trunkline into the police and fire departments is subject to the terms of this article. This requirement shall be deemed to be complied with if a copy of this article is provided to such purchaser or customer.

(e)

Persons owning or leasing an automatic dialing device may have the device interconnected to a telephone line transmitting directly to:

(1)

A central station;

(2)

A modified central station;

(3)

An answering service.

The relaying of messages by intermediate services to the police or fire department shall be over a special trunkline, except that central stations may relay messages over a direct line.

(Ord. No. 76472, § 1, 9-10-92)