§ 10-50. Duties of alarm companies.  


Latest version.
  • All alarm companies operating within the city shall:

    (1)

    Comply with all licensing, registration, certification, and training requirements established by the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services pursuant to Code of Virginia, §§ 9.1-139 and 9.1-141.

    (2)

    Within 90 days after enactment of this ordinance, on all new installations and upgrades:

    a.

    Use only alarm control panels which meet SIA Control Panel Standard CP-01 (for burglar alarm systems). Such control panels must be inscribed with the following statement: "Design evaluated in accordance with SIA CP-01 Control Panel Standard Features for False Alarm Reduction;" and

    b.

    Ensure that all audible alarms, siren, bells or horns have an automatic cutoff system so that such alarm shall not operate for more than 15 continuous minutes.

    (3)

    Prior to activation of the alarm system, provide instructions explaining the proper operation of the alarm system to the alarm user and false alarm prevention. All training must be documented and available upon request.

    (4)

    Attempt to verify, by calling the alarm user by telephone, to determine whether an alarm signal is valid before requesting dispatch. Telephone verification shall require, at a minimum, that a second call be made to a different number if the first attempt fails to reach an alarm user who can properly identify themselves. Telephone verification shall not be required in cases of panic, fire, or robbery-in-progress alarms or cases in which a crime in progress has been verified by video or audible means.

    (5)

    Provide the following information when contacting the Department of Emergency Communications to report an activated alarm signal and request a response:

    a.

    The name and Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services license number of the alarm company reporting the activated alarm, name or employee number of the alarm company employee making the report and a call back number;

    b.

    The alarm user permit number;

    c.

    Location of the activated alarm, including complete business or homeowner's name, street address and telephone number;

    d.

    Type of alarm (such as audible, silent, robbery, hold-up, duress, panic, burglary), and if the alarm system is zoned, the specific location of the alarm activation (such as interior, perimeter, vault, motion detection);

    e.

    The results of the verification procedure set out in subsection (d) of this section;

    f.

    For activations at nonresidential premises, any available information regarding whether the business is open or closed, if security guards or guard dogs are on site and if dangerous or special conditions exist within the location;

    g.

    For activations at residential premises, any available information regarding the presence of pets, handicapped individuals or unusual conditions; and

    h.

    If the alarm user or such alarm user's representative is responding, the estimated time of arrival to the alarm site.

    (6)

    Not request a police response to an alarm signal if the alarm company has been notified by the Department of Emergency Communications that police response to alarm signals that occur at the premises described on the alarm permit has been discontinued and has not been reinstated:

    a.

    Due to five or more false alarms within a 12-month calculation period;

    b.

    Due to an account being more than 30 days past due;

    c.

    Because the alarm user did not conform their alarm system to the installation standards, if such is required; or

    d.

    Because the alarm user did not comply with the inspection or class requirements.

    (7)

    Cancel any request for police response immediately when the alarm company determines that the alarm signal is a false alarm.

    (8)

    If such alarm company installs, causes to be installed, permits to be installed, alters, maintains, repairs, replaces, services or monitors any alarm system, meet the following requirements:

    a.

    Ensure that an alarm user has obtained an alarm permit for the alarm system from the Department of Emergency Communications before the alarm system is activated or placed into service. The alarm company must provide an alarm permit form to all of its current and future residential and non-residential alarm users, collect the alarm permit form and permit fee from the alarm user and deliver the completed alarm permit form and permit fee to the Department of Emergency Communications in the required format before the system is activated or placed into service.

    b.

    Provide to the Department of Emergency Communications, when requested to do so, a list which contains the name, address, telephone number and permit number of all of its current alarm users in the city; and, when applicable, the names and contact information of individuals listed for notification purposes when on-site alarm deactivation is required.

    (Ord. No. 2016-049, § 2, 5-13-2016)

(Ord. No. 2016-049, § 2, 5-13-2016)