2013 Maryland Code
CRIMINAL LAW
§ 9-607 - Definitions

§9-607.

(a) In this part the following words have the meanings indicated.

(b) “Alarm system” means a burglary alarm system, robbery alarm system, or automatic fire alarm system.

(c) (1) “Alarm system contractor” means a person who installs, maintains, monitors, alters, or services alarm systems.

(2) “Alarm system contractor” does not include a person who only manufactures or sells alarm systems.

(d) “Alarm user” means:

(1) a person in control of an alarm system within, on, or around any building, structure, facility, or site; or

(2) the owner or lessee of an alarm system.

(e) (1) “False alarm” means a request for immediate assistance from a law enforcement unit or fire department regardless of cause that is not in response to an actual emergency situation or threatened suggested criminal activity.

(2) “False alarm” includes:

(i) a negligently or accidentally activated signal;

(ii) a signal that is activated as the result of faulty, malfunctioning, or improperly installed or maintained equipment; and

(iii) a signal that is purposely activated in a nonemergency situation.

(3) “False alarm” does not include:

(i) a signal activated by unusually severe weather conditions or other causes beyond the control of the alarm user or alarm system contractor; or

(ii) a signal activated within 60 days after a new installation of an alarm system.

(f) “Law enforcement unit” means the Department of State Police, the police department of a county or municipal corporation, and a sheriff’s department or other governmental law enforcement unit having employees authorized to make arrests.

(g) “Signal” means the activation of an alarm system that requests a response by a law enforcement unit or a fire department.