2010 Maryland Code
CRIMINAL LAW
TITLE 9 - CRIMES AGAINST PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION
Subtitle 6 - Interference with Government Operations
Section 9-607 - Definitions.

§ 9-607. Definitions.
 

(a)  In general.- In this part the following words have the meanings indicated. 
   
Revisor's Note.

This subsection formerly was Art. 27, § 156A(a). 
 

The reference to this "part" is substituted for the former erroneous reference to this "subtitle" to reflect the reorganization of material derived from the former "Burglary and Robbery False Alarm" subheading in Article 27. 
 

No other changes are made. 

(b)  Alarm system.- "Alarm system" means a burglary alarm system, robbery alarm system, or automatic fire alarm system. 
   
Revisor's Note.

This subsection formerly was Art. 27, § 156A(c). 
 

No changes are made. 

(c)  Alarm system contractor.-  

(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. 
   
Revisor's Note.

This subsection is new language derived without substantive change from former Art. 27, § 156A(d). 
 

In paragraph (1) of this subsection, the former reference to an "agency that furnishes the services of a person engaged in" is deleted as included in the defined term "person". 
 

Also in paragraph (1) of this subsection, the former phrase "engaged in" is deleted as surplusage. 
 

In paragraph (2) of this subsection, the defined term "alarm system[s]" is substituted for the former term "alarm devices" for consistency within this part. 
 

Also in paragraph (2) of this subsection, the former phrase "unless that person services, installs, monitors, or responds to alarm systems at protected premises" is deleted as surplusage since such a person is included in the term "alarm system contractor" defined in paragraph (1) of this subsection. 
  Defined Terms.


 
"Person"                                                             § 1-101

(d)  Alarm user.- "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. 
   
Revisor's Note.

This subsection is new language derived without substantive change from former Art. 27, § 156A(e). 
  Defined Terms.


 
"Person"                                                             § 1-101

(e)  False alarm.-  

(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. 
   
Revisor's Note.

This subsection is new language derived without substantive change from former Art. 27, § 156A(g)(1), (2), and (3). 

(f)  Law enforcement unit.- "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. 
   
Revisor's Note.

This subsection is new language derived without substantive change from former Art. 27, § 156A(f). 
 

The word "unit" is substituted for the former word "agency" for consistency within this article. See General Revisor's Note to article. 
 

The former reference to "Baltimore City Police" is deleted as included in the reference to the "police department of a county" since Baltimore City is included in the defined term "county". See § 1-101 of this article. 
 

The reference to a "municipal corporation" is substituted for the former reference to an "incorporated municipality" to conform to usage in Md. Constitution, Art. XI-E. 
 

The reference to a "governmental" law enforcement unit is added for clarity. The Criminal Law Article Review Committee brings this addition to the attention of the General Assembly. 
  Defined Terms.


 
"County"                                                             § 1-101

(g)  Signal.- "Signal" means the activation of an alarm system that requests a response by a law enforcement unit or a fire department. 
   
Revisor's Note.

This subsection is new language derived without substantive change from former Art. 27, § 156A(b). 
 

In this subsection, the word "signal" is substituted for the former phrase "[a]larm signal" for clarity and consistency within this part. 
 

[An. Code 1957, art. 27, § 156A(a)-(f), (g)(1)-(3); 2002, ch. 26, § 2.]