Purpose and Definitions

The public has purchased burglary and robbery alarm systems which either mechanically malfunction or are not operated properly by their users, causing an increase in false alarm reports which require immediate responses from the Guam Police Department, thus needlessly diverting limited police resources. The purpose of this Chapter is to set forth regulations governing the use of burglary and robbery alarm systems, to require permits therefor, to establish fees, and to provide penalties for violations of the provisions of this Chapter.

(a)Alarm system means any mechanical or electrical device which is designed or used for the detection of a fire or an unauthorized entry into a building, structure, or facility, or for alerting others of the commission of an unlawful act within a building, structure, or facility, or a combination thereof, and which emits a sound or transmits a signal or COL 12/29/2023 CH. 58A BURGLARY AND ROBBERY ALARMS message when activated. Alarm systems include, but are not limited to, direct dial telephone devices, audible alarms and proprietor alarms. Devices which are not designed or used to register alarms that are audible, visible, or perceptible outside of the protected building, structure, or facility are not included within this definition, nor are auxiliary devices installed by the telephone company to protect telephone systems which might be damaged or disrupted by the use of an alarm system.

(b)Audible alarm means that type of alarm system which, when activated, emits an audible alarm.

(c)False alarm means an alarm signal necessitating response by the Guam Police Department or the Guam Fire Department where an emergency situation does not exist.

(d)Notice means written notice, given by personal service upon the addressee, or given by the United States mail, postage prepaid, addressed to the person to be notified at his last known address. Service of such notice shall be effective upon the completion of personal service or upon the placing of the same in the custody of the United States Postal Service.

(e)Permittee means any person, firm, partnership, association, or corporation who or which shall be granted a permit, as provided in this Chapter, and his or its agents and representatives.

(f)Person means natural person, firm, partnership, association or corporation.

(g)Police Chief means the Chief of Police of Guam.