A. False alarms are not only a public nuisance, but are also a threat to public safety by diverting limited police and other emergency service response resources from legitimate requests for assistance, and from other legitimate emergency service matters.

B. False alarms consume many hours of valuable law enforcement time and resources.

C. False alarms reduce the mental preparedness of emergency service responders in the event that an actual emergency exists.

D. False alarms present significant health, safety and welfare hazards to the citizens of and the many visitors to the town.

E. The purpose and intent of this chapter is to reduce the occurrence of false alarms within the town, thereby increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of the Breckenridge police department and other persons who respond to alarms. This will help to protect the public health, safety and welfare of the citizens of and the many visitors to the town.

F. This chapter is also enacted to encourage security alarm users and alarm system monitoring companies to maintain the operational reliability and proper use of security alarm systems in order to reduce unnecessary emergency service responses to false alarms.

G. It is the general intent of the town council that this chapter be enforced particularly against those who are chronic offenders. First time offenses should be dealt with in a way that educates the offender as to the problem caused by false alarms.

H. This chapter imposes or creates no duties on the part of the town or its departments and employees. The obligation of complying with the requirements of this chapter, and any liability for failure to do so, is placed upon the parties responsible for owning, operating, monitoring or maintaining security alarm systems. (Ord. 12, Series 2005)