Maryland Statutes
Part II - Alarm Systems
Section 9-607 - Definitions

(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.