§ 9–607
Statutes in effect as of October 1, 2026.
Md. Code Ann., Crim. Law § 9-607 (2026)
Title 9. Crimes Against Public Administration
Subtitle 6. Interference With Government Operations
§ 9–607LinkCopy Citation
(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.