Chapter 8.18
MISUSE OF 911 EMERGENCY CALL SYSTEM
Sections:
8.18.030 Misuse of 911 system.
8.18.010 Purpose.
This chapter is intended to reduce the number of false requests for emergency assistance or similar misuse of the 911 emergency response system which occur within the city and result in waste of city resources by providing for corrective administrative action, including fees and potential discontinuance of service for repeated violations. (Ord. 1593 § 1, 2023).
8.18.020 Definitions.
The following persons or words used in this chapter shall be defined as set forth in this section:
(a) “Person” includes any natural person, partnership, joint stock company, unincorporated association of society, or corporation of any character whatsoever; and
(b) “Misuse of the 911 system” is a request for emergency response when no actual emergency exists and when the caller does not have a good faith basis to request emergency assistance. This chapter shall not be applicable to mechanical activations of request for assistance, nor shall it be interpreted to impose liability on any person who makes a good faith request for emergency assistance based on a reasonable, factual basis that an emergency situation exists. (Ord. 1593 § 1, 2023).
8.18.030 Misuse of 911 system.
It shall be unlawful for any person to misuse the 911 system. It shall be an affirmative defense that the person charged has a good faith, reasonable, factual basis for the request.
The city shall impose the following administrative sanctions upon the request of the police or fire departments upon misuse of the emergency medical response system:
(a) Upon a first response to a premises at which a request for emergency assistance has been made by misuse of the 911 system, notice of the conditions and requirements of this chapter shall be given to the person requesting emergency medical assistance. The notice shall indicate the penalty imposed by this chapter.
(b) A person is guilty of misuse of the 911 emergency call system when:
(1) Emergency response responds to a premises as a result of misuse as defined in Section 8.18.020; and
(2) Said response occurs within twelve months of any previous misuse as defined in Section 8.18.020. (Ord. 1593 § 1, 2023).
8.18.040 Penalty.
Unless otherwise provided in this chapter or by state statute adopted by reference, any person violating any provision of this chapter shall be guilty of a misdemeanor. (Ord. 1593 § 1, 2023).