The Deputy Marshal arrived at the "rodeo bar" a little after midnight with a Sper Scientific 840013 datalogging sound level meter. This specific sound meter not only reads and displays the current noise level (+/- 1.5dB), but it also logs up to 32,000 records over time. If the "rodeo bar" exceeds the noise ordinance for one (1) minute, the Deputy Marshal can cite them for an ordinance infraction. Later, the officer can connect the sound meter to a computer, with the provided software, and print the sound log file and create a graph. The log file and graph will be used as evidence in court.
Before introduction of the sound level meter, it was virtually impossible for the effective enforcement of the noise ordinance. Complaints were typically dismissed because there was no empirical way to determine if the noise truly exceeded the ordinance. It would always come down to someone's word or hearsay.
The Cave Creek noise ordinance prohibits excessive or offensive noises from all sources (unauthorized rally, motorcycles, sound truck, loud speaker, sound amplifier and radio to name a few) detrimental to the health, safety and welfare of the citizens, and in the public interest such noises shall be eliminated.
Residential noise levels, in Cave Creek, shall not exceed 50dBA after 10:00 PM, and 60dBA after midnight for commercial establishments. Cave Creek takes its noise ordinance very seriously - after two (2) consecutive violations it can become a "Class 1" Misdemeanor, which carries a fine of $2,500 and up to six (6) months in jail! OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) recommends that ear protection be used for noise levels at or above 85dBA.
When Marshal Adam Stein went looking to purchase sound level meters that could be used to measure and store sound levels to enforce the town's noise ordinance, he found Technika.com on the Internet. Technika sells measurement instruments to many industries and applications. The Marshal was very pleased with the products and services offered by Devin Sper, Owner and President of Technika.
Marshal Stein also received all the necessary training in proper use of the [ANSI S1.4 TYPE 2 certified sound level meters. This allowed him to create a "Sound Level Meter" training class. The class objective is for officers to learn how the sound level meter functions correctly, its limitations and how to validate its correct working condition, create police reports and court testimony for noise violations.
About Technika:
Technika (started by Sper Scientific, Ltd.) is located in Scottsdale, Arizona and sells environmental measurement instruments to scientists, lab technicians and environmental quality engineers and consultants - at the most competitive price on the Internet. A majority of the measurement instruments are portable and self-contained for use in the field or in the lab. Instruments are built using the latest developments in microprocessor technology and manufacturing techniques and standards ensuring the most precise measurements possible. Technika also offers NIST traceable certification of calibration on most of its products.
For more information on Technika and its products, contact Richard Burczyk, Sales & Marketing Manager 480.596.9226 or visit http://www.technika.com