(A) The city Police Department is responsible for the enforcement of this chapter through the department's Animal Control Unit (sometimes referred to as the "Unit") and the non- sworn animal control officers employed therein. All of the Police Department's sworn officers and non-sworn animal control officers shall have all powers, responsibilities, and immunities granted by law and this chapter.
(B) The Chief of Police ("Chief") shall be the chief animal control officer charged with enforcing this chapter. The Chief is authorized to initiate legal action to enforce this chapter. The Chief may delegate any of the powers granted herein to any member of the Animal Control Unit or the Police Department. Any act done by an animal control officer or a member of the Police Department that is within the scope of this chapter shall be considered the official act of the Chief.
(C) The non-sworn animal control officers referenced above in division (A) are not authorized to carry on their person any firearms, but they are authorized to store at the Animal Control Unit offices, or carry in departmental vehicles, firearms approved for use when necessary to enforce the provisions of this chapter or other applicable laws for the control of wild, vicious, dangerous, or diseased animals. The non-sworn animal control officers are authorized to store drugs, chemicals, and equipment at the Animal Control Unit offices as necessary to enforce the provisions of this chapter or other applicable laws for the control of wild, vicious, dangerous, or diseased animals. The non-sworn animal control officers shall not have the power of arrest, but shall have all rights, powers, and immunities as described in this chapter. Due to the fact that the non-sworn members of the Unit only have that limited authority described in this chapter, these members of the Police Department shall not be considered police officers or sworn law enforcement officers for purposes of evaluating the animal control officers' eligibility for benefits provided to sworn law enforcement officers.
(Ord. 02 ORD 1-15, passed 1-8-15)