(a) There is hereby created in the department of transportation, under the direction of the director, a division known as parking enforcement and management, which will be an organized auxiliary division to the department of transportation.
(b) A parking enforcement officer is authorized to:
(1) issue citations for any parking violation within the city;
(2) impound any vehicle that is:
(A) in violation of a parking or fire lane regulation; or
(B) the subject of a hearing officer's order for a parking violation when impoundment of the vehicle is authorized by Section 28-130.10 of this chapter; and
(3) immobilize any vehicle that is the subject of a hearing officer's order for a parking violation when the placement of a boot on the vehicle is authorized by Section 28-130.10 of this chapter.
(c) It is the duty of a parking enforcement officer to direct and guide motor vehicles and pedestrian traffic in the city as directed by the director.
(d) A parking enforcement officer is authorized to direct traffic by voice, hand, or signal, in conformance with traffic laws; provided, that in the event of a fire or other emergency, to expedite traffic, or to protect pedestrians, a parking enforcement officer may direct traffic as conditions require notwithstanding the provisions of the traffic laws.
(e) A parking enforcement officer is not eligible for membership in the Firemen, Policemen and Fire Alarm Operators Pension Fund created pursuant to Article 6243a, Vernon's Texas Civil Statutes, but is eligible for membership in the employee's retirement fund of the city of Dallas.
(f) A parking enforcement officer, while in the performance of official duties, is deemed to be engaged in the performance of a governmental function.
(g) A parking enforcement officer may not be armed with firearms.
(Ord. Nos. 14584; 19579; 20269; 20965; 22026; 27697; 32470)