141.01 ESTABLISHMENT; MEMBERS.

   There is hereby established a Police Department for the Municipality. At maximum, its members may consist of one (1) Police Chief, two (2) Deputy Chief(s), five (5) Lieutenants, five (5) Sergeants, and twenty-nine (29) patrolmen, if money is appropriated for such maximum strength by Council. On and after the enactment of this Ordinance by means of attrition, the number of Sergeants authorized herein shall be reduced from five (5) to four (4). Council may, from time to time, provide for the appointment of additional police officers. The appointment of police officer shall be made in accordance with the City Charter. The Mayor may also from time to time, appoint deputy, temporary or part-time police officers with the advice and consent of Council.

   The Deputy/Chief(s), may be removed by the Mayor, for any reason not contrary to law with the consent of five (5) members of Council. Except for removal for cause, if the Deputy Chief(s) was appointed from within the Independence Police Department, upon his/her removal as Deputy Chief(s), he/she shall fall back to the position held at the time of his/her appointment to Deputy Chief. A Deputy Chief removed from his/her position for cause shall have no right to fall back to his/her prior position with the Independence Police Department.

(Ord. 2023-1. Passed 1-10-23.)