(A) Generally. The general administration and control of the Police Department is vested in the Chief of Police, who shall be responsible for the government efficiency, and general good conduct of the Police Department. In the exercise of his or her duties, he or she shall have the power to prescribe, promulgate and enforce rules and regulations for the government of the members of the Police Department, which shall, however, not be inconsistent with the code and ordinances of the city or the laws of the state. During the absence of the Chief of Police, a person named by the Chief shall perform all the duties of the Chief of Police except to make appointments, promotions or demotions of members of the Police Department.
(B) Duties and responsibilities.
(1) It shall be the duty of the Chief of Police to cause the public peace to be preserved, and enforce all laws and ordinances of the city of which the Police Department must take cognizance; and whenever any violation thereof shall come to his or her knowledge, the Chief of Police shall cause the requisite investigation to be made and procure the evidence for the successful prosecution of the offender or offenders.
(2) The Chief of Police shall have the custody and control of all books, records, machines, tools, implements, and apparatus or equipment of every kind necessary for the use of the Police Department and of all public property pertaining to, connected with and belonging thereto. With such implements, the Chief of Police shall be responsible for the keeping of adequate records and he or she shall report to the City Council on the needs of the Department and its work. If the Chief of Police needs supplies, he or she may purchase equipment and supplies up to the amounts in the budget approved by the Council and shall submit receipts for these purchases for approval by the Council.
(C) Appointments. The Chief of Police shall make all appointments and promotions within the Police Department subject to the confirmation of the City Council.
(D) Punishments. The Chief of Police may, at his or her discretion, punish by suspension any member of the Police Department proved guilty of the violation of any of the rules or regulations or may file written charges with the City Council. However, the Chief may not suspend any member for more than the period of time as may be specified by the City Council, and must notify the City Council of such suspension immediately.
(E) Inspections. The Chief of Police shall inspect all members of the Police Department in the station and on the streets and note any appearance of neglect, carelessness or misconduct. The Chief of Police shall inspect their uniforms carefully, noting the conditions and general appearance of the officers. The Chief of Police shall have the authority to condemn old uniforms and order the purchase of new ones.
(F) Auxiliary forces. The Chief of Police shall be in charge of the general administration and control of the auxiliary forces.
(Prior Code, §2.35)