The city hereby establishes the office of the Police Chief. The powers and duties of the Police Chief shall include, but are not limited to, the following provisions, as set out in this section.
(A) Primary responsibility. As a sworn law enforcement officer, the Police Chief coordinates the law enforcement programs for the city, performs general duty police work in protection of life and property, enforcement of laws, conflict management, and investigation of crimes; and also performs related work, as required.
(B) Essential job-related responsibilities.
(1) Patrols the city in a radio-equipped vehicle to enforce federal, state, and local laws, administrative regulations and ordinances, and to prevent and/or discover the commission of crime;
(2) Responds to calls received during shift; investigates suspicious conditions and complaints;
(3) Intervenes in interpersonal crisis, conflict, and domestic violence situations to protect life, property, and personal rights;
(4) Initiates investigations into all suspicious or hazardous circumstances observed while patrolling assigned area;
(5) Investigates and reports factual information regarding all incidents of crime personally discovered or reported by a citizen; conducts covert activities or surveillance assignments as assigned;
(6) Performs and assists in specialized tasks such as investigation of arson, sex crimes, forgery, sexual/child abuse, vice or narcotics, fingerprint identification, and intelligence collection;
(7) Prepares statements of suspects, witnesses, and victims;
(8) Arrests, books, and/or processes criminal law violators;
(9) Issues citations;
(10) Cooperates in the prosecution of criminal offenders by court testimony, grand jury testimony, and at coroner’s inquest;
(11) Serves summons and subpoenas;
(12) Transports prisoners;
(13) Provides traffic control services in connection with school, inoperative electronic traffic control devices, accidents, parades, special events, and other causes of congestion;
(14) Maintains public order in crowds, parades, funerals, or other public gatherings;
(15) May render first aid; may assist ambulance and fire services in emergency situations;
(16) Checks public buildings, businesses, and residential areas to enhance security against trespass, damage, and unsafe conditions; observes buildings for signs of illegal entry;
(17) Accepts citizen complaints and attends to their disposition, or forwards them to a higher authority;
(18) Administers breathalyser tests;
(19) Investigates accidents and prepares reports;
(20) Participates in continuing education classes;
(21) Renders emergency assistance to citizens and the public as needed;
(22) Provides appropriate information to citizens regarding crime prevention;
(23) May perform special related duties in special details or administrative services;
(24) Prepares written reports on shift activities; maintains filing system of reports and organization of all police departments reports;
(25) Establishes rapport with citizens of the community;
(26) Prepares work schedules for himself or herself and other police officers;
(27) Maintains and updates police policies and procedures;
(28) Maintains all patrol officer qualifications and abilities required by Kentucky Law Enforcement Council (KLEC);
(29) Maintains thorough knowledge of modern policing principles, practices, and techniques of crime, accident investigation, and police administration;
(30) Performs well under stress;
(31) Commands officers and plans, assigns, and supervises the work of others in a manner conducive to achieving full performance, and establishes or maintains high morale;
(32) Holds decision making and planning skills to identify equipment, manpower, and budget requirements to accomplish crime prevention and crime resolution;
(33) Has the ability to enforce law, rules, and regulations firmly, tactfully, and impartially when dealing with the general public;
(34) Maintains confidentiality;
(35) Has management skills to recommend and administer discipline of civilian or sworn employees;
(36) Has a professional attitude when reacting to stressful situations concerning the public;
(37) Has public speaking abilities to ensure general public is cognizant of the Police Department’s capabilities and limitations;
(38) Shall be diplomatic and courteous when dealing with employees, supervisors, citizens, or suspects;
(39) Shall be physically capable of subduing placing into custody anyone violating the law or wanted by law enforcement agencies;
(40) Communicates clearly and comprehends communication of others;
(41) Maintains credibility and integrity as a senior-level manager and instill the same in subordinates;
(42) Ability to monitor, evaluate, and recommend Department changes to respond to community need;
(43) Has total knowledge of city geographic characteristics, road locations, and interior layout of major buildings;
(44) Has complete knowledge of all applicable federal, state, and local law, as well as Department policy and procedure;
(45) Patrols the city on foot, or in a vehicle;
(46) Preserves law and order;
(47) Remains responsible for the prevention or discovery of crime;
(48) Investigates and makes reports on auto accidents, robberies, domestic quarrels, and other criminal or emergency situations;
(49) Directs traffic as needed at school crossings and intersections;
(50) Assists motorists in trouble;
(51) Makes arrests and transport prisoners to jail;
(52) Assists other law enforcement agencies or serves as backup for them;
(53) Participates in court proceedings as required;
(54) Prepares and maintains case files to be presented in court;
(55) Serves warrants, summons, and citations issued by court;
(56) Ensures the proper maintenance of police cars and other police equipment;
(57) Attends and completes required training;
(58) Prepares and submits applications related to the training of police personnel;
(59) Maintains, communicates, and files all necessary forms with the Department of Criminal Justice to ensure the city has officers on record to satisfy HB-413 requirements;
(60) Renders aid to victims at accident or crime scenes until emergency medical personnel arrive;
(61) Makes presentations to school and civic groups throughout the year as requested;
(62) Plans and directs the work of other police personnel within the Department;
(63) Trains and instructs other officers in law enforcement procedures and activities;
(64) Serves as departmental spokesperson when needed by the public and/or media;
(65) Will perform other related duty as required or assigned; and
(66) In addition to the essential functions, the Police Chief may be assigned specialized functions, such as community services, neighborhood watch programs, investigations, and the like.
(C) Minimum qualifications. To be considered for the position of Police Chief, applicants should have graduated from high school, or an equivalent; have minimum prior law enforcement experience of two years; have a state certification; have successfully completed required law enforcement training; have completed required annual training; and possess and maintain a valid driver’s license.
(D) Special knowledge and skills. The Police Chief should have knowledge of current developments in law enforcement and public safety; federal, state, and local laws; administrative regulations and ordinances and their application in work assignments; modern police principles, practices, and methods; street layout and population pattern of the city; and preventative maintenance requirements for vehicles and equipment. He or she should also have skill in the use of firearms and excellent communication skills.
(E) Abilities. The Police Chief shall have the ability to remember names, faces, and details of incidents; analyze situations and to adopt a quick, effective, and reasonable course of action with regard to surrounding hazards and circumstances; exercise good judgment to make decisions in accordance with applicable laws and policies, accept and share responsibility, and be responsive in the performance of all police work; use resourcefulness and tact in meeting new problems; understand and follow oral and written communications; prepare clear and comprehensive reports; use firearms and other weapons; know the safe and proper use of firearms; drive and operate automobile safely and efficiently during all weather conditions; and establish and maintain effective working relationships with city officers and employees, other police departments/agencies, and the general public. Additionally, he or she shall be in excellent physical condition and possess physical strength and agility.
(F) Typical working conditions. Work is generally performed outdoors, regardless of weather conditions; intermittent sitting, standing, walking, climbing, bending, carrying, stretching, and/or stooping is required. The Police Chief must be able to lift objects weighing in excess of 25 pounds, must be able to physically restrain individuals when required, and must operate a police cruiser in emergency situations. He or she may be exposed to noise, fumes, and all weather conditions. He or she has frequent public and internal contact requiring tact and diplomacy. There is regular use of confidential information, and the mental effort required by this position is considered to be heavy; the job has constant interruptions. The Police Chief must be able to work irregular shifts, and must be able to respond to call in emergency situations at all hours.
(G) Additional requirements. The Police Chief must meet all Department of Justice requirements for a police officer within the commonwealth, including physical and mental; wear a safety vest at all times while on duty; successfully pass a detailed background investigation; meet the job-related physical and psychological requirements in effect at the time of appointment; and must pass any job-related mental, psychological, and/or physical qualifying examinations that may be prescribed. See KRS Chapter 95 for additional requirements.
(Order 01-2014, passed 2-24-2014; Order 4-2019, passed 6-6-2019)