(a) The Chief of Police shall have direct control, supervision and authority over all of the police officers and policemen of the City and shall have and exercise all of the powers conferred upon chiefs of police generally. The Chief of Police shall, however, be subject to direction of the City Council and shall make regular monthly reports of the activities of the Police Department to all regular meetings of the City Council.
(b) The senior police officer on duty, in the absence of the Chief of Police, shall be recognized as the officer in charge, and his orders shall receive prompt attention and compliance.