The following ranks and positions shall exist with the Plain City Police Department, each rank having the indicated function, authority, duties and qualifications:
(a) Chief of Police. The Police Department shall be headed by a Chief of Police. The Chief of Police shall be appointed by the Administrator subject to the consent and approval of the Council. The Chief of Police and other members of the Police Department shall have such powers and duties as are provided by the Charter, by the legislation of Council, and the general laws of Ohio to the extent those laws are not in conflict with the Charter. The Chief of Police shall hire, appoint, promote, suspend, remove, or otherwise discipline any employee of the Department. The Chief of Police need not be an elector or resident of the Municipality.
(Ord. 13-2021. Passed 6-14-21.)
(1) Duties: In addition to those duties and responsibilities provided by Federal or State statute, the duties of the Chief of Police shall consist of the following:
A. The command and discipline of all full-time, part-time and auxiliary members of the Plain City Police Department, in accordance with all departmental procedures and regulations as well as all Federal, State and Local statutes, laws and ordinances;
B. The formulation and establishment of standard operating procedures (SOP) and regulations to ensure the most efficient and effective operation of the Plain City Police Department. All such procedures and regulations shall conform to and be in accordance with all applicable Federal, State and Local statutes, laws and ordinances;
C. The establishment and maintenance of internal record keeping systems relating to departmental operation;
D. Responsibility for the control, security and integrity of the departmental property room, together with establishment and maintenance of departmental property room records;
E. The timely preparation and submission of an annual operating budget, together with appropriate routine periodic review of the same. Such preparation shall be performed in a manner calculated to ensure the proper disbursement of Village funds, while all such reviews shall determine whether departmental disbursements and expenditures are within budget guidelines;
F. Assurance that all necessary and required records and reports are accurately completed and filed in a timely manner as mandated by Federal, State and Local statutes, laws and ordinances;
G. Provision for the proper training of all subordinate Officers under his command in a manner and to an extent calculated to ensure that the Plain City Police Department will operate efficiently and effectively;
H. (EDITOR’S NOTE: Former subsection (a)(1)H. was repealed by Ordinance 13-2021, passed June 14, 2021.)
I. Appearance before Council, in person or by designee, upon proper direction, for the purpose of explanation, clarification or response to such matters as may be requested;
J. Causing information of a violation of law which falls into the jurisdiction of any other Law Enforcement Agency to be promptly reported to the proper official;
K. Requiring such information of his subordinates as to insure his knowledge of all police matters and maintaining proper discipline within the department; and
L. The maintenance of a personnel file for each full-time, part-time and volunteer member of the Department and for each member of the Auxiliary Police Unit, which file shall contain:
1. The date of employment and discharge or retirement;
2. A copy of the application to appointment;
3. A copy of the pre-employment physical examination;
4. A record of disciplinary action, if any;
5. A copy of commendations and citations or awards;
6. A brief statement of any complaint made against the person and a brief statement of the facts disclosed upon investigation, as well as any recommendation for disposition;
7. A record of periods of illness or vacation;
8. A record of absences without leave and reasons for the same;
9. A record of injuries, whether in line of duty or otherwise;
10. Such other information as the Chief of Police may feel necessary; and
11. A copy of the personnel evaluations and developmental records of the person.
(Ord. 16-17. Passed 8-14-17.)
(2) Qualifications: The Chief of Police shall:
A. Be a full-time employee of the Village of Plain City, Ohio;
B. Adhere with established residency requirements.
C. The Chief of Police shall be qualified by training or experience to carry out the power, duties and functions of the office.
D. Have completed and passed, at the time of appointment, all police training programs required by State statute for appointment as a peace officer and/or required and deemed necessary by the Council, with a preference for the successful completion of at least one of the following: FBI National Academy, Police Executive Leadership College, NUTI School of Police Staff and Command, Certified Law Enforcement Executive or equivalent advanced training;
(Ord. 13-2021. Passed 6-14-21.)
E. Subsequent to appointment, complete and pass all police training programs and main-tain all certifications required by State statute for continued service as a peace officer.
(3) Compensation: Compensation for such position shall be that established by the legisla-tive authority, as modified by Council from time to time.
(b) Lieutenant. A Lieutenant appointed in accordance with section 737.16 of the Ohio Revised code, shall serve under the following conditions:
(1) Duties: In addition to the duties and responsibilities provided by the Federal or State statute the duties of the Lieutenant shall generally be as follows, subject to such modifications by the Chief of Police as deemed necessary or required by the situation:
A. Supervision of Sergeants and all of the on-duty operational and supporting activities of all subordinate officers in regard to enforcement of criminal laws, traffic laws and ordinances;
B. Responsibility for equipment maintenance (including preventive maintenance) and upkeep of all departmental equipment;
C. Performance of regular patrol duties and such other miscellaneous duties as may be assigned by the Chief of Police;
D. Provision of ongoing reports to the Chief of Police concerning the performance of the above listed duties and direct responsibility to the Chief of Police for the correct, timely and satisfactory execution of said duties;
E. Upon designation by the Chief of Police, the assumption, during the illness, absence or other unavailability of the Chief of Police, of the full executive and administrative command of the Plain City Police Department, with the same authority and duties and subject to the same terms, limitations and provisions set forth above regarding the Chief of Police, provided however that compensation shall remain as established by Council for the position of Lieutenant;
F. Execution and enforcement of the orders and directives of the Chief of Police; and
G. Implementation of the policies of the Chief of Police and of the Village of Plain City, Ohio.
(2) Qualifications: Each Lieutenant shall:
A. Be a full-time employee of the Plain City Police Department;
B. Have completed and passed, at the time of appointment, all police training programs required by State statute for appointment as a peace officer and/or required and deemed necessary by the Mayor and Council, with a preference for the successful completion of at least one of the following: FBI National Academy, Police Executive Leadership College, NUTI School of Police Staff and Command, Certified Law Enforcement Executive or equivalent advanced training;
C. If not a full-time police employee of the Village at the time of appointment, have passed, not more than sixty (60) days prior to receiving such appointment, a physical examina-tion given by a licensed physician, showing that he meets the physical requirements necessary to perform the duties of the position; and
D. Subsequent to appointment, complete and pass all police training programs and maintain all certifications required by State statute for continued service as a peace officer.
(3) Compensation: Compensation for such position shall be that established by the legislative authority, and as modified by Council from time to time.
(c) Sergeant. There shall be such number of Sergeants as the Council shall deem appropriate. The maximum number is established within this section as two (2) Sergeants. All such persons shall be appointed in accordance with Section 737.16 of the Ohio Revised Code and serve under the following terms and conditions:
(1) Duties: In addition to the duties and responsibilities provided by Federal or State statute, the duties of a Sergeant shall generally be as follows, subject to such modification by the Chief of Police as deemed necessary or required by the situation:
A. Supervision of all of the on-duty operational and supporting activities of all junior officers in regard to enforcement of criminal laws and ordinances;
B. Responsibility for the enforcement of junk car and rubbish ordinances, health related ordinances and statutes, and maintenance of departmental records relating to the same;
C. Establishment of a procedure whereby building security checks are performed on a regular basis and confirmation made that such security checks are in fact accomplished;
D. Supervision of all of the on-duty operational and supporting activities of Patrol Officers in regard to enforcement of motor vehicle laws and ordinances;
E. Supervision of all Auxiliary Officers and scheduling of their shifts of duty and training;
F. Responsibility for equipment maintenance (including preventive maintenance) and upkeep of all departmental equipment;
G. Performance of regular patrol duties and such other miscellaneous duties as may be assigned by the Chief of Police;
H. Provision of ongoing reports to the Lieutenant concerning the performance of the above listed duties and direct responsibility to the Chief of Police for the correct, timely and satisfactory execution of said duties;
I. Upon designation by the Chief of Police, the assumption, during the illness, absence or other unavailability of the Chief of Police and Lieutenant, of the full executive and administrative command of the Plain City Police Department, with the same authority and duties and subject to the same terms, limitations and provisions set forth above and regarding the Chief of Police;
J. Execution and enforcement of the orders and directives of the Chief of Police; and
K. Implementation of the policies of the Chief of Police and of the Village of Plain City, Ohio.
(2) Qualifications: Each Sergeant shall:
A. Be a full-time employee of the Plain City Police Department;
B. Have completed and passed, at the time of appointment, all police training programs required by State statute for appointment as a peace officer and/or required and deemed necessary by the Mayor and Council;
C. If not a full-time police employee of the Village at the time of appointment, have passed, not more than sixty (60) days prior to receiving such appointment, a physical examination given by a licensed physician, showing that he meets the physical requirements necessary to perform the duties of the position; and
D. Subsequent to appointment, complete and pass all police training programs and main-tain all certifications required by State statute for continued service as a peace officer.
(3) Compensation: Compensation for such position shall be that established by the legislative authority, and as modified by Council from time to time.
(d) Police Officer/detective. There shall be such number of Police Officer/Detectives as the Council shall deem appropriate. Such number is established within this ordinance as being one (1) of Police Officer/Detective. This position requires a high level of problem-solving ability and self-initiative, together with the ability and willingness to work a majority of time without direct supervision. Successful performers will be those who are capable and willing to make decisions that are consistently in the line with the department's mission, policies and procedures. All such persons shall be appointed in accordance with Section 737.16 of the Ohio Revised Code and serve under the following terms and conditions:
(1) Duties: In addition to the duties and responsibilities provided by Federal or State statute, the duties of each of Police Officer/Detective shall generally be as follows, subject to such modification by the Chief of Police as deemed necessary or required by the situation:
A. To execute and enforce the orders and directives of the Chief of Police, Lieutenant and Sergeant(s);
B. To implement the policies of the Chief of Police and of the Village of Plain City, Ohio;
C. Such other duties as may be directed by the Chief of Police, Lieutenant and/or Sergeant(s); and
D. Use of considerable discretion and the application of specialized knowledge and skills in the investigation and detection of crimes.
E. Perform the duties and meet the same qualifications as a Police Officer as defined and specified in subsection (e) hereof.
(2) Qualifications: Each of Police Officer/Detective shall:
A. Be a full-time employee of the Plain City Police Department;
B. Have completed and passed, at the time of appointment, all police training programs required by State statute for appointment as a peace officer and/or required and deemed necessary by the Mayor and Council;
C. Have successfully completed specialized training in investigations, as deemed necessary by the Chief of Police;
D. Have satisfactorily completed a thorough background check and displayed such other qualifications as deemed necessary by the Chief of Police and/or Mayor, or Council;
E. Have passed, not more than sixty (60) days prior to receiving such appointment, a physical examination given by a licensed physician, showing that he meets the physical requirements necessary to perform the duties of the position; and
F. Subsequent to appointment, complete and pass all police training programs and maintain all certifications required by State statute for continued service as a peace officer.
(3) Compensation: Compensation for such position shall be that established by the legislative authority, and as modified by Council from time to time.
(e) Police Officers. There shall be such number of Police Officers as the Council shall deem appropriate. Such number is established within this section as being seven (7) Police Officers. All such persons shall be appointed in accordance with Section 737.16 of the Ohio Revised Code and serve under the following terms and conditions:
(1) Duties: The duties of each Police Officer shall consist of the following:
A. To execute and enforce the orders and directives of the Chief of Police, Lieutenant and Sergeant(s);
B. To implement the policies of the Chief of Police and of the Village of Plain City, Ohio; and
C. Such other duties as may be directed by the Chief of Police, Lieutenant and/or Sergeant(s).
(2) Qualifications: Each Police Officer shall:
A. Be a full-time employee of the Plain City Police Department;
B. Have completed and passed, at the time of appointment, all police training programs required by State statute for appointment as a peace officer and/or required and deemed necessary by the Mayor and Council;
C. Have passed, not more than sixty (60) days prior to receiving such appointment, a physical examination given by a licensed physician, showing that he meets the physical requirements necessary to perform the duties of the position; and
D. Subsequent to appointment, complete and pass all police training programs and maintain all certifications required by State statute for continued service as a peace officer.
(3) Compensation: Compensation for such position shall be that established by the legislative authority, and as modified by Council from time to time.
(f) Canine Unit Police Officers. There shall be such number of Canine Unit Police Officers as the Council shall deem appropriate. Such number is established within this section as being one (1) Canine Unit Police Officer. All such persons shall be appointed in accordance with Section 737.16 of the Ohio Revised Code and serve under the following terms and conditions:
(1) Duties: The duties of each Canine Unit Police Officer shall consist of the following:
A. To execute and enforce the orders and directives of the Chief of Police, Lieutenant and Sergeant(s);
B. To implement the policies of the Chief of Police and of the Village of Plain City, Ohio;
C. To serve as handler of canines with which they have been certified by a Special Purpose Canine Unit Evaluation administered through the Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission and the Office of the Ohio Attorney General and to meet all standards set for such service or use of a canine;
D. To only use a canine with which they have been certified by a Special Purpose Canine Unit Evaluation administered through the Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission and the Office of the Ohio Attorney General and to only use a canine for those specialties designated in the applicable Special Purpose Canine Unit Evaluation;
E. To maintain the certification, of both themselves and any canine with which they serve, of the Special Purpose Canine Unit Evaluation and to pass all re-evaluation standards set forth by the Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission and the Ohio Attorney General's Office, as to each such certification; and
F. Such other duties as may be directed by the Chief of Police, Lieutenant and/or Sergeant(s).
(2) Qualifications: Each Canine Unit Police Officer shall:
A. Be a full-time employee of the Plain City Police Department;
B. Have completed and passed, at the time of appointment, all police training programs required by State statute for appointment as a peace officer and/or required and deemed necessary by the Mayor and Council;
C. Have passed, not more than sixty (60) days prior to receiving such appointment, a physical examination given by a licensed physician, showing that he meets the physical requirements necessary to perform the duties of the position;
D. Subsequent to appointment, complete and pass all police training programs and maintain all certifications required by State statute for continued service as a peace officer;
E. Have completed and passed a recognized certified canine training school as designated by the Chief of Police;
F. Have completed and passed a Special Purpose Canine Unit Evaluation administered through the Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission and The Office of the Ohio Attorney General as to each canine with which they serve; and
G. Subsequent to appointment, to maintain the certification, of both themselves and any canine with which they serve, of the Special Purpose Canine Unit Evaluation and to pass all re-evaluation standards set forth by the Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission and the Ohio Attorney General's Office, as to each such certification.
(3) Compensation: Compensation for such position shall be that established by the legislative authority, and as modified by Council from time to time.
(g) Part-time Police Officers. There shall be such number of Part-time Police Officers as the Council shall deem appropriate. Such number is established within this section as being six (6) Part-time Police Officers. The total hours of all Part-time Police Officers should not exceed forty-eight (48) hours per week, and no Part-time Police Officer shall be employed in such capacity for more than twenty-four (24) hours per week. A Part-time Police Officer may also be a member of the Police Auxiliary. All such persons shall be appointed in accordance with Section 737.16 of the Ohio Revised Code and serve under the following terms and conditions:
(1) Duties: The duties of each Part-time Police Officer shall consist of the following:
A. To execute and enforce the orders and directives of the Chief of Police, Lieutenant and Sergeant(s);
B. To implement the policies of the Chief of Police and of the Village of Plain City, Ohio; and
C. Such other duties as may be directed by the Chief of Police, Lieutenant and/or Sergeant(s).
(2) Qualifications: Each Part-time Police Officer shall:
A. Be a part-time employee of the Plain City Police Department;
B. Have completed and passed at the time of appointment all police training programs required by State statute for appointment as a peace officer and/or required and deemed necessary by the Mayor and Council;
C. Have passed, not more than sixty (60) days prior to receiving such appointment, a physical examination given by a licensed physician, showing that he meets the physical requirements necessary to perform the duties of the position; and
D. Subsequent to appointment, complete and pass all police training programs and maintain all certifications required by State statute for continued service as a peace officer.
(3) Compensation: Compensation for such position shall be that established by the legislative authority, and as modified by Council from time to time.
(h) Volunteer Police Officers. There shall be such number of Volunteer Police Officers as the Council shall deem appropriate. Such number is established within this section as being fourteen (14) Volunteer Police Officers. A Volunteer Police Officer may also be a member of the Police Auxiliary. All Volunteer Police Officers shall be appointed in accordance with Section 737.16 of the Ohio Revised Code and serve until removed in accordance with Sections 733.35 to 733.39 of the Ohio Revised Code. Volunteer Police Officer shall serve under the following terms and conditions:
(1) Duties: The duties of each Volunteer Police Officer shall consist of the following:
A. To execute and enforce the orders and directives of the Chief of Police, Lieutenant and Sergeant(s);
B. To implement the policies of the Chief of Police and of the Village of Plain City, Ohio; and
C. Such other duties as may be directed by the Chief of Police, Lieutenant and/or Sergeant(s).
(2) Qualifications: Each Volunteer Police Officer shall:
A. Have completed and passed all police training programs required by State statute for appointment as a Police Officer;
B. Have completed and passed, at the time of appointment, all police training programs required by State statute for appointment as a peace officer and/or required and deemed necessary by Council;
C. Have passed, not more than sixty (60) days prior to receiving such appointment, a physical examination given by a licensed physician, showing that he meets the physical requirements necessary to perform the duties of the position; and
D. Subsequent to appointment, complete and pass all police training programs and maintain all certifications required by State statute for continued service as a peace officer.
(3) Compensation: All services rendered and performed by Volunteer Police Officers shall be on a voluntary basis. Volunteer Police Officers shall be paid One Dollar ($1.00) annually. Volunteer Police Officers shall not be eligible for any employee benefits, including but not limited to those set forth in Ordinance No. 14-08, as amended, nor shall Volunteer Police Officers be eligible for membership in the Police and Fire Pension Fund; Public Safety Officers Death Benefit Fund under Chapter 742 of the Ohio Revised Code.
(i) Chaplains. There shall be such number of unsworn Chaplains as the Council shall deem appropriate. Such number is established within this section as being three (3) unsworn Chaplains. Such positions are created pursuant to the authority of Section 731.10 of the Ohio Revised Code, and each shall be an uncompensated at-will service. All Chaplains shall be appointed by the Mayor with the concurrence of Council and serve until removed in accordance with Section 731.10 of the Ohio Revised Code. Chaplains shall serve under the following terms and conditions:
(1) Duties: The duties of each Chaplain shall consist of the following:
A. To counsel and provide assistance to law enforcement officers, their families and other department personnel;
B. To assist the Plain City Police Department in death notifications;
C. To provide assistance to victims of crime;
D. To offer spiritual needs and give prayers at special occasions and events;
E. To execute the orders and directives of the Chief of Police or his designee;
F. To implement the policies of the Chief of Police and of the Village of Plain City, Ohio; and
G. Such other duties as may be directed by the Chief of Police or his designee.
(2) Qualifications: Each unsworn Chaplain shall:
A. Have completed such training as deemed necessary by the Chief of Police and/or Council;
B. Be and remain a member in good standing of the International Conference of Police Chaplains (ICPC);
C. Have completed and passed a background investigation by the Plain City Police Department; and
D. Have passed, not more than sixty (60) days prior to receiving such appointment, a physical examination given by a licensed physician, showing that he meets the physical requirements necessary to perform the duties of the position.
(3) Compensation: All services rendered and performed by Chaplains shall be on a voluntary basis. Chaplains shall not be eligible for any compensation or employee benefits, including but not limited to those set forth in Ordinance No. 14-08, as amended, nor shall Chaplains be eligible for membership in the Police and Fire Pension Fund, Public Safety Officers Death Benefit Fund under Chapter 742 of the Ohio Revised Code, or for participation in the Ohio Public Employees Retirement System.
(j) Administrative Assistant. There shall be such number of unsworn civilian Administrative Assistants as the Council shall deem appropriate. Such number is established within this section as being one (1) unsworn Administrative Assistant. Such position is created pursuant to the authority of Section 731.10 of the Ohio Revised Code, and shall be a permanent part-time at-will employment. All unsworn civilian Administrative Assistants shall be appointed by the Mayor with the concurrence of Council and shall serve until removed in accordance with Section 731.10 of the Ohio Revised Code. Unsworn civilian Administrative Assistants shall serve under the following terms and conditions:
(1) Duties: The duties of each unsworn civilian Administrative Assistant shall consist of customary administrative, clerical, and secretarial tasks, including but not limited to the following:
A. To execute the orders and directives of the Chief of Police or his designee;
B. To implement the policies of the Chief of Police and of the Village of Plain City, Ohio;
C. Court Liaison, Records Clerk, weekly reporting, offense reports, answering phones, copying, filing, office supply procurement, attend special events, attend relevant meetings;
D. Cleaning of the interior of the Police Department building, including vacuuming, mopping floors, emptying trash, cleaning the bathroom, cleaning counter tops, cleaning windows, etc.;
E. Such other duties as are assigned by the Chief of Police or his designee.
(2) Qualifications: Each unsworn civilian Administrative Assistants shall:
A. Have completed and passed a background investigation by the Plain City Police Department; and
B. Have passed, not more than sixty (60) days prior to receiving such appointment, a physical examination given by a licensed physician, showing that he meets the physical requirements necessary to perform the duties of the position.
(Ord. 16-17. Passed 8-14-17.)
(3) Compensation: Compensation for such position shall be that established by the legislative authority, and as modified from time to time. Such compensation shall be paid on a bi-weekly basis. The position shall be based upon a work week not exceeding forty (40) hours.
(Ord. 13-2021. Passed 6-14-21.)
(k) Laborer. There shall be such number of unsworn Laborers as the Council shall deem appropriate. Such number is established within this section as being one (1) unsworn Laborer. Such position is created pursuant to the authority of Section 731.10 of the Ohio Revised Code, and shall be a permanent part-time at-will employment. All unsworn Laborers shall be appointed by the Mayor with the concurrence of Council and serve until removed in accordance with Section 731.10 of the Ohio Revised Code. Unsworn Laborers shall serve under the following terms and conditions:
(1) Duties: The duties of each unsworn Laborer shall consist of general custodial maintenance, including but not limited to the following:
A. To execute the orders and directives of the Chief of Police or his designee;
B. To implement the policies of the Chief of Police and of the Village of Plain City, Ohio;
C. Cleaning of the interior of the Police Department building, including vacuuming, mopping floors, emptying trash, cleaning the bathroom, cleaning counter tops, cleaning windows, etc.;
D. Interior and exterior painting;
E. Yard maintenance, including weed pulling, trimming of bushes and landscaping; and
F. Such other duties as are assigned by the Chief of Police or his designee.
(2) Qualifications: Each unsworn Laborer shall:
A. Have completed and passed a background investigation by the Plain City Police Department; and
B. Have passed, not more than sixty (60) days prior to receiving such appointment, a physical examination given by a licensed physician, showing that he meets the physical requirements necessary to perform the duties of the position.
(3) Compensation: Compensation for such position shall be that established by the legislative authority, and as modified from time to time. Such compensation shall be paid on a bi-weekly basis. The position shall be based upon a work week not exceeding thirty-two (32) hours, with an average work week of twenty-four (24) hours. This permanent part-time position shall not receive benefits other than those, if any, provided in Ordinance No. 14-08, as amended. The compensation for such position shall be reviewed annually by Council.
(l) Chain of Command. The Chain of Command within the Plain City Police Department shall be as follows:
(1) Sworn Personnel:
A. Chief of Police
B. Lieutenant
C. Sergeant(s)
D. Police officer/detective(s), police officer(s), canine unit police officer(s)
E. Part-time police officer(s)
F. Volunteer police officer(s)
G. Auxiliary police officer(s).
(2) Unsworn Personnel:
A. Chief of Police
B. Designee of Chief of Police
C. Chaplain(s), Administrative Assistant(s), Laborer(s).
(Ord. 16-17. Passed 8-14-17.)