CHAPTER 6
MUNICIPAL DEPARTMENTS

ARTICLE A. POLICE DEPARTMENT

SECTION:

1-6A-1: Department Established

1-6A-2: Definitions

1-6A-3: Police Chief

1-6A-4: General Department Powers And Duties

1-6A-5: Mandatory Policies

1-6A-6: Reserve Unit

1-6A-1: DEPARTMENT ESTABLISHED:

All ordinances of the city creating, establishing and structuring the police department, not inconsistent with the provisions of this code, are hereby expressly saved from repeal. (Ord. 5570, 8-17-2020)

1-6A-2: DEFINITIONS:

 

BIASED POLICING:

Discrimination in the performance of duties, based on personal prejudices or partiality of officers that interferes with their professional judgment, training or adherence to law. Biased policing includes, but is not limited to, making prejudicial decisions affecting individuals in classes protected by federal, state, and local law.

RACIAL PROFILING/BIASED- BASED PROFILING:

A law enforcement-initiated action based on an individual's race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, or national origin rather than on the individual's behavior or on information identifying the individual as having engaged in criminal activity. Racial profiling pertains to persons viewed as suspects or potential suspects of criminal behavior. The term is not relevant as it pertains to witnesses, complaints or other citizen contacts. (Ord. 5570, 8-17-2020)

 

1-6A-3: POLICE CHIEF:

The chief of the police department shall be appointed by the mayor with approval of the city council from the police chief civil service list. Nothing herein contained shall prevent the removal of and the termination of the appointment of the chief as provided by law or employment agreement. (Ord. 5570, 8-17-2020)

1-6A-4: GENERAL DEPARTMENT POWERS AND DUTIES:

The police department shall provide for the preservation of public peace and enforcement of all state laws, city ordinances, and orders of the mayor during civil emergencies; work to prevent and solve crimes; respond to emergency calls for service involving life threatening situations and/or in-progress crimes; may assist the city attorney whenever requested in the examination of the facts concerning any case or possible case against the city; maintains a secure system for police records and evidence. Employees of the police department shall devote their whole time and attention while on duty to the business of the department and shall at all times be subject to the rules and regulations made by the chief of police concerning their conduct and duties.

   A.   Officers shall police in a proactive manner and investigate suspected violations of law. It is the duty of the WPD to actively enforce state and federal laws in a responsible and professional manner, without regard to race, ethnicity, or national origin, and to police within the scope of the Constitution.

   B.   Officers shall conduct themselves in a respectful manner at all times when dealing with the public. Two (2) of the fundamental rights guaranteed by the United States Constitution are equal protection under the law and freedom from unreasonable searches and seizures by government agents. The WPD will respect both, the rights of all persons to equitable treatment under the law, and the right to be free from unreasonable searches and seizures. Engagement by any WPD officer in racial profiling or biased based policing is both unacceptable, and strictly prohibited. (Ord. 5570, 8-17-2020)