East Palo Alto Municipal Code Ch. 2.20 Chief of Police and Police Department

The office of the chief of police is established. The city police department shall consist of the chief of police, who shall be director of the department, and such other members and officers as may be provided for from time to time by the city council.

(Prior code § 2-3.301; Ord. No. 413, § 3, 3-20-2018)

The chief of police shall be appointed by the city manager in consultation with the city council, and shall carry out his or her duties under the direction of the city manager. The form of consultation shall be established by resolution of the city council.

Residence in the city is not a condition of the appointment.

(Prior code § 2-3.302; Ord. No. 413, § 3, 3-20-2018)

The chief of police shall be keeper of the city jail, and shall have custody of all persons incarcerated therein. The chief shall keep such records and make such report concerning the activities of the department as may be required by statute or ordinance. The chief shall be responsible for the performance by the police department of all its functions, and all persons who are members of the department shall serve subject to the orders of the chief of police.

(Prior code § 2-3.303; Ord. No. 413, § 3, 3-20-2018)

It shall be the duty of the members of the police department to see to the enforcement of all ordinances of the city and all statutes effective in the city, to preserve order and prevent infractions of the law, and to arrest violators thereof. Every member of the police department is declared to be a conservator of the peace.

(Prior code § 2-3.304; Ord. No. 413, § 3, 3-20-2018)

The chief of police shall be custodian of all lost, abandoned or stolen property in the city.

(Prior code § 2-3.305; Ord. No. 413, § 3, 3-20-2018)

The chief of police shall be authorized to serve writs, summons, and other processes, but no patrol person shall serve any such summons or process except on the order of the chief of police.

(Prior code § 2-3.306; Ord. No. 413, § 3, 3-20-2018)

It shall be the duty of every member of the police department to conduct himself or herself in a proper and law abiding manner, and to avoid the use of unnecessary force.

(Prior code § 2-3.307; Ord. No. 413, § 3, 3-20-2018)

Every member of the police department shall appear as a witness whenever this is necessary in a prosecution for violation of a city ordinance or of a state or federal law. But no such member shall receive any witness fee for such services in any action or suit to which the city is a party. All fees due for such services shall, if paid, be turned over to the city treasurer.

(Prior code § 2-3.308; Ord. No. 413, § 3, 3-20-2018)

The chief of police shall have the authority to adopt rules and regulations for the department, except as to personnel rules governed by Chapter 2.80. The chief of police shall consult with the city manager before any non-clerical modification to department rules and regulations that have been designated as significant by resolution of the city council, and shall present to the city council any non-clerical modifications according to a schedule set by resolution. The city council retains the authority to approve any new policy proposed by the chief of police concerning use of force, firearms, surveillance technology, and immigration matters.

(Prior code § 2-3.309; Ord. No. 413, § 3, 3-20-2018)

A. The police department of the city declares that it desires to qualify to receive aid from the state under the provisions of Chapter 1 of Title 4, Part 4 of the California Penal Code.

B. Pursuant to Section 13522 of Chapter 1 of [the California Penal Code] the city will adhere to the standards for recruitment and training established by the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training.

C. The city clerk is directed to forward a certified copy of the ordinance codified in this chapter to the state commission on peace officer standards and training.

(Prior code § 2-3.310; Ord. No. 413, § 3, 3-20-2018)