Gilroy Municipal Code Art. X Department of Police

The department of police is hereby created.

(Ord. No. 2005-24, § 1, 11-21-2005)

The department of police shall be under the direct supervision of a police chief, or if management is merged with that of the department of fire by council resolution then a public safety director, who shall be appointed by the city administrator, with the consent of the council.

(Ord. No. 2005-24, § 1, 11-21-2005)

In all cases where the duty is not expressly charged to any other department or office, it shall be the duty of the police chief or public safety director to act to preserve the peace and maintain law and order in the city. It shall be the duty of the police chief or public safety director to manage the functions of the department of police.

(Ord. No. 2005-24, § 1, 11-21-2005)

The department of police shall perform the following functions:

(a) Police Operations. The responsibilities and duties of this division shall be to:

(1) Exercise all powers that are now or may hereafter be conferred upon the police chief and other police officers for keeping the citizenry secure in their persons or property;

(2) Control nuisances, prevent disorderly conduct and keep the peace;

(3) Enforce the general laws and ordinances of the city, county and state;

(4) Investigate complaints, interrogate suspected persons, apprehend felons, secure warrants, book prisoners, examine and present valid evidence to the courts;

(5) Patrol assigned areas of the city, operate the radar unit, issue citations, make arrests, inform the community development director of any inoperative or damaged street lights, signs, traffic-control devices and structures, and perform related services as required;

(6) Make accident investigation and reports for the correction of traffic hazards, patrol streets, alleys and highways, and enforce traffic laws;

(7) Enforce the city ordinance pertaining to animal regulation and control, impound stray animals, remove and dispose of dead and injured animals from streets or public places and remove and dispose of dead and injured animals from streets or public places in according with the animal control ordinance found in chapter 4 of this Code.

(8) Perform other duties as may be appropriate to this division.

(b) Support Services. The responsibilities and duties of this division shall be to:

(1) Establish, maintain and supervise a crime prevention program utilizing all the best methods and modern techniques for eliminating conditions conducive to the commission of crime, especially among juveniles; promote and support all worth-while activities which encourage observance of law and high standards of good citizenship.

(2) Keep such records of police activity as may be deemed necessary by the police chief or public safety director, or required by the council and maintain report and record files of the disposition of cases; such records shall be open to persons having proper interest there in provided that such inspection shall be in conformity with the specific provisions of the various state codes.

(3) Maintain a public safety dispatch center to receive emergency and non-emergency requests for public safety services.

(4) Promote the proficiency of the department’s members by the administration of training, study and physical conditioning programs. Training shall be under the direct supervision of the police chief or public safety director.

(5) Supervise the jail and prisoners in conformity with the specific provisions of the various state codes.

(6) Maintain property and evidence.

(Ord. No. 2005-24, § 1, 11-21-2005)