Guadalupe Municipal Code Ch. 2.16 Chief of Police

The City Council finds and determines that the public health, safety and welfare of the City will be better served by the establishment of the Office of Chief of Police, with appointment to be for a fixed term of office within the meaning of Section 20361 of the Government Code of the State.

(Ord. 239 §1, 1984)

There is created in the service of the City the Office of the Chief of Police. The Chief of Police shall be selected solely on the basis of his or her executive and administrative qualifications, with special reference to his or her actual experience and knowledge of accepted principles of police administration and management with respect to the duties of the office.

(Ord. 239 §2, 1984)

A. The City Council shall appoint the Chief of Police upon the recommendation of the City Administrator. Appointment shall be for a term of 2 years, commencing on the first day of July of every oddnumbered year, specifically to avoid any connection to or involvement with any general municipal election within the City.

B. A qualified person may be appointed as provided in this chapter to fill an unexpired term. A qualified incumbent may be reappointed. Should the City Administrator and the City Council fail to act before the end of the term, the incumbent shall continue in office until the next regular Council meeting convened with a quorum.

C. The Chief of Police may be suspended or removed from office for failure or inability to perform his or her duties, for conviction of a felony, or commission of an act of moral turpitude. Any such proceeding shall be conducted in accord with generally accepted public personnel practices and reasonable opportunity for the Chief to reply to any charges and be heard. The Chief may be suspended and immediately relieved of duty if necessary to preserve the public peace or maintain law and order in the City.

(Ord. 239 §3, 1984)

The Chief of Police shall command and direct all police work for the City, be responsible for enforcement and maintenance of law and order, and shall:

A. Make Assignments. Assign officers and employees to duties in each division of the department, reassignment of police personnel shall only be made by the Chief of Police;

B. Provide Instruction. Designate competent instructors to conduct such training as the Chief shall order to assure a high level of fitness and ability within the department;

C. Organize for Department Efficiency. The Chief of Police shall develop plans for the organization or reorganization of the department to provide the most efficient performance and supervision of records and communications, patrol, investigations, crime prevention, traffic control, and other functions which become appropriate from time to time;

D. Other Powers and Duties. The Chief shall perform such other duties and exercise such other powers as may be assigned by the City Administrator or designated by law.

(Ord. 239 §4, 1984)