Lancaster Municipal Code Ch. 2.10 Chief of Police and Police Department

The office of the chief of police is created and established. The chief of police shall be appointed by the city manager with the advice and consent of the city council. There is created a functional unit of city government known as the police department, under the general administration of the city manager, which shall be under the direction and control of the police chief.

(Ord. No. 1107, § 2, 10-10-2023)

The police department shall:

A. Preserve the peace and security of the city;

B. Enforce all laws of the United States, State of California, and all ordinances of the city except when the provisions thereof make the enforcement the responsibility of another officer, department or of another state or federal agency or officer;

C. Perform disaster and mutual aid services in accordance with approved plans and agreements;

D. Perform such other related duties as shall be required by law, ordinance, or the city manager; and

E. Adhere to standards for recruitment and training established by the California Commission on Police Officer Standards and Training (POST). The POST commission and its representatives may make such inquiries as they may deem appropriate from time to time to ascertain whether the POST standards are being adhered to.

(Ord. No. 1107, § 2, 10-10-2023)

Pursuant to Section 41601 of the California Government Code, the chief of police has the powers conferred upon sheriffs by general law and in all respects is entitled to the same protection. The chief of police shall have authority, subject to the city manager's approval, to adopt rules and regulations for the administration and discipline of officers and employees of the police department.

(Ord. No. 1107, § 2, 10-10-2023)

Nothing in this chapter shall limit or prohibit the city from contracting with the County of Los Angeles for municipal law enforcement services. During the term of any such contract, and to the extent expressly required by such contract, the city may appoint or designate the Los Angeles County Sheriff, or his or her designee, as the city's chief of police. Such appointment or designation shall be in addition to, and not instead of, the provisions of this chapter.

(Ord. No. 1107, § 2, 10-10-2023)