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Chapter 2.295 — POLICE DEPARTMENT

Pasadena Municipal Code · 2026-09 edition · updated 2026-09-29 · Pasadena

2.295.010 - Created—Direction.

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. 6229 § 2 (part), 1987)

2.295.020 - Department functions.

The 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.

Operate a city jail and maintain custody, care and control of prisoners;

D.

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

E.

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

(Ord. 6229 § 2 (part), 1987)

2.295.030 - Police chief—Powers and duties.

The police chief shall have all of the powers that are now or hereafter conferred upon sheriffs by the laws of the state and shall be entitled to the same protection. The police chief 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 department.

(Ord. 6229 § 2 (part), 1987)

2.295.040 - Incarceration in the city jail as an alternative to detention in the county…

misdemeanors.

A.

This section implements Section 1203.1c of the California Penal Code by establishing the terms and conditions under which convicted misdemean-ants may serve their sentences in the city jail in lieu of incarceration in the Los Angeles County jail system as a term of probation, conditional sentence or otherwise.

B.

The city council ("council") determines as of the date of enactment of the ordinance codified in this section that the average per-day cost of incarceration in the city jail is $75 per day. The city manager is authorized to conduct an annual review of the costs of incarceration in the city jail and to make appropriate adjustments in the charges established herein.

C.

The council designates the chief of police of the city as the officer responsible for the collection of moneys paid by those committed to the city jail under this section.

D.

All sums paid by a defendant pursuant to this section shall be deposited in the general fund of the city.

E.

The city manager is authorized to develop a payment schedule utilizing monthly installment payments for reimbursement of the costs of incarceration established by this section. The payment schedule shall be based upon income and such other factors as may be authorized by the court or by statute.

F.

For those convicted misdemeanants voluntarily electing to serve their sentences in the city jail in lieu of commitment to the county detention system, the chief of police may require the payment of a nonrefundable processing fee not to exceed $30 prior to acceptance of the defendant for commitment. The fees charged to such defendants shall be the average per day cost of incarceration established under this section.

G.

The city manager shall report to the council annually concerning the utilization of this program, the schedule of fees in effect and the rate of installment payments being charged.

H.

No defendant shall be admitted to the city jail under this section without the concurrence of the chief of police or his designee.

(Ord. 6820 § 45 (part), 2000; Ord. 6408 § 1, 1990)

2.295.050 - Advisory boards for review of incidents of use of force, risk management…

A.

There are established under this section three review boards for the purpose of advising the Police Chief on matters of use of force, risk management and disciplinary review, to be known as the Use of Force Review Board, the Risk Management Review Board and the Disciplinary Review Board, respectively. A new Review Board shall be appointed by the Police Chief for each matter referred by the Police Chief to a review board, in accordance with departmental policy.

The Use of Force Review Board shall review any situation brought before it by the Police Chief in which force was employed by any employee of the Police Department. The Use of Force Review Board shall advise the Police Chief as to whether such use of force was within or outside Police Department policy on the use of force. The identity of any employee appearing before the Review Board and the nature of the incident under consideration shall be kept in strict confidence. No member of any Use of Force Review Board shall disclose to any person the matters or individuals discussed or the advice given by such Review Board, except with the express written permission of the Police Chief or the City Attorney.

The Risk Management Review Board shall review any situation brought before it by the Police Chief involving loss of or damage to City property, private property or accidental injury by members of the Police Department and render an advisory opinion to the Police Chief as to whether the incident was preventable and if so, whether any corrective measures should be undertaken.

The Disciplinary Review Board shall review those incidents brought before it by the Police Chief which may lead to the imposition of disciplinary action, including demotion, suspension or discharge, against employees of the Police Department for violation of standards of conduct imposed by the Department, the City of Pasadena or by state or federal law. After hearing presentations by the department and by the employee or the employee's representative and examining the relevant files, subject to Paragraph 4 of this section, the Board may advise the Police Chief as to whether a standard of conduct or other departmental policy or any statute or ordinance was violated and if so, propose for the Police Chief's consideration an appropriate penalty to be imposed, subject to the rights of appeal or grievance provided by statute, City policy or under any applicable Memorandum of Understanding.

Employees whose conduct is to be reviewed by the Disciplinary Review Board shall be given ten calendar days' written notice of the proceeding thereon. The employee shall have the option to appear or not appear at the proceedings of the Disciplinary Review Board. Should the employee elect not to appear, that employee's name and employee identification number shall be deleted from all documents presented to the Board. The Disciplinary Review Board may make a disciplinary recommendation to the Police Chief regarding the incident under review notwithstanding the employee's failure to appear or to present oral or written evidence or argument. Such recommendation together with the reasons and evidence supporting it may be considered by the Police Chief in any subsequent stages of the disciplinary process.

Any proceeding before the Disciplinary Review Board shall be kept in strict confidence. No member of a Disciplinary Review Board shall disclose to any person other than those listed in Section 2.400.020 of this Code the matters or individuals discussed or the advice given by such Board, except with the express written authorization of the Police Chief or the City

Attorney. Any member of the Disciplinary Review Board who without authorization to do so intentionally discloses the identity of an employee whose conduct is before the Disciplinary Review Board or the recommendation as to the discipline of such employee to any person not listed in Section 2.400.020 shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.

B.

Each review board shall be composed of up to five members of the Pasadena Police Department, including, unless waived, a peer of the employee under review, as designated by the Police Chief. Each review board shall also include up to three persons not employed by the Pasadena Police Department who reside in or are employed in the City of Pasadena, referred to herein as a "citizen member." In no event shall the number of citizen members sitting on a review board exceed the number of Pasadena Police Department personnel sitting upon such review board.

C.

In order to be eligible to serve on a review board, citizen members shall first successfully complete a course of instruction entitled the "Citizens' Police Academy" to be administered by the Pasadena Police Department as prescribed by the Police Chief and police department policy. Entrance into the Citizens' Police Academy shall be by nomination. The Police Chief shall nominate one half of the members of each class of the Citizens' Police Academy and the other half of each class shall be nominated by the city manager. The city council as a body shall recommend nominees to the city manager for his consideration.

D.

Appointments to serve as citizen members of a review board shall be made from among the qualified graduates of the Citizens' Police Academy by the police chief.

A citizen member or any member of the Pasadena police department appointed to serve on a review board may be disqualified from serving on that review board if the officer whose conduct is being examined objects to the participation of the citizen member or police officer on the grounds of prejudice or other demonstrated inability to consider fairly the matter under discussion. No more than two such challenges shall be permitted in any proceeding. Prior to serving on a review board, citizen members shall execute under oath a declaration in a form prescribed by the department that the citizen member has no financial or personal interest in the proceedings before the review board on which that citizen is participating.

Review boards shall render their recommendations by consensus. Where consensus is not reached, no recommendation will be received by the police chief, and the mater may be resubmitted to a review board within a reasonable time thereafter in the discretion of the police chief.

E.

Nominations to the Citizens' Police Academy and appointments as citizen members of review boards shall reflect to the maximum extent possible the diversity of the population of the city of Pasadena. Nominees to the Citizens' Police Academy and citizen members of review board shall be free of any conviction of a felony. Nominees shall also be at least 18 years of age, be employed in or reside in the city of Pasadena, and be free of any misdemeanor conviction for at least one year prior to the date of nomination and must submit to a limited background investigation relating to their fitness to serve on a review board.

F.

Those nominated to the Citizens' Police Academy or appointed as citizen members of a review board shall serve without pay. They shall not be required to file annual statements of economic interest pursuant to the City's Conflict of Interest Code and shall not be considered to be employees of the city of Pasadena. No citizen member shall serve on any review board

considering a matter in which the citizen member has any personal, financial or property interest as defined in the Government Code.

G.

In the event that any legal action is brought against any citizen member of a review board in any proceeding based upon actions taken or statements made while serving in such capacity, the city will indemnify and defend such citizen member from liability in such civil action arising out of his or her authorized service on a review board, provided that the citizen member cooperates reasonably in the defense of such action.

H.

The police chief retains the discretion to accept, reject or modify any advice or opinion rendered to him by a review board.

(Ord. 6591, § 2, 1994)

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▸Contents — Pasadena Municipal Code
Pasadena Municipal Code
  1. Article I — NAME AND BOUNDARIES
  2. Article II — SUCCESSION
  3. Article III — POWERS OF THE CITY
  4. Article IV — THE CITY COUNCIL
  5. Article V — LEGISLATION
  6. Article VI — THE CITY MANAGER
  7. Article VII — BOARD OF EDUCATION
  8. Article VIII — THE PERSONNEL SYSTEM
  9. Article IX — FISCAL ADMINISTRATION
  10. Article X — CONTRACTS, PURCHASES AND CLAIMS
  11. Article XI — FRANCHISES
  12. Article XII — ELECTIONS
  13. Article XIII — INITIATIVE, REFERENDUM AND RECALL
  14. Article XIV — WATER AND POWER UTILITY OPERATIONS
  15. Article XV — THE FIRE AND POLICE RETIREMENT SYSTEM
  16. Article XVI — PARK PRESERVATION
  17. Article XVII — TAXPAYER PROTECTION
  18. Article XVIII — THE PASADENA FAIR AND EQUITABLE HOUSING CHARTE…
  19. Title 1 — GENERAL PROVISIONS
  20. Title 1 — FOOTNOTES
  21. Chapter 2.05 — CITY COUNCIL
  22. Chapter 2.10 — CITY COUNCIL VACANCY APPOINTMENT PROCESS
  23. Chapter 2.20 — INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
  24. Chapter 2.25 — PARKING AUTHORITY
  25. Chapter 2.28 — SURPLUS PROPERTY AUTHORITY
  26. Chapter 2.30 — CITY ATTORNEY'S DEPARTMENT
  27. Chapter 2.35 — CITY CLERK'S DEPARTMENT
  28. Chapter 2.40 — CITY MANAGER'S DEPARTMENT
  29. Chapter 2.45 — ADVISORY BODIES GENERALLY
  30. Chapter 2.47 — ARTS AND CULTURE COMMISSION
  31. Chapter 2.48 — ACCESSIBILITY AND DISABILITY COMMISSION
  32. Chapter 2.55 — CODE ENFORCEMENT COMMISSION
  33. Chapter 2.60 — COMMUNITY POLICE OVERSIGHT COMMISSION
  34. Chapter 2.65 — COMMISSION ON THE STATUS OF WOMEN
  35. Chapter 2.70 — COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
  36. Chapter 2.75 — HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
  37. Chapter 2.80 — DESIGN COMMISSION
  38. Chapter 2.85 — HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION
  39. Chapter 2.86 — HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION
  40. Chapter 2.90 — LIBRARY COMMISSION
  41. Chapter 2.95 — NORTHWEST COMMISSION
  42. Chapter 2.98 — PARKING METER ZONES ADVISORY COMMISSIONS
  43. Chapter 2.100 — RECREATION AND PARKS COMMISSION
  44. Chapter 2.105 — PLANNING COMMISSION
  45. Chapter 2.110 — RELOCATION APPEALS BOARD
  46. Chapter 2.120 — SENIOR COMMISSION
  47. Chapter 2.130 — SOUTH LAKE AVENUE PARKING PLACE COMMISSION
  48. Chapter 2.135 — TRANSPORTATION ADVISORY COMMISSION
  49. Chapter 2.140 — ENVIRONMENTAL ADVISORY COMMISSION
  50. Chapter 2.150 — HAHAMONGNA WATERSHED PARK ADVISORY COMMITTEE
  51. Chapter 2.155 — PASADENA COMMUNITY ACCESS CORPORATION BOARD
  52. Chapter 2.165 — PASADENA CENTER OPERATING COMPANY BOARD
  53. Chapter 2.175 — THE ROSE BOWL OPERATING COMPANY
  54. Chapter 2.250 — RETIREMENT SYSTEM
  55. Chapter 2.255 — AGENCIES AND DEPARTMENTS GENERALLY
  56. Chapter 2.265 — PARKS, RECREATION, AND COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPA…
  57. Chapter 2.266 — PUBLIC HEALTH DEPARTMENT
  58. Chapter 2.267 — LIBRARIES AND INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT
  59. Chapter 2.268 — HOUSING DEPARTMENT
  60. Chapter 2.270 — PLANNING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
  61. Chapter 2.275 — FINANCE DEPARTMENT
  62. Chapter 2.280 — FIRE DEPARTMENT
  63. Chapter 2.285 — HUMAN RESOURCES
  64. Chapter 2.290 — INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY DEPARTMENT
  65. Chapter 2.295 — POLICE DEPARTMENT
  66. Chapter 2.300 — PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
  67. Chapter 2.302 — RENT STABILIZATION DEPARTMENT
  68. Chapter 2.303 — TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT
  69. Chapter 2.305 — WATER AND POWER DEPARTMENT
  70. Chapter 2.350 — ACCEPTANCE OF SURETIES
  71. Chapter 2.355 — ADMINISTRATIVE RESOLUTION OF CODE VIOLATIONS
  72. Chapter 2.360 — EQUAL OPPORTUNITY IN CITY EMPLOYMENT
  73. Chapter 2.365 — CLAIMS BY AND AGAINST THE CITY
  74. Chapter 2.370 — DISASTER EMERGENCY SERVICES COUNCIL
  75. Chapter 2.375 — EMERGENCY AUXILIARY FORCES
  76. Chapter 2.380 — HOUSING MEDIATION CONTRACTOR
  77. Chapter 2.385 — PERSONS AUTHORIZED TO ARREST PURSUANT TO PENAL…
  78. Chapter 2.390 — RECORD AND DOCUMENT FEES
  79. Chapter 2.395 — UNCLAIMED PERSONAL PROPERTY
  80. Chapter 2.400 — USE AND ACCESS OF CRIMINAL HISTORY INFORMATION
  81. Title 3 — CIVIC EVENTS AND FACILITIES
  82. Article I — General Provisions
  83. Article II — Permits
  84. Article III — Use Restrictions
  85. Article IV — Uses Requiring Permission
  86. Article V — Refunds—Penalties
  87. Chapter 3.28 — CIVIL DEFENSE TRAINING CENTER
  88. Chapter 3.32 — ARROYO SECO PUBLIC LANDS
  89. Article I — General Provisions
  90. Article II — Natural Preservation Area
  91. Article III — Brookside Park Area
  92. Article IV — Rose Bowl Area
  93. Article V — Brookside Golf Course Area
  94. Title 3 — FOOTNOTES
  95. Title 4 — REVENUE AND FINANCE
  96. Article 1 — General Provisions and Definitions
  97. Chapter 4.90 — CITY OF PASADENA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT REVENUE B…
  98. Chapter 4.95 — PUBLIC WORKS BENEFIT ASSESSMENT DISTRICTS
  99. Chapter 4.100 — POWER DIVISION GENERAL FUND TRANSFER
  100. Chapter 4.101 — PASADENA TOURISM BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT
  101. Chapter 4.105 — SALES TAX INCENTIVES
  102. Chapter 4.106 — MOBILE SOURCE AIR POLLUTION REDUCTION ORDINANCE
  103. Chapter 4.107 — CITY OF PASADENA SPECIAL TAX FINANCING IMPROVE…
  104. Chapter 4.108 — SEISMIC AND FIRE SAFETY IMPROVEMENT ASSESSMENT…
  105. Chapter 4.109 — LIBRARY SPECIAL TAX
  106. Title 4 — FOOTNOTES
  107. Chapter 5.02 — PAYMENT OF A CITY-WIDE MINIMUM WAGE
  108. Chapter 5.04 — GENERAL PROVISIONS
  109. Chapter 5.08 — DEFINITIONS
  110. Chapter 5.10 — LICENSE REGULATIONS
  111. Chapter 5.12 — EXEMPTIONS TO TAX
  112. Chapter 5.16 — FEES FOR MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESSES
  113. Chapter 5.20 — ADVERTISEMENTS
  114. Chapter 5.24 — ALARM SYSTEMS
  115. Chapter 5.28 — CANNABIS BUSINESS TAX
  116. Chapter 5.32 — BILLIARD AND POOL ROOMS
  117. Chapter 5.33 — BINGO GAMES
  118. Chapter 5.34 — CHARITABLE SOLICITATIONS
  119. Chapter 5.35 — CONCEALABLE FIREARMS—RETAIL SALES
  120. Chapter 5.40 — ESCORT BUREAUS
  121. Chapter 5.44 — FRANCHISE GRANTS FOR USE OF PUBLIC WAYS
  122. Chapter 5.45 — SEXUALLY ORIENTED BUSINESSES
  123. Chapter 5.48 — MASSAGE ESTABLISHMENTS
  124. Chapter 5.56 — PAWNBROKERS, JUNK AND SECONDHAND DEALERS
  125. Chapter 5.60 — SALES AND CLOSE-OUTS
  126. Chapter 5.68 — UNDERGROUND FACILITIES USE
  127. Chapter 5.72 — VEHICLES FOR HIRE
  128. Chapter 5.74 — LICENSURE OF TOBACCO RETAILERS
  129. Chapter 5.78 — COMMERCIAL CANNABIS ACTIVITY
  130. Chapter 5.80 — COVID-19 RIGHT OF RECALL
  131. Chapter 5.82 — COVID-19 WORKER RETENTION ORDINANCE
  132. Title 5 — FOOTNOTES
  133. Title 6 — ANIMALS
  134. Title 6 — FOOTNOTES
  135. Title 8 — HEALTH AND SAFETY
  136. Title 8 — FOOTNOTES
  137. Title 9 — PUBLIC PEACE, MORALS AND WELFARE
  138. Chapter 9.20 — GAMING AND GAMBLING
  139. Chapter 9.24 — ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES IN PUBLIC
  140. Chapter 9.26 — DEFECATION AND URINATION IN PUBLIC
  141. Chapter 9.28 — INDECENT EXPOSURE
  142. Chapter 9.36 — NOISE RESTRICTIONS
  143. Chapter 9.37 — LEAF-BLOWING MACHINES
  144. Chapter 9.40 — BALL GAME BACKSTOPS
  145. Chapter 9.41 — COMBUSTIBLE BALLOONS
  146. Chapter 9.42 — FORMATION FLYING
  147. Chapter 9.43 — FEES FOR SECOND OR SUBSEQUENT RESPONSE TO PROVI…
  148. Chapter 9.44 — DISTRIBUTION OF UNSOLICITED WRITTEN MATERIAL (R…
  149. Chapter 9.45 — UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS
  150. Chapter 9.48 — FIRE HYDRANTS
  151. Chapter 9.52 — TRESPASSING
  152. Chapter 9.56 — OBSTRUCTING PUBLIC PLACE OR BUSINESS
  153. Chapter 9.58 — ABANDONED VEHICLE ABATEMENT
  154. Chapter 9.60 — GRAFFITI ABATEMENT ORDINANCE
  155. Chapter 9.62 — ABANDONED SHOPPING CARTS
  156. Article VI — Consumer Protection
  157. Chapter 9.68 — CURFEW
  158. Chapter 9.69 — SEALING OF SEXUALLY EXPLICIT MATERIAL
  159. Chapter 9.70 — SALE AND DISPLAY OF NARCOTIC PARAPHERNALIA
  160. Chapter 9.75 — TENANT PROTECTION
  161. Chapter 9.76 — PROHIBITED EQUIPMENT
  162. Chapter 9.78 — UNSERIALIZED FIREARMS
  163. Chapter 9.80 — DISCHARGING
  164. Chapter 9.84 — HAZARDOUS WEAPONS
  165. Chapter 9.88 — FAIR CAMPAIGN PRACTICES AND DISCLOSURE ORDINANCE
  166. Chapter 9.89 — ELECTRONIC FILING OF CAMPAIGN DISCLOSURE INFORM…
  167. Chapter 9.90 — REPORTING SALES OF UNREGULATED CHEMICALS
  168. Chapter 9.95 — EVICTION DUE TO ILLEGAL DRUG DEALING ACTIVITIES
  169. Chapter 9.97 — ELLIS ACT TENANT PROTECTIONS
  170. Title 9 — FOOTNOTES
  171. Title 10 — VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC
  172. Title 10 — FOOTNOTES
  173. Title 12 — STREETS AND SIDEWALKS
  174. Title 12 — FOOTNOTES
  175. Title 13 — UTILITIES AND SEWERS
  176. Article I — Definitions and General Provisions
  177. Article II — Design and Construction
  178. Article III — Maintenance and Operation
  179. Chapter 13.28 — WATER MAIN ASSESSMENTS5
  180. Chapter 13.32 — GOVERNMENT CONTROLLED WATERCOURSES
  181. Title 13 — FOOTNOTES
  182. Title 14 — BUILDINGS AND CONSTRUCTION
  183. Title 14 — FOOTNOTES
  184. Title 16 — SUBDIVISIONS
  185. Title 16 — FOOTNOTES
  186. Title 17 — Zoning Code
  187. Chapter 17.10 — Enactment and Applicability of Zoning Code
  188. Chapter 17.12 — Interpretation of Zoning Code Provisions
  189. Chapter 17.20 — Zoning Map
  190. Chapter 17.21 — Development and Land Use Approval Requirements
  191. Chapter 17.22 — Residential Zoning Districts
  192. Chapter 17.24 — Commercial and Industrial Zoning Districts
  193. Chapter 17.26 — Special Purpose Zoning Districts
  194. Chapter 17.28 — Overlay Zoning Districts
  195. Chapter 17.29 — Hillside Overlay Districts
  196. Chapter 17.30 — Central District Specific Plan
  197. Chapter 17.31 — East Colorado Specific Plan 2022
  198. Chapter 17.32 — East Pasadena Specific Plan
  199. Chapter 17.33 — Fair Oaks-Orange Grove Specific Plan
  200. Chapter 17.34 — North Lake Specific Plan
  201. Chapter 17.35 — South Fair Oaks Specific Plan
  202. Chapter 17.36 — West Gateway Specific Plan
  203. Chapter 17.37 — Lincoln Avenue Specific Plan
  204. Chapter 17.38 — Lamanda Park Specific Plan
  205. Chapter 17.39 — East Colorado Specific Plan 2003
  206. Chapter 17.40 — General Property Development and Use Standards
  207. Chapter 17.42 — Inclusionary Housing Requirements
  208. Chapter 17.43 — Density Bonus, Waivers and Incentives
  209. Chapter 17.44 — Landscaping
  210. Chapter 17.46 — Parking and Loading
  211. Chapter 17.48 — Signs
  212. Chapter 17.50 — Standards for Specific Land Uses
  213. Chapter 17.60 — Application Filing and Processing
  214. Chapter 17.61 — Permit Approval or Disapproval
  215. Article 2 — Zoning Districts, Allowable Land Uses, and Zone-Sp…
  216. Chapter 17.62 — Historic Preservation
  217. Chapter 17.64 — Permit Implementation, Time Limits, and Extens…
  218. Chapter 17.66 — Development Agreements
  219. Chapter 17.68 — Specific Plans
  220. Chapter 17.70 — Administrative Responsibility
  221. Chapter 17.71 — Nonconforming Uses, Structures, and Lots
  222. Chapter 17.72 — Appeals
  223. Chapter 17.74 — Amendments
  224. Chapter 17.76 — Public Hearings
  225. Chapter 17.78 — Enforcement
  226. Chapter 17.80 — Glossary of Specialized Terms and Land Use Types
  227. Title 18 — CABLE, VIDEO AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICE PROVIDERS

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