San Leandro Municipal Code Art. 3 Ranks and General Duties

The Chief of Police is the chief executive officer of the department and is the final departmental authority in all matters of policy, operations and discipline.

(a) The Chief of Police is responsible for the organization of the department, its operations, policy and procedures, and its relations with citizens, the city government and other agencies.

(b) The Chief of Police is responsible for the efficiency of all members of the department. They shall conduct inspections to assure effective compliance with their orders.

(c) The Chief of Police may designate such officers of the department as they deem necessary, to act as administrative deputies in their name, and as their representatives. The Chief shall be held responsible for the actions of such deputies.

(d) The Chief of Police shall keep the City Manager informed of the operations of the department by oral or written reports.

(e) In the event of the absence of the Chief of Police from duty for any extended time, the Chief of Police shall designate an Acting Chief of Police, who will assume, during the absence of the Chief, all authority and responsibility vested in the Office of the Chief of Police.

The Assistant Chief of Police serves as second in command of the Department and may be assigned to command a Bureau of the Department in addition to other duties by the Chief of Police. The Assistant Chief of Police assists in planning, managing, directing, controlling, and coordinating all activities of the Department. Subject to the approval of the City Manager, the Assistant Chief of Police shall act as Chief of Police during their absence.

A Captain of Police shall be assigned to command a Bureau of the Department, but may be assigned additional duties by the Chief of Police. A Captain of Police shall be responsible for planning, directing, controlling, and coordinating all activities of their command. The Captain of Police shall submit such verbal or written reports relating to their command, as may be required by the Chief of Police. Subject to the approval of the City Manager, the Chief of Police may designate a Captain of Police to act as Chief of Police during their absence.

The Lieutenant of Police shall be assigned as a command officer in charge of a division of the department. The Lieutenant shall be responsible for the general and individual responsibilities of all supervisory officers, and other employees under their direct control. In addition to general responsibilities:

(a) They shall provide direction and control of personnel under their command to assure proper performance of duties and adherence to established rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.

(b) Maintain discipline and morale within the command and shall investigate personnel complaints relating to their command, not assigned elsewhere.

(c) Prepare required correspondence, reports, and records relating to the activities of their command.

(d) Require that quarters, equipment, supplies and materials assigned to their command are properly used and maintained.

A Civilian Manager is a non-sworn member who holds a management level position within the City of San Leandro and the equivalent of a command position within the Police Department. A Civilian Manager has all the duties, authority and responsibilities of a Lieutenant of Police as outlined above with the exception of those requiring peace officer status under the law.

A Sergeant of Police is a supervisory officer who may be assigned in charge of a unit of the department. The Sergeant shall be responsible for officers and employees assigned to their unit. A Sergeant may be assigned to field or staff duties.

(a) The Sergeant shall exercise direct command of their subordinates to assure good conduct, discipline, and efficiency.

(b) The Sergeant shall enforce departmental rules, regulations and orders to insure compliance with departmental policies and procedures. This requires inspections of activities, personnel and equipment under their supervision. They shall institute suitable action in the event of a failure, error, violation, misconduct, or neglect of duty by a subordinate. They shall keep their supervisor abreast of the activities of their subordinates and their unit, and shall submit written reports of incidents which warrant administrative notice or further action.

(c) A Sergeant shall monitor the performance and progress of their subordinates and shall, according to departmental procedures submit objective and definitive reports of such performance. They shall provide or request such training as they deem necessary for their subordinates.

(d) A Sergeant shall have a working knowledge of the duties and responsibilities of their subordinates. They shall be available for assistance and instruction to their subordinates, as required.

A Civilian Supervisor is a non-sworn member who holds the equivalent of a police Sergeant's position within the Police Department. A Civilian Supervisor has all the duties, authority and responsibilities of a Sergeant of Police as outlined above with the exception of those requiring peace officer status under the law.

Police Officers are ordinarily assigned as motorized. They may be assigned to other related duties or special assignment by Division Commanders, subject to the approval of the Chief of Police.

(a) The Police Officer is responsible for general law enforcement duties and shall be held accountable for the beat, post, or special detail to which they are assigned. They shall hold themselves in readiness to answer the calls and obey the orders of their Superiors.

(b) A Police Officer assigned as a specialist (i.e., detective, field evidence technician, canine handler, etc.), shall be held accountable for proper and efficient performance of the duties of such special assignment.

(c) A Police Officer shall work such hours as may be designated by the Division Commander, subject to the approval of the Chief of Police.

(d) A Police Officer assigned to the Patrol Division shall patrol their beat diligently and faithfully and with the understanding they carry with them a responsibility for the safety of the community and their fellow officers.

(e) A Police Officer shall give immediate attention to calls for assistance, complaints or other emergencies. They shall render such assistance as may be required in an efficient manner, returning to their regular duties as soon as is practicable. They shall make an appropriate and timely report of their actions as soon as practicable upon completion of the service rendered.

(f) A Police Officer shall inform themselves of information concerning the City of San Leandro, its public buildings, courts, churches, transportation, boundaries, recreation facilities, county, state, and federal offices within the City. They shall be available to the public to provide accurate and intelligent assistance as required.

(g) A Police Officer shall attempt to dissuade any other member from any act or omission which they have reason to believe is unlawful, hazardous, in direct violation of departmental rules and regulations, highly disruptive to departmental purposes or operations, or likely to bring discredit to the department or its members. Failing to discourage such act or omission, the officer shall immediately report their conclusions and dissuasive efforts to the most readily available supervisory or command officer.

Non-sworn members are appointed to the department in appropriate civil service classification.

(a) Non-sworn members of the department shall work such hours as may be designated by the Division Commander, subject to the approval of the Chief of Police.

(b) Non-sworn members are subject to all department rules and regulations in the same manner as are officers.

(c) Non-sworn members assigned to duties which require contact with the general public are representing the department and shall conduct themselves in a courteous, alert, and efficient manner.