Selma Municipal Code Ch. 2 Police Department 1

The Police Department shall be under the supervision and control of the Chief of Police who shall be appointed by the City Council wholly on the basis of ability and qualifications and shall hold office for and during the pleasure of the City Council. The Chief of Police shall cooperate fully with the City Manager and the City Manager shall supervise the Chief of Police when the City Council is not in session. The City Manager shall be responsible for evaluating the Chief of Police either annually or as required by any existing employment agreement with the Chief of Police, and may authorize wage/salary or benefit increases in accordance with the agreement or as approved by the City Council, and shall otherwise be responsible for providing oversight, supervision, and support for the activities of the Chief of Police. The intent of this ordinance is to require either appointment or adverse employment action of any form to be approved by a majority vote of the City Council. (Ord. 20256-09, 8-5-2025)

The Chief of Police may:

(A) Appoint one or more police officers subject to the approval of the City Administrator.

(B) Appoint additional police officers with the concurrence of the City Administrator when they deem it necessary for the preservation of public order.

The duties of the Chief of Police shall be as follows:

(A) To formulate and recommend to the City Administrator policies and procedures pertaining to the enforcement of rules and regulations for the government and operation of the Police Department; to administer such policies and procedures when approved by the City Administrator and to conduct such activities for the City. (Ord. 810, 2-19-80)

(B) He shall be responsible for the preservation of the public peace and order, the prevention and detection of crime, the apprehension of offenders, the protection of persons and of property, and the enforcement of the law.

(C) He shall be responsible for the operation of the juvenile law enforcement program of the City.

(D) He shall operate such equipment as is necessary for the fulfillment of his function.

(E) He shall enforce all traffic regulations and supervise the functions of the Traffic Division.

(F) He shall sell unclaimed property at public auctions as provided for in Title VI, Chapter 7 of this Code. (1963 Code)

(G) To perform such other duties as the City Administrator may require. (Ord. 810, 2-19-80)

It shall be the duty of the members of the Police Department to see to the enforcement of all of the laws of the City and all Statutes applicable therein; and to preserve order and prevent infractions of the law and arrest violators thereof. (1963 Code)

The City Administrator or Chief of Police shall direct a sufficient number of policemen to attend and keep order at any public meeting at which a breach of the peace may occur. (Ord. 810, 2-19-80)

The Chief of Police, for meritorious service rendered by any member of the Department in the due discharge of his duty may permit such member to retain for his own benefit, so far as he may be permitted by law, any reward or present tendered him therefor, and it shall be cause for dismissal for any member to receive such reward or present without notice thereof to the Chief of Police and without his permission.

Every member of the Department shall appear as witness whenever necessary in a prosecution for a violation of any Municipal, State or Federal law. No member shall retain any witness fee for service as witness in any action or suit to which the City is a party; any fees paid for such service shall be turned over to the Chief of Police, who shall deposit the same with the Treasurer. (1963 Code)

In addition to the performance of their regular duties, it shall be the duty of all policemen, at all times, and under all circumstances, to go to the aid of all persons or animals in distress or danger and render them such help and assistance as lies within their power. (Ord. 270, 10-20-30)

The City declares that it desires to qualify to receive aid from the State under the provisions of chapter 1, title 4, part 4 of the California Penal Code.

Pursuant to section 13522 of said chapter 1, the City while receiving aid from the State pursuant to said chapter 1 will adhere to the standards for recruitment and training established by the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training. (Ord. 583, 2-17-64)

The City of Selma declares that it desires to continue to qualify for reimbursements for dispatcher training under the provisions of section 13522, chapter 1, of title 4, part 4 of the California Penal Code.

Pursuant to section 13510(c), chapter 1, the Selma Police Department will continue to adhere to standards for recruitment and training of public safety dispatchers as established by the California Commission of Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST).

Pursuant to section 13512, chapter 1, the Commission and its representatives may make such inquiries as deemed appropriate by the Commission to ascertain that the Selma Police Department's public safety dispatcher personnel adhere to standards for selection and training established by the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training. (Ord. 912, 3-20-89)