Willits Municipal Code Ch. 2.09 Chief of Police

The office of the chief of police is created and established. The chief of police shall report to and be under the direct supervision and control of the city manager.

(Ord. 92-9 § 2(part)).

No person shall be appointed to the office of the chief of police unless he or she possesses the following minimum qualifications:

A. Possession of an advanced POST certificate;

B. Possession of a POST management certificate;

C. Possession of a California Class 3 driver's license;

D. Possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university or equivalent education, with major work in public or business administration or related field;

E. Knowledge of current principles, practices and techniques of police administration, organization and operation;

F. Knowledge of current laws and regulations pertaining to California peace officers and the work of the city's police department;

G. Knowledge of crime prevention and law enforcement techniques including but not limited to investigation, identification, patrol, traffic control, juvenile delinquency control, recordkeeping, and the care and custody of persons and property; and

H. Ten years of extensive experience in all major phases of municipal police work, including at least three years in a responsible middle management capacity, preferably in a municipal police department.

(Ord. 92-9 § 2(part)).

The chief of police shall, at the discretion of the city council, obtain and keep in force and effect during the term of his or her office a bond, the coverage and amount to be determined by the city council. Any premium for such bond shall be a proper charge against the city.

(Ord. 92-9 § 2(part)).

The chief of police may appoint, subject to the approval of the city manager, a peace officer from within the police department or who meets the qualifications set forth in Section 2.09.020 above to act as the chief of police during any temporary absence or disability of the chief of police.

(Ord. 92-9 § 2(part)).

The chief of police shall receive such compensation and expense allowances as the city council shall from time to time determine and fix by resolution, and said compensation and expenses shall be a proper charge against such funds of the city as the city council shall designate.

(Ord. 92-9 § 2(part)).

Under the direction and supervision of the city manager, the chief of police shall:

A. Enforce or cause to be enforced all state and municipal criminal statutes and ordinances;

B. Arrest or cause to be arrested all persons who violate any such statutes or ordinances, or issue or cause to be issued citations to said violators;

C. Prepare, plan, direct, supervise and coordinate the administration, budget, duties and responsibilities of the police department and its personnel;

D. Attend all regular city council meetings and such other meetings as the city council or city manager may request;

E. Confer with the city council, city officers, and the citizens of Willits on law enforcement problems and assist in the development of municipal law enforcement policies;

F. Coordinate law enforcement activities with other state, county or city law enforcement agencies; and

G. Perform such other duties as the city council or city manager shall from time to time request.

(Ord. 92-9 § 2(part)).