Chapter 2.47
POLICE DEPARTMENT

Sections:

2.47.010    Police department established – Supervision.

2.47.020    Chief of police – Appointment.

2.47.030    Chief of police – Oath.

2.47.040    Chief of police – Bond.

2.47.050    Chief of police – Duties.

2.47.060    Police department – Powers.

2.47.010 Police department established – Supervision.

There is established and created a department of police to be operated under the direction and control of the city’s chief law enforcement officer, the chief of police. This department shall include the reserve police officers unit. The chief of police shall be subject to appointment and removal as described in RCW 35A.12.090, and any relevant provisions of the city’s personnel manual and the city’s contract with the chief of police. (Ord. 713 § 1, 1996).

2.47.020 Chief of police – Appointment.

The chief of police shall be appointed by the mayor on the basis of his/her qualifications, experience and the eligibility requirements of RCW 35.21.333 and 35.21.335, as the same now exists or may hereafter be amended. Before making any appointment for a chief of police, a background investigation shall be performed, as required by RCW 35.21.334. (Ord. 713 § 1, 1996).

2.47.030 Chief of police – Oath.

A person seeking appointment to the office of chief of police shall provide a sworn statement to the city, which shall be under penalty of perjury, stating that he/she meets the requirements of RCW 35.21.333, as the same now exists or may hereafter be amended. Before entering upon the performance of his/her duties, the chief of police shall be required to take the following oath:

I, ______________, solemnly swear that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the United States of America, the State of Washington, Pierce County and the City of Gig Harbor, and that I will serve them honestly and faithfully, and that I will obey the orders of the officers appointed over me according to the law and the rules and regulations of the Police Department, and that

I will uphold the Constitution of the United States, the State of Washington, the laws of the State of Washington, Pierce County and the City of Gig Harbor.

The oath shall be filed with the county auditor. (Ord. 713 § 1, 1996).

2.47.040 Chief of police – Bond.

The chief of police shall annually provide an official bond in the penal sum of $10,000, conditioned on the honest and faithful performance of his/her official duties. The premiums on such bond shall be paid by the city. Compliance with this provision is an essential part of qualification for office as the chief of police. (Ord. 1251 § 3, 2012; Ord. 713 § 1, 1996).

2.47.050 Chief of police – Duties.

The chief of police is the commanding officer to the police department. The powers and duties of the chief of police are those granted under the laws of the state and the ordinances of the city. (Ord. 713 § 1, 1996).

2.47.060 Police department – Powers.

The chief of police and all commissioned police personnel, including reserve police officers, shall have the powers granted, with the duties imposed, by the laws of the state of Washington relating to the chief of police and law enforcement personnel of Optional Municipal Code cities. In addition, the chief and all other commissioned police personnel of the police department shall have the power and the duty to enforce the ordinances of the city, and to perform such other services as the ordinances of the city may now or hereafter require. Pursuant to RCW 35A.21.161, the chief and all other commissioned police personnel of the police department shall also observe and enforce the provisions of state laws relating to the conduct, location and limitations on activities regulated by state law and shall supply police information to the section on identification of the state patrol as required by Chapter 43.43 RCW. (Ord. 713 § 1, 1996).