The Department of Public Safety shall be directed by the Director of Public Safety and shall consist of the Police and Fire Departments, the office of Emergency Management, and such other offices or activities related to public safety which may be established or determined by the Mayor or the Common Council. In event an appointment is not made to the position of Director of Public Safety, the Mayor shall serve in such capacity.
The Office of Emergency Management shall be directed by the Director of Emergency Management who shall serve at the pleasure of the Mayor.
The specific powers and duties of the Emergency Management Officer[1] shall include:
Service as the Mayor's chief adviser as it relates to all matters associated with emergency management and disaster preparedness.
Development and maintenance of disaster preparedness and other emergency plans of the City.
Coordination of all emergency management planning activities of all departments and other public and private agencies within the City.
[1]
Editor's Note: The "Emergency Management Officer" is now the "Emergency Management Director."
The Police Department shall be directed by the Chief of Police who shall be appointed by the Common Council pursuant to Civil Service regulations.
The specific powers and duties of the Chief of Police shall include:
Enforcement of the laws of the State of New York and the local laws, ordinances, and regulations of the City.
Jurisdiction and control over all functions and duties customarily conferred upon a police department and police officers pursuant to the laws of the State of New York.
[Amended 12-3-1996 by L.L. No. 3-1996]
The Fire Department shall be under direction of the Fire Chief who shall be appointed by the Common Council pursuant to Civil Service regulations.
[Amended 12-3-1996 by L.L. No. 3-1996]
The specific powers and duties of the Fire Chief shall include but not be limited to:
Plans, coordinates, supervises and evaluates Fire and EMS operations.
Establishes policies and procedures for Fire and EMS in order to implement directives from the Mayor and Common Council.
Plans and implements Fire and EMS programs for the City, including a proactive fire prevention program; reviews departmental performance and effectiveness; formulates programs or policies to alleviate deficiencies.
Supervises and coordinates the preparation and presentation of an annual budget for Fire and EMS; directs the implementation of the department budget; plans for and reviews specifications for new or replaced equipment.
Responds to alarms as needed, and may direct activities at the scene of major emergencies, as required.
Directs the inspection of buildings and other properties for fire hazards and enforces fire prevention code and directs the functions of the Codes Enforcement Officer. Serves as building inspector for the City as provided for under New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code.
[Amended 6-17-1997 by L.L. No. 2-1997]
Directs the operation of departmental training activities and assures all mandated training is received.
Controls the expenditures of departmental appropriations.
Maintains departmental discipline and the conduct and general behavior of assigned personnel.
Supervises the investigation and determination of causes of fires.
Prepares and submits monthly reports regarding the departments activities and prepares a variety of other reports as appropriate including the annual report of activities.
Plans departmental operation with respect to equipment, apparatus and personnel; supervises the implementation of such plans.
Assigns personnel and equipment to such duties and uses as the service requires; evaluates the need for and recommends the purchase of new equipment and supplies.
Attends all Department Head meetings, committee meetings and City Council meetings.
Represents the city in discussions with other governments, organizations, agencies and individuals as it relates to fire programs and functions.