Authority. The Chief of Police is the chief executive officer of
the Department and the final departmental authority in all matters
of policy, operations and discipline. He exercises all lawful powers
of his office and issues such lawful orders as are necessary to assure
the effective performance of the Department.
Responsibilities. Through the Chief of Police, the Department is
responsible for the enforcement of all laws and ordinances coming
within its legal jurisdiction. He is responsible for planning, directing,
coordinating, controlling and staffing all activities of the Department,
for its continued and efficient operation, for the enforcement of
rules and regulations within the Department, for the completion and
forwarding of such reports as may be required, and for the Department's
relations with the citizens of the Town, the Town government and other
agencies.
Authority and responsibilities. The Chief of Police shall be the
head of the Department and shall be the final departmental authority
in all matters of police, operations and discipline, and shall:
Administer and enforce rules and regulations and special emergency
directives for the control, disposition and discipline of the Department
and its officers and personnel.
Administer and enforce procedures consistent with state law
for the hearing and determination of charges of violation of Department
rules and regulations by any member of the Department.
Delegate such of his powers as he may deem necessary for the
efficient administration of the Department to be exercised under his
direction and supervision by division heads.
Report at least annually to the Police Commissioner in such
form as shall be approved by the Police Commissioner or Council on
the work of the Department during the preceding year, or at the Police
Commissioner's request.
Supervision. A supervisory officer may be assigned to field or office
duties. During his tour of duty he must closely supervise the activities
of his subordinates, making corrections where necessary and commending
where appropriate.
Leadership. Effective supervision demands leadership. Provision of
leadership shall include on-the-job training as needed for efficient
operation and coordination of effort when more than one member or
employee is involved.
Direction. Supervisors must exercise direct command in a manner that
assures the good order, conduct, discipline and efficiency of subordinates
outside his usual sphere of supervision if the police objective or
reputation of the Department so requires; or if no other provisions
made for personnel temporarily unsupervised. This authority shall
not be exercised unnecessarily. If a supervisor requires a subordinate
other than his own to leave a regular assignment, the supervisor so
directing will inform the subordinate's own supervisor as soon as
possible.
Enforcement of rules, etc. Supervisors must enforce departmental
rules and regulations and ensure compliance with departmental policies
and procedures.
Inspection. Supervisors are responsible for inspection of activities,
personnel and equipment under their supervision and initiation of
suitable action in the event of a failure, error, violation, misconduct
or neglect of duty by a subordinate.
Assisting subordinates. A supervisory officer shall have a working
knowledge of the duties and responsibilities of his subordinates.
He shall observe contact made with the public by his subordinates
and be available for assistance or instruction as may be required.
Field supervisors shall respond to calls of serious emergencies, felonies
in progress, assaults and others unless actively engaged in a police
incident. He should observe the conduct of the assigned personnel
and take active charge when necessary.