The specific ordinances providing for participation in the Texas Municipal Retirement System, as adopted by the city, are not included in this article, but they are hereby specifically saved from repeal and shall be maintained on file in the office of the city administrator.
(Ordinance adopting Code)
The size of the police department shall not exceed a total of three (3) full-time peace officers. (One chief of police and two peace officers.)
(Ordinance 251, sec. I, adopted 11/06)
The chief of police and other police officers of the department shall not serve for a specific time and are subject to the removal by the city council, with a majority vote of quorum present.
(Ordinance 251, sec. II, adopted 11/06)
The chief of police and all police officers of the department shall have such qualifications as are required by state law and city council and shall satisfy and fulfill the requirements imposed by the state commission on law enforcement officer standards and education.
(Ordinance 251, sec. III, adopted 11/06)
The chief of police is the executive officer of the police department. He or she shall have the authority for enforcement of police department general orders, polices and police officers’ responsibilities together with full responsibility for the complete discharge of all duties imposed on him or her and the other police officers by law. The chief of police shall be responsible for the performance by the police department of its functions and duties and all persons who are members of the police department shall serve subject to the orders of the chief of police. The chief of police shall have the authority to select persons for and remove person from positions with the police department and the specific authority to promote, demote, and take any and all other personnel actions.
(Ordinance 251, sec. IV, adopted 11/06)
Police officers of the police department shall have all the powers, rights, duties, and jurisdiction granted to or imposed on a peace officer by the Code of Criminal Procedure and city council.
(Ordinance 251, sec. V, adopted 11/06)
Members of the police department shall preserve the public peace, prevent crime, detect and arrest violators of the law, protect life and property, and enforce those federal, state and city statutes, which the department is required to enforce by law.
(Ordinance 251, sec. VI, adopted 11/06)
Members of the police reserve force shall not exceed four (4) in number and are members of the city police department; members of the police reserve force shall serve as peace officers in the city only during the actual discharge of official duties in or for the city.
(Ordinance 251, sec. VII, adopted 11/06)
Whenever the mayor deems it necessary, in order to enforce the laws of the city, or to avert danger, or to protect life or property, in case of riot or any outbreak or calamity or public disturbance, or when he or she has reason to fear any serious violation of law or order, or any outbreak of any other danger to said city, or to the inhabitants thereof, he or she shall summon into service as a special police force, all or as many of the citizens as in his or her judgment may be necessary, in accordance with V.T.C.A., Local Government Code, section 341.012, and any amendments thereto, who shall serve only so long as requested. Such a summons may be by proclamation or other order addressed to the citizens generally, or those of any ward of the city, or subdivision thereof, or may be by orders of the mayor, shall perform such duties as he or she may require, and shall have the same power while on duty as the regular police force of said city. No special policeman shall be entitled to any compensation from the city by reason of such appointment. Special policeman shall obey all rules of the police department.
(Ordinance 251, sec. VIII, adopted 11/06)
All police officers in and of the city, in the exercise of sound discretion, may arrest without a warrant therefor, any person or persons found under circumstances reasonably tending to show that such person or persons have been guilty of some felony or breach of the peace, or violation of some municipal ordinance or about to commit some against some state law or against some municipal ordinance.
(Ordinance 251, sec. IX, adopted 11/06)