Pursuant to V.T.C.A., Local Government Code sec. 341.001, there
is created and established a municipal police department for the city.
(1999 Code, sec. 62-31)
It shall be the duty of the members of the police department
to see to the enforcement of all ordinances of the city and all statutes
effective in the city and to preserve order and prevent infractions
of the law and to arrest violators of the peace.
(1999 Code, sec. 62-32)
The police department of the city shall consist of one chief
of police and such additional police officers as the city council
may deem necessary and proper.
(1999 Code, sec. 62-33)
The position of chief of police is an appointed office of the
city, and such office shall be filled by the city council. The chief
shall hold his office at the will and pleasure of the city council
and shall receive such compensation as the city council may determine
by resolution. The chief of police shall be the chief police officer
of the city and as such shall have responsibility of the administration
of the department and supervision over the other members of the police
department pursuant to such policies, procedures and guidelines as
may be established by resolution of the city council.
(1999 Code, sec. 62-34)
The chief of police may appoint such number of subordinate police
officers as may be authorized by resolution of the city council.
(1999 Code, sec. 62-35)
The chief of police and each member of the police department
shall qualify for employment as peace officers under the rules and
regulations promulgated by the state commission on law enforcement
officer standards and education pursuant to V.T.C.A., Occupations
Code, chapter 1701, and such other qualifications as may be prescribed
by the city council that are not in conflict with such statute.
(1999 Code, sec. 62-36)
The chief of police and all members of the police department
shall take and subscribe to the official oath prescribed for such
office.
(1999 Code, sec. 62-37)
The appointment of a chief of police shall be made and entered
in the minutes of the city council at any regular or special meeting
of the council, and the commission issued to the chief of police shall
become effective after it has been signed by the mayor and such appointment
has been entered in the minutes.
(1999 Code, sec. 62-38)
An official badge, as may be designated by the city council,
shall be issued to each member of the police department, identifying
the chief of police and each patrol officer as a member of the department.
(1999 Code, sec. 62-39)
The chief of police shall, in person or by a designated police
officer, attend the municipal court while in session, and shall promptly
and faithfully execute writs and process issued from the court. For
the purpose of executing writs and process issued from the municipal
court, the jurisdiction of each police officer shall extend to the
boundaries of the county in which the municipal court is situated.
The chief of police and each police officer shall have like power
with the sheriff of the county to execute warrants; they shall be
active in calming riots, disorders and disturbances of the peace within
the city limits and shall take into custody all persons so offending
against the peace of the city. It shall be the duty of the chief of
police and each police officer to arrest without warrant all violators
of the public peace and all who obstruct or interfere in the execution
of the duties of their office or who shall be guilty of any disorderly
conduct or disturbance whatever, to prevent a breach of the peace
or preserve quiet and good order. Further, the chief of police shall
have authority to close any theater, ballroom or other public place
or building of the public resort. In the prevention and suppression
of crime and arrest of offenders, the chief of police and each police
officer shall have, possess and execute like power, authority and
jurisdiction as the sheriff. They shall perform such other duties
and possess such other powers and authority as the city council may,
by ordinance, require and confer, not inconsistent with the constitution
and laws of the state.
(1999 Code, sec. 62-40)
The policy and procedures for the internal operation of the
police department shall be adopted by the chief of police in consultation
with the city administrator.
(1999 Code, sec. 62-41)
