The Chief of Police, upon appointment by the Council,
shall be the Chief Executive Officer of the Department. He shall devote
his entire time and attention to the discharge of the duties of his
office and give prompt and efficient attention to all matters concerning
the welfare of the Department and the public. The Chief of Police
shall, in conformity with the Town Charter, serve at the pleasure
of the Council and at such compensation as the Council may determine.
It shall be the duty of the Chief of Police to direct
the observance and enforcement of all laws of the United States of
America, laws of the State of Virginia and the ordinances of the Town
of Hillsville, and the enforcement of or observance which devolves
upon the Department of Police, and he shall issue, at his discretion,
such orders as may be necessary to facilitate this duty.
All instructions to the Chief of Police shall come
from the Council or Town Manager. The Chief of Police shall report
to the Town Manager. All instructions to the Department shall be issued
by the Chief of Police and communicated to the members thereof through
his subordinate officers, recognizing rank whenever possible, or in
such other manner as circumstances and the efficiency of the service
may require.
He shall, upon receipt of reports from subordinate
officers or the public of any violation(s) of laws or ordinances,
rules and regulations or orders governing the Department, promptly
investigate or cause to be investigated such reports and follow them
up with the necessary action.
He shall, immediately upon the receipt of reports
of any negligence, violation of law or any other matter which comes
within the jurisdiction of any other Town department, cause a report
therefore to be made to the proper official in charge of such department.
He shall, subject to the approval of the Council,
establish and maintain any division, bureau, police district or unit
of service and regulate the duties and working hours thereof for the
betterment of the Department and the public.
He shall, with the approval of the Council, during
periods of emergency, regulate the hours of employment which, in his
judgment, shall be for the best interests of the Department and public
safety.
He shall immediately proceed to the scene of any riot
or other unusual occurrence where the services of large details of
police are necessary and take command of the force.
He shall maintain a proper discipline of subordinates
under their separate commands and see that no partiality, favoritism
or undue leniency is shown, nor any injustice done.
He shall inspect or cause to be inspected at irregular
and unannounced times all sections of the Department to assure the
efficiency of police work; where conditions are found unsatisfactory,
see that proper corrections are made.
He shall require from all members of the Department
their loyalty, energy and obedience and take action in prosecuting
any member guilty of interfering with or in any manner obstructing
or attempting to obstruct the orderly and efficient operation and
conduct of the Department.