The office of the police chief is established. (Ord. 593 § 1 (part), 1976; Ord. 542 § l, 1972).

The police chief shall be appointed by the mayor, subject to ratification by majority vote of the city council. (Ord. 982 § 7(A), 1997: Ord. 593 § 1 (part), 1976; Ord. 542 § 2, 1972).

The police chief may be removed by the mayor. (Ord. 1118 § 3, 2003: Ord. 982 § 7(B), 1997).

The duties of the police chief shall consist of the following:
A. He shall be responsible for the general direction and control, subject to the direction of the mayor, of the city police department, and all personnel thereof;
B. He shall be responsible for the enforcement of the ordinances of the city, and shall prosecute before the police justice all violations of city ordinances which come to his knowledge;
C. He shall have charge of the city jail and all prisoners;
D. He shall execute and return all process issued and directed to him by any legal authority, and for such service, shall receive the same fees as are paid to constables;
E. He shall perform such other services as the city council by ordinances may require. (Ord. 593 § 1 (part), 1976; Ord. 542 § 3, 1972).

The police chief shall have the same authority as that conferred upon sheriffs for the suppression of any riot, public tumult, disturbances of the peace, or resistance against the laws or public authorities in the lawful exercise of their functions and shall be entitled to the same protection. (Ord. 593 § 1 (part), 1976; Ord. 542 § 4, 1972).

The police chief may appoint, subject to the approval of the mayor, one or more deputies, for whose acts he and his bondsmen shall be responsible, and whose compensation shall be fixed, from time to time, by the city council. With the concurrence of the mayor, the police chief may appoint additional policemen for the preservation of public order. (Ord. 593 § 1 (part), 1976; Ord. 542 § 5, 1972).

The lawful order of the police chief shall be promptly executed by deputies, police officers and watchmen. Every citizen shall lend him aid, when required, for the arrest of offenders and the maintenance of public order. (Ord. 593 § 1 (part), 1976; Ord. 542 § 6, 1972).

The police chief shall receive such salary as shall be from time to time fixed and established by the city council. (Ord. 593 § 1 (part), 1976; Ord. 542 § 8, 1972).