Chapter 2.20
POLICE DEPARTMENT
Sections:
2.20.030 Duties of the Chief of Police.
2.20.040 Power and duties of the Department.
2.20.050 Rules and regulations.
2.20.070 Use of statewide law enforcement computer network.
2.20.080 Take-home vehicle usage and cost.
2.20.010 Department created.
There is created a Police Department in and for the City. It shall consist of a Chief of Police and as many officers and volunteers and other members as may be provided for by the Council. (Ord. 94-8 § 2, 1994; Ord. 81-3 § 1, 1981)
2.20.020 Appointments.
The Chief of Police shall be appointed by and serve at the pleasure of the Executive Officer of the City. Termination subject to ratification by majority of City Council. All other members shall be appointed by the Chief of Police subject to approval by the Executive Officer. (Ord. 05-20 § 2, 2005; Ord. 94-8 § 2, 1994; Ord. 92-6 § 2, 1992; Ord. 81-3 § 2, 1981)
2.20.030 Duties of the Chief of Police.
The Chief of Police shall be the commanding officer of the Police Department. He shall:
A. Be responsible for the performance by the Department of its functions, and all persons who are members of the Department shall serve subject to the orders of the Chief of Police;
B. Direct the training and operations of the Department;
C. Be responsible for the maintenance and care of all property used by the Department;
D. Ensure that complete records are kept of all equipment, personnel, training and other Department activities;
E. Perform such other duties as shall be required of him by the Executive Officer. (Ord. 94-8 § 2, 1994; Ord. 90-4 § 3, 1990; Ord. 81-3 § 3, 1981)
2.20.040 Power and duties of the Department.
The Police Department and each officer is charged with the enforcement of all criminal laws of the State and all City ordinances, and has the power of a peace officer and those powers usually and customarily exercised by peace officers. Each officer may prevent crime, pursue and apprehend offenders, obtain legal evidence, institute criminal proceedings, execute any lawful order or warrant of arrest, make an arrest without warrant as specified by law and may cooperate with other law enforcement agencies in detecting crime and preserving law and order. (Ord. 94-8 § 2, 1994; Ord. 81-3 § 4, 1981)
2.20.050 Rules and regulations.
The Chief of Police may make or prescribe such rules and regulations, not inconsistent with City ordinances and State law, as he deems advisable. Such rules and regulations shall be binding on all members of the Department. Such rules and regulations may cover conduct of the members, uniforms and equipment to be worn or carried, hours of service and all other similar matters for the better efficiency of the Department. (Ord. 94-8 § 2, 1994; Ord. 81-3 § 5, 1981)
2.20.060 Police standards.
In addition to the rules and regulations set out in NPMC 2.20.050, the Police Department shall observe all the rules and regulations in the Police Standards Act, July 6, 1972, and promulgated by the Alaska Police Standards Council for its applicable personnel. (Ord. 94-8 § 2, 1994)
2.20.070 Use of statewide law enforcement computer network.
Members of the Police Department shall abide by all policies and/or rules and regulations as they relate to the use and security of the statewide law enforcement computer network as set forth by the Alaska Public Safety Information Network (APSIN) and the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and all policies, rules and regulations as set forth by the Police Department. (Ord. 94-8 § 2, 1994)
2.20.080 Take-home vehicle usage and cost.
A. General Guidelines for Operation of Police Vehicle. Any employee operating a police vehicle shall:
1. Obey all Federal, State and local laws.
2. Exercise due care regarding preventable collision/damage, excess wear and tear to the vehicle and quality public service.
3. Ensure that all persons in the vehicle use seat belts.
4. Cause materials or tools transported in the vehicle to be properly secured.
5. Promptly report vehicle damage or unsafe vehicle conditions.
B. Specific Guidelines for Operation of Police Vehicle.
1. Each employee assigned a take-home vehicle shall ensure that the vehicle and contents are secure at their residence.
2. Employees with take-home vehicles must be available by radio, cellular phone, or pager and available for recall when in possession of their assigned vehicle. This provision does not constitute a standby status for purposes of compensation.
3. Off-duty members are only expected to enforce serious or life-threatening traffic violations. Additional compensation beyond participation in the program is not paid and should not be expected. Compensation may be granted upon approval by the Chief or Lieutenant for circumstances beyond normal traffic stops (e.g., felonies, DWI arrests, 10-69 requests).
4. Members using their assigned vehicles as described in this section shall stop and render aid to any motorist or member of the public as necessary.
5. While in transit in a marked patrol vehicle, members must advise Dispatch via the mobile data terminal or radio that they are en route to the North Pole Police Department immediately upon leaving their residence. If dispatched to a call, the member shall be considered on duty and shall receive appropriate compensation.
6. Employees who reside outside a ten-mile driving distance from the North Pole Police Department may take home their police vehicle if they reimburse the City as follows: monthly payment of an amount determined by multiplying the shortest round-trip distance from the point of leaving the ten-mile driving distance to the residence times the IRS standard mileage rate for business miles driven using a schedule approved by the police chief.
7. The payment will be deducted from the payroll of the employee each pay period. The employee will sign the appropriate agreement acknowledging the privilege of taking home their patrol unit outside the ten-mile driving distance.
8. For simplification, payment will begin at the beginning of the next full pay period. If the privilege is rescinded or the member requests to terminate this privilege, payment will stop at the end of the current pay period of the time termination/rescinding takes effect.
9. When the IRS standard mileage rate changes, it will take effect at the end of the current pay period.
10. The employee acknowledges that the Chief of Police can terminate this privilege at any time.
C. Noncompliance with This Section.
1. Failure to comply with any provision of this section may result in disciplinary action and/or loss of take-home vehicle privileges.
2. Supervisors will ensure that all provisions of this section are enforced, and may recommend a loss of take-home privileges of a member who does not comply with provisions of this section to the Chief of Police. (Ord. 14-08 § 2, 2014; Ord. 10-04 § 2, 2010)