Chapter 2.25
POLICE DEPARTMENT
Sections:
2.25.010 Civil service system adopted.
2.25.020 Civil service commission created.
2.25.030 Appointments and promotions – Applicability of provisions.
2.25.040 Organization – Meetings.
2.25.050 Laws on file in city offices.
2.25.010 Civil service system adopted.
Pursuant to and in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 41.12 RCW, as amended, there is adopted for the police department of the city of La Center the system commonly known as civil service, and full paid employment therein, all members thereof, and all advancements, demotions, suspensions, discharges and control thereof shall be governed by the civil service commission herein created, the rules and regulations adopted by the civil service commission, and the police department rules and regulations of the city of La Center. [Ord. III-6-2 § 1, 1985.]
2.25.020 Civil service commission created.
(1) There is created for the administration of such civil service for the police department of the city of La Center, a civil service commission composed of three members, whose powers and duties shall be as specified by law, and particularly as set forth in Chapter 41.12 RCW, as amended, all the provisions of which are by this reference herein incorporated in and made a part of this chapter as fully and with like effect as if set forth at length herein.
(2) The members of the civil service commission shall serve without compensation and no person shall be appointed as a member who is not a citizen of the United States and a resident of the city of La Center for at least three years immediately preceding such appointment, and must be a qualified elector of Clark County, Washington. The term of office of each commissioner shall be for a period of six years, except that the first three members of the commission shall be appointed for different terms as follows:
(a) One to serve for a period of two years;
(b) One to serve for a period of four years; and
(c) One to serve for a period of six years.
(3) The respective terms for the first three commissioners shall be determined by lot.
(4) Any member of such commission may be removed from office for incompetency, incompatibility or dereliction of duty, or malfeasance in office, or other good cause, provided, however, that no member of the commission shall be removed until charges have been preferred in writing, due notice and a full hearing had thereon.
(5) The members of the commission shall devote due time and attention to the performance of the duties specified and imposed upon them by law.
(6) Two members of the commission shall constitute a quorum and the votes of any two members of such commission concurring shall be sufficient for the decision of all matters and the transaction of all business to be decided and transacted by the commission, under and by virtue of the provisions of the laws of the state of Washington applicable thereto and the ordinances of the city of La Center.
(7) Members of the commission shall be appointed by the mayor of the city of La Center, subject to the approval of a majority of the city council of La Center.
(8) At the time of any appointments not more than two commissioners shall be adherents of the same political party.
(9) In the event any civil service commissioner shall resign, become disqualified or be removed for cause, another commissioner shall be appointed to take his place for the unexpired portion of the term. [Ord. III-6-2 § 2, 1985.]
2.25.030 Appointments and promotions – Applicability of provisions.
(1) The classified civil service and provisions of this chapter and of the laws of the state of Washington shall include full paid employees of the police department of the city of La Center, including the chief of police. The provisions of this chapter shall apply only to all members of the police department who are paid regularly by the city and devote their whole time to police duty.
(2) All appointments to and promotions in this department shall be made solely on merit, efficiency and fitness, which shall be ascertained by open competitive examination and impartial investigation.
(3) No person shall be reinstated in or transferred, suspended or discharged from any place, position or employment contrary to the provisions of the laws of the state of Washington and this chapter. [Ord. III-6-2 § 3, 1985.]
2.25.040 Organization – Meetings.
Immediately after appointment, the commission shall organize by electing one of its members chairman, and hold regular meetings at least once each month and such additional meetings as may be required for the proper discharge of their duties, and shall proceed to make suitable rules and regulations and perform all other duties imposed by law. [Ord. III-6-2 § 4, 1985.]
2.25.050 Laws on file in city offices.
Three copies of this chapter and Chapter 41.12 RCW, as amended, adopted herein by reference are on file in the office of the city clerk/treasurer of the city of La Center. [Ord. III-6-2 § 5, 1985.]
2.25.060 Probationary period.
Notwithstanding LCMC 2.25.020, and notwithstanding RCW 41.12.060 and 41.12.100, the probationary period of members of the La Center police department, including the chief of police, shall be one year. The city council of the city of La Center finds and determines that the one-year probationary period is necessary to give the city of La Center an adequate opportunity to determine the efficiency and competency of police department employees. The one-year probationary period established herein shall apply to both original and promotional appointments. [Ord. III-6-2 § 6, 1985.]