Sec. 12-22. - Powers and duties of chief of police.

(a)

The chief of police, subject to the orders, rules and regulations of the mayor, shall be the chief executive officer of the police department. As such, he shall have precedence and entire control of the department, its officers and members when engaged in the service of the city, provided that all of the officers and members of the police force shall be subject to the orders of the mayor.

(b)

The chief of police shall devote his whole time to the discharge of the duties of his office. The chief of police shall see that all laws of the state and of the city are duly observed and enforced. The chief of police shall promptly execute all orders and shall observe all rules and regulations prescribed by the mayor or city council, insofar as they pertain to the police department.

(c)

In the absence of the chief of police, the officer next in command of the department shall assume the duties of the chief of police, and if the officer next in command to the chief of police shall be absent, the officer immediately next in line or such other superior officer as the mayor may designate shall assume such responsibilities.

(Rev. Ords. 1987, § 12-22; Ch. 877, § I, 6-6-23)

State Law reference— Annual police report of crimes, G.L. 1956, § 42-9-13; duty to furnish fingerprints and stolen property lists, G.L. 1956, § 12-1-10.