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Section 12.01 - Police Department#
There shall be a Police Department, the head of which shall be the Chief of Police. In addition to the Chief of Police, there shall be such other subordinate officers, and patrolmen as shall from time to time be determined by the Town Manager. Said Chief, subordinate officers, and patrolmen, subject to such probationary requirements as may hereinafter be set forth, shall constitute the permanent Police Department of the Town of Warren. Said department may be organized into such divisions as shall be from time to time required by the Town Council.
Section 12.02 - Appointment of the Chief of Police#
The Chief of Police shall be hired by the Town Manager.
Section 12.03 - Qualifications of the Chief of Police#
The Chief of Police shall have a minimum of a Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice, Law Enforcement or similar education; and at least five (5) years' experience above the rank of patrolman in any organized police department; and have expertise in the organization, administration, management and direction of police personnel; and shall possess such other qualifications as the Town Council may prescribe by ordinance.
The Chief of Police shall not, during their appointment, be actively engaged in any other employment, business or profession, or hold any elected or appointed public official in the Town of Warren, with the exception of appointments by the Town Council that relate to public safety or emergency management, provided, however, that the Town Manager may grant an exception if they determine that the requested exception will not interfere with the Police Chief's ability to perform their duties.
Section 12.04 - Appointment and Promotion of Subordinate Officers and Patrolmen#
All Police Officers in the Warren Police Department below the rank of Chief of Police shall be hired or promoted, as the case may be, by the Town Manager upon the recommendation of the Chief of Police, provided they shall have satisfactorily passed such qualifying tests as prescribed.
Section 12.05 - Interference with the Chief of Police#
No member of the Town Council and no member of the Administrative Department of the Town of Warren shall interfere or attempt to interfere directly or indirectly with the performance of duties by the Chief of Police in any investigation or prosecution of crimes.
Section 12.06 - Animal Control Officer#
There shall be an Animal Control Division within the Police Department, the head of which shall be the Animal Control Officer. The Animal Control Officer shall be hired by the Town Manager and work under the direction of the Chief of Police or designee. In addition, there shall be such subordinates as shall from time to time be determined by the Town Manager in consultation with the Chief of Police. Both the Animal Control Officer and the subordinates shall have a working knowledge of the laws of the State of Rhode Island and the ordinances of the Town of Warren pertaining to the licensing and control of dogs and the care for other animals.
Section 12.07 - Fire and Rescue Department#
There shall be a Fire and Rescue Department, the head of which shall be the Fire Chief.
Section 12.08 - Appointment of Fire Chief#
The Fire Chief shall be appointed by the Town Manager.
Section 12.09 - Qualifications of the Fire Chief#
The Fire Chief shall be a member in good standing of the Warren Fire and Rescue Department with a minimum of seven (7) years' experience as a line officer; hold an Associate Degree in Fire Sciences or other fire-related field; hold a current Rhode Island EMT certification Rhode Island Assistant Deputy State Fire Marshall current certification (NFPA 1031) acquire such certification within one year of being appointed Fire Chief; and, demonstrate comprehensive working knowledge of the Warren Fire and Rescue Department.
The Fire Chief shall not, during their appointment, be actively engaged in any other employment, business or profession, or hold any elected or appointed office in the Town of Warren, withe exception of appointments by the Town Council that relate to public safety or emergency management, provided, however, that the Town Manager may grant an exception if they determine that the requested exception will not interfere with the Fire Chief's ability to perform their duties.
Section 12.10 - Duties#
The Fire Chief shall be the administrative and technical head of the Fire and Rescue Department of the Town of Warren and shall have the following duties: (1)
Control and supervise all activities and operations of the Fire and Rescue Department, including but not limited to fire extinguishment, fire prevention, inspection of buildings for compliance with fire codes, and have a working knowledge of hazardous materials.
(2)
Establish, maintain, and enforce Fire and Rescue Department operations and procedures.
(3)
Schedule, conduct, and supervise fire drills and fire department training with primary regard for the protection of life and property and the safety of department personnel.
(4)
Supervise the Rescue Squad, ensuring compliance with Rhode Island protocols and the Policies and Procedures of the Warren Fire and Rescue Department.
(5)
Participate in training as deemed appropriate by the Town Manager.
Section 12.11 - Assistant Fire Chiefs#
There shall be one (1) Deputy Fire Chief and a maximum of three (3) Assistant Fire Chiefs to be appointed by the Fire Chief. A Deputy Fire Chief and/or Assistant Fire Chief shall have been a member in good standing of the Warren Fire and Rescue Department for a minimum of ten (10) years, have held the rank of Lieutenant or higher for a minimum of four (4) years, and meet the training requirements of the Warren Fire and Rescue Department. If a Deputy Fire Chief and/or Assistant Fire Chief resigns, the Fire Chief shall appoint a successor from a pool of candidates recommended by each company's membership, excluding the Rescue Squad.
Section 12.12 - Board of Fire Engineers#
There shall be a Board of Fire Engineers, the head of which shall be the Fire Chief or their designee. The Board of Fire Engineers shall consist of the Fire Chief, Deputy Fire Chief, Assistant Chiefs and Captains of companies without Chief representation and shall assist the Fire Chief in carrying out the policies and procedures of the Warren Fire and Rescue Department as necessary. If a member of the Board of Fire Engineers is unable to attend a meeting, their company shall appoint an alternate member.
Section 12.13 - Director of Emergency Management#
There shall be a Director of Emergency Management appointed by the Town Council. The Fire Chief may serve in this capacity. The Director of Emergency Management shall adhere to all obligations set forth by the RI EMA Director in coordination with the Town Manager, Police Chief, and Department of Public.
Section 12.14 - Fire Marshall#
The Fire Marshall in consultation with the Fire Chief shall be appointed by the Town Manager and hold a current State of Rhode Island EMT License, and Rhode Island Assistant Deputy State Fire Marshall current certification (NFPA 1031).
Section 12.15 - Powers and Duties#
The Director of Emergency Management shall: (1)
Prepare a comprehensive plan for the utilization of facilities, equipment and personnel of the Town of Warren during an emergency;
(2)
Prepare a plan and protocols for internal and external communications in an emergency, and equip and maintain an emergency communications center;
(3)
Assist the Town Council President in any declared emergency;
(4)
Be the liaison with the State Office of Emergency Management;
(5)
Perform any other duties or functions as the Town Council may direct by ordinance or during any emergency as the Town Council President may direct.