The law enforcement department shall consist of a chief of police and such number of regular law enforcement officers as shall be appointed as provided by K.S.A. 14-1501, and amendments thereto.

(Code 2007)

It shall be the general duty of the chief of police and all sworn law enforcement personnel to the best of their ability to preserve good order, peace and quiet throughout the city as provided by law or ordinance.

The chief of police and all sworn law enforcement personnel shall at all times have power to make arrest under proper process or without process on view of any offense against the laws of the State of Kansas or laws of the city and to keep all persons so arrested, unless admitted to bail, in the city jail, county jail or other proper place to prevent their escape until their trial can be had before the proper officer.

All persons arrested for violation of any law of the state and who shall not be charged with an offense under any law of the city shall be released to the custody of the sheriff of the county and such arrest shall be reported to the county attorney.

(Code 2007)

The chief of police shall have power to make such rules and regulations as may be necessary for the proper and efficient conduct of the department. Such rules and regulations shall be approved by the governing body.

(Code 2007)

(a)   Have the immediate direction and supervision over all other police officers of the city as may be authorized and appointed, but shall be subject to the orders of the mayor and the commissioner of police.

(b)   Be responsible for the proper discipline and discharge of duties of all police officers of the city under the ordinances and laws of the state.

(c)   Have such other duties as may be required by ordinances or as may be directed by the board of commissioners.

(d)   Attend governing body meetings when so ordered.

(Code 1977, 2.04.150, 2.32.020)

At the discretion of the mayor or commissioner of police, all city-owned motor vehicles used in the discharge of the official duties of police officers shall be plainly marked on both sides of the car, in letters not less than two inches high with a one-quarter inch stroke, reading “Police Department Hiawatha, Kansas, For Official Use Only.”

(Code 1977, 2.32.080 A.)