Athens City Code

The chief of police shall be appointed by and serve at the will of the city manager. He shall have general supervision over the police department and shall be responsible for the efficiency thereof. All police officers shall obey and comply with such orders and administrative rules and regulations as the police chief may officially issue.

(Code 1972, § 1-501; Code 1995, § 6-101)

Police officers shall preserve law and order within the city. They shall patrol the city and shall assist the city court during the trial of cases. Police officers shall also promptly serve any legal process issued by the city court.

(Code 1972, § 1-502; Code 1995, § 6-102)

All police officers shall wear such uniform and badge as the city council shall authorize and shall carry a service pistol and other non-lethal weapons at all times while on duty unless otherwise expressly directed by the chief for a special assignment.

(Code 1972, § 1-503; Code 1995, § 6-103)

Unless otherwise authorized or directed in this Code or other applicable law, an arrest of the person shall be made by a police officer in the following cases:

1. (1) When he is in possession of a warrant for the arrest of the person.
2. (2) When a civil offense is committed or a breach of the peace is threatened in the officer's presence by the person.
3. (3) When a felony has in fact been committed and the officer has reasonable cause to believe the person has committed it.

(Code 1972, § 1-504; Code 1995, § 6-104)

Based on the retention schedule as mandated by law, the police department shall keep a comprehensive and detailed record showing:

1. (1) All known or reported offenses or crimes committed within the corporate limits.
2. (2) All arrests made by police officers.
3. (3) All police investigations made, funerals convoyed, fire calls answered, and other miscellaneous activities of the police department.

(Code 1972, § 1-507; Code 1995, § 6-106)