Authority of chief of police -- Oversight.

Checkout our iOS App for a better way to browser and research.



  • (1) The chief of police has the same authority as the sheriff within the boundaries of the municipality of appointment. The chief has authority to:
    • (a) suppress riots, disturbances, and breaches of the peace;
    • (b) apprehend all persons violating state laws or city ordinances;
    • (c) diligently discharge his duties and enforce all ordinances of the city to preserve the peace, good order, and protection of the rights and property of all persons;
    • (d) attend the municipal justice court located within the city when required, provide security for the court, and obey its orders and directions; and
    • (e) select a representative of law enforcement to serve as a member of a child protection team, as defined in Section 62A-4a-101.
  • (2) This section is not a limitation of a police chief's statewide authority as otherwise provided by law.
  • (3) The chief of police shall adopt a written policy that prohibits the stopping, detention, or search of any person when the action is solely motivated by considerations of race, color, ethnicity, age, or gender.
  • (4)
    • (a) Notwithstanding Sections 10-3-918 and 10-3-919, a municipality may not establish a board, committee, or other entity that:
      • (i) has authority independent of the chief of police; and
      • (ii)
        • (A) has authority to overrule a hiring or appointment proposal of the chief of police;
        • (B) is required to review or approve a police department's rules, regulations, policies, or procedures in order for the rules, regulations, policies, or procedures to take effect;
        • (C) has authority to veto a new policy, or strike down an existing policy, established under the authority of the chief of police;
        • (D) is required to review or approve a police department's budget in order for the budget to take effect; or
        • (E) has authority to review or approve a contract the police department makes with a police union or other organization.
    • (b) Nothing in this Subsection (4):
      • (i) limits the authority the Utah Code provides over the chief of police;
      • (ii) prohibits the municipal council or chief executive officer from taking a lawful action described in Subsection (4)(a)(ii) that is allowed by law; or
      • (iii) limits the authority of a civil service commission established in accordance with Title 10, Chapter 3, Part 10, Civil Service Commission.
  • (5) Subject to Subsection (4), a municipality may establish a board, committee, or other entity that relates to the provision of law enforcement services and that has authority independent of the chief of police if the municipality:
    • (a) directly appoints the board, committee, or other entity's members; and
    • (b) provides direct oversight of the board, committee, or other entity.




Download our app to see the most-to-date content.