The Chief of Police shall be appointed by the City Manager from a list of three eligible candidates, which list shall be furnished to the City Manager by the Commissioners not later than forty days after a vacancy in the office of the Chief of Police shall occur; after appointment the Chief of Police shall be removed from office or reduced in rank only as provided in this article. No individual shall be eligible for the position of Chief of Police until he shall have had five years experience as a regularly paid peace officer.

In case of the removal, demotion, resignation, or death of the Chief of Police, the City Manager may, with the approval of the Commissioners, make a temporary appointment of Chief of Police, said appointment to remain in force not exceeding sixty days, and only until a regular appointment may be made under the provisions of this article.

In case of the temporary absence or disability of the Chief of Police, the City Manager shall appoint an Assistant Chief of Police to become acting Chief of Police during the period of such absence or disability. (Amended November 8, 2022: amended March 9, 1948)