ARTICLE 2. Police Protection [38630. - 38638.]

Cal. Government Code - GOV 2.

in effect

Cal. Government Code - GOV § 38630. Section 38630.

(a) The police department of a city is under the control of the chief of police. (b) In municipalities which provide for police and other emergency services through a consolidated public safety agency which includes traditional law enforcement, fire protection, and other emergency services, the chief, director, or chief executive officer of such an agency shall control the agency. The chief, director, or chief executive officer of a consolidated public safety agency is a peace officer, and shall meet all of the same requirements imposed by law, regulation, or POST guidelines and recommendations as a chief of police, and he or she shall have all of the same rights, responsibilities, and privileges as does a chief of police. No one who fails to meet all of the above requirements of a chief of police and peace officer shall be appointed to the position of chief, director, or chief executive officer of a consolidated municipal public safety agency.

Cal. Government Code - GOV § 38631. Section 38631.

The legislative body of a city may delegate to either the chief of police of the city or the city manager the authority to: (a) Appoint one or more police officers. (b) Appoint additional police officers when he or she deems it necessary for the preservation of the public order.

Cal. Government Code - GOV § 38634. Section 38634.

In every city having a regularly organized paid police force, the city legislative body or other body having the management and control of the police force shall grant every member of the force an annual leave of absence of 15 days from active duty.

Cal. Government Code - GOV § 38635. Section 38635.

Leaves of absence shall be so arranged as not to interfere with the police protection of the city.

Cal. Government Code - GOV § 38636. Section 38636.

Leaves of absence granted for sickness or injuries received in the discharge of duty are not a part of the annual leave of absence.

Cal. Government Code - GOV § 38637. Section 38637.

A deduction shall not be made from the pay of any police officer granted leave of absence pursuant to this article.

Cal. Government Code - GOV § 38638. Section 38638.

The mayor or other officer in control of the police force in a city shall direct a sufficient number of peace officers to attend and keep order at any public meeting in the city at which, in his or her opinion, a breach of the peace may occur.

Source: CA Legislative Counsel Bulk DataURL: https://downloads.leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/pubinfo_2025.zipFetched: 6/27/2026