The Police Department shall be under the control, management, and direction of a Chief of Police. The Chief shall be appointed by and shall hold office at the pleasure of the City Manager. Appointment to the position of Police Chief can be made from qualified applicants within the Stockton Police Department or from qualified applicants who are not members of the Stockton Police Department. Such applicants must have peace officer status above the rank of police sergeant. If the City Manager demotes the Chief of Police, the Police Chief shall be restored to the last civil service position, if any, held with the City of Stockton immediately prior to appointment as Chief of Police.

(Amended Election 11/8/94 effective 5/22/95; Amended Election 10/14/75 effective 11/3/75; Amended Election 10/9/73 effective 1/17/74; Added Election 10/12/71 effective 12/6/71; Repealed Election 10/14/47 effective 3/3/48)