Section 14-52-101 - Establishment in cities of the first class - Definition(a) The governing body of a city of the first class shall establish a city police department and provide the city police department with the proper means and equipment to provide law enforcement services for the city and its inhabitants in a manner that will most effectually preserve the peace of the city, secure the citizens from personal violence, and safeguard their property.(b) In lieu of establishing a city police department under this section, a governing body of a city of the first class may enter into a contract or interlocal agreement for law enforcement services with an existing law enforcement agency.(c) The governing body of a city of the first class shall have the power to prescribe the duties, define the powers, and promulgate the policies necessary to govern a police department established under this section.(d) As used in this section, "governing body" means the:(1) City council in a mayor-council form of government; and(2) Board of directors in a city manager or city administrator form of government.Amended by Act 2023, No. 103,§ 1, eff. 8/1/2023.Amended by Act 2021, No. 714,§ 1, eff. 7/28/2021.Acts 1875, No. 1, § 6, p. 1; C. & M. Dig., § 7594; Pope's Dig., § 9680; Acts 1983, No. 501, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 19-1701.