The provisions embodied in Title 14 shall be construed according to the plain meaning of their terms, but when the language is susceptible of differing constructions, the language shall be interpreted to further the general purposes stated in this Chapter and of any special purposes established in the particular provision involved, and shall not contradict state or federal law. Any discretionary powers conferred by this Title shall be exercised to further the general purposes stated here.

If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, or phrase of this Title is for any reason held to be invalid or unconstitutional, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this Title. If for any reason any portion of this Title should be declared invalid or unconstitutional, then the original ordinance or ordinances shall be in full force and effect.

This Title shall be construed so as to render it consistent with state criminal law, and any procedures or defenses made available in the prosecution of the same or similar offenses under state criminal law shall apply in prosecutions under this Title.

A. The doing of any act or thing prohibited or the failing to do any act or thing commanded to be done in this Title within the corporate limits of the City and within such other areas as may be specified in this Title is hereby declared to be an offense against the public peace, safety, health, morals, and general welfare of the people of the City.

Unless a different penalty is specifically provided, any violation of any provision of this Title shall upon conviction be punished by a fine of not more than $500, or by imprisonment of not more than 6 months, or by both. However, no greater penalty shall be imposed than allowed under Oregon law.

Each claim for a reward offered by this Code shall be made in writing by the claimant or the claimant’s authorized representative and filed with the Auditor within 60 days after conviction of the accused in the Circuit Court or, if there has been an appeal, when the judgment of conviction becomes final. If two or more persons are entitled to the same reward, it shall be prorated among them. It shall be the duty of the Chief of Police to fully investigate all claims for reward and report the results of the investigation to the City Attorney. The report shall include copies of all police reports and records pertaining to the case out of which the claim arose, the court disposition, and a statement of facts or circumstances showing why the claimant is or is not entitled to payment of the reward. The City Attorney shall examine the record and report findings and conclusions to the Council, together with the report of the Chief of Police. If the arrest was made by any law enforcement agency other than the Bureau of Police, a report of that agency shall be obtained and submitted to the Council, along with the other reports required herein. The address of the claimant shall not be made public unless necessary to the enforcement of the law.

A. A reward under the provisions of this Code shall not be paid to any United States, state, county, or municipal officer or employee other than a sheriff as outlined in ORS 206.330.

The action of the Council shall be final and binding upon any and all persons claiming a reward provided for herein, and the Council shall be the final arbiter in determining the rights, if any, of respective claimants.

No member of the Bureau of Police shall for his or her own benefit under any pretense whatever, receive or share in any present, fee, gift, reward or emolument for public service other than the regular salary and pay except by the consent of the City Council.