§ 1908. False reporting of crime or police misconduct.

A.

It shall be unlawful to willfully, knowingly and without probable cause make a false report to any person of any crime or circumstances indicating the possibility of crime having been committed, including the unlawful taking of personal property, which report causes or encourages the exercise of police action or investigation.

B.

It shall be unlawful for any person to willfully, knowingly and without probable cause make a report to any municipal officer or employee alleging misconduct by any sworn police officer while in the performance of his or her official duties, if such report is made falsely and with either:

1.

Actual malice toward the person who is the subject of the report; or

2.

With reckless disregard for the truth of the incident contained in the report.

C.

Any person convicted of violating this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor offense and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished by a fine not exceeding Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00), excluding costs, fees and assessments, and/or imprisonment in the City Jail for a period not more than ninety (90) days.

(Ord. Nos. 16336, 16636; Ord. No. 22856, § 7, 4-18-2013)