Chief of Police v. Mayor of Chelsea

Cross complaints seeking declaratory and injunctive relief were brought by the chief of police (chief) and the mayor in which each asserted the authority to make decisions concerning the designation of police officers to specific shifts, days off, and job assignments. The controversy raises the sole issue whether certain ordinances and regulations promulgated thereunder, cited by the chief as the source of his authority, are in conflict with the city charter, relied upon by the mayor. If conflict exists, the charter controls. See Clarke v. Fall River, 219 Mass. 580, 583 (1914). The complaints…