The police force of the City shall at all times of the day and night within the boundaries of the City preserve the public peace, prevent crime, arrest offenders, protect rights of persons and property, guard the public health, preserve order, remove nuisances existing in streets, roads, public places, and highways, report all leaks and other defects in water pipes and sewers, and street lights not burning to the proper authorities, provide a proper force at every fire in order that thereby the firemen and property may be protected, protect strangers and travelers at the steamboat and ship landings and railroad stations, and generally obey and enforce all ordinances of the City Council and criminal laws of the State and of the United States.