Overview

Scope of Commission's Authority

The statutory powers, duties, and responsibilities of a Police and Fire Commission are significant. A commission has authority to:

• Appoint, suspend, or remove the chief of the Police Department and the Chief of the Fire Department.
• Approve all appointments made by the Police Chief and Fire Chief, including the promotion of subordinates.
• Approve competitive examinations used to judge suitability for appointment of subordinates.
• Approve each list of individuals determined to be eligible for appointment.
• Suspend the chief of a department or subordinates pending the filing and hearing of charges against them.
• Initiate charges against the chief of a department or any subordinate.
• Hear charges filed against the chief of a department or a subordinate, make findings and determinations, and impose penalties.
• Hear appeals of disciplinary actions initiated by the chief of a department against any subordinate.