62.13(1)
(1)
Commissioners. Except as provided in
sub. (2m), each city shall have a board of police and fire commissioners consisting of 5 citizens, 3 of whom shall constitute a quorum. The mayor shall annually, between the last Monday of April and the first Monday of May, appoint in writing to be filed with the secretary of the board, one member for a term of 5 years. No appointment shall be made which will result in more than 3 members of the board belonging to the same political party. The board shall keep a record of its proceedings.
62.13(2)(a)(a) Except as provided under
sub. (6m),
subs. (1) to
(6) shall not apply to cities of less than 4,000 population except by ordinance adopted by a majority of all the members of the council. A repealing ordinance may be adopted by a like vote.
62.13(2)(b)
(b) A city that creates a joint police or fire department with a village under
s. 61.65 is not required to create a separate board of police and fire commissioners under this section. The city shall create a joint board of commissioners to govern the joint department, as required in
s. 61.65. If the city also creates one separate protective services department in addition to the joint protective services department, the city shall create a separate board of commissioners to govern that department. A city's joint board of commissioners is subject to
s. 61.65 (3g) (d). A city's separate board of commissioners is subject to this section.
62.13(2m)
(2m) Joint departments, contract services. 62.13(2m)(a)(a) A city may create a joint police department or a joint fire department, or both, with another city.
62.13(2m)(b)
(b) A city that creates a joint police department or a joint fire department, or both, with another city under
par. (a) is not required to create a separate board of police and fire commissioners under this section. The cities shall create a joint board of commissioners to govern the joint department. If only one joint department is created, each city shall retain its existing board of police and fire commissioners to govern the separate department. The cities may jointly determine the number of commissioners to be appointed to the joint board by each city and the length of the commissioners' terms. A majority of the commissioners is a quorum. A joint board of commissioners that is created under this paragraph to govern a joint police department is subject to the provisions of
subs. (3) to
(7n), a joint board of commissioners that is created under this paragraph to govern a joint fire department is subject to the provisions of
subs. (8) to
(12) and a joint board of commissioners that is created under this paragraph to govern a joint police and fire department is subject to the provisions of
subs. (2) to
(12).
62.13(3)
(3) Chiefs. The board shall appoint the chief of police and the chief of the fire department, who shall hold their offices during good behavior, subject to suspension or removal by the board for cause.
62.13(4)(a)(a) The chiefs shall appoint subordinates subject to approval by the board. Such appointments shall be made by promotion when this can be done with advantage, otherwise from an eligible list provided by examination and approval by the board and kept on file with the clerk.
62.13(4)(b)
(b) Any person who, on June 23, 1943 has served and acted as a full-time city police patrolman, patrolwoman or police officer performing the services by virtue of regular assignment therefor under the orders and supervision of the chief of police of said city, and receiving his or her salary on the regular official payroll of said police department for a continuous period of more than 10 years, although not regularly appointed from an eligible list, is deemed to have been regularly appointed, as of the time of the commencement of his or her service.
62.13(4)(c)
(c) For the choosing of such list the board shall adopt, and may repeal or modify, rules calculated to secure the best service in the departments. These rules shall provide for examination of physical and educational qualifications and experience, and may provide such competitive examinations as the board shall determine, and for the classification of positions with special examination for each class. The board shall print and distribute the rules and all changes in them, at city expense.
62.13(4)(d)
(d) The examination shall be free for all U.S. citizens over 18 and under 55 years of age, with proper limitations as to residence, health and, subject to
ss. 111.321,
111.322 and
111.335, arrest and conviction record. The examination, including minimum training and experience requirements, shall be job-related in compliance with appropriate validation standards and shall be subject to the approval of the board and may include tests of manual skill and physical strength. All relevant experience, whether paid or unpaid, shall satisfy experience requirements. The board shall control examinations and may designate and change examiners, who may or may not be otherwise in the official service of the city, and whose compensation shall be fixed by the board and paid by the city. Veterans and their spouses shall be given preference points in accordance with
s. 230.16 (7).
62.13(4)(e)
(e) The council of any city of the 2nd, 3rd or 4th class may provide that members of the police force shall be of both sexes. The fire and police commission shall select each police officer from an eligible list.
62.13(5)
(5) Disciplinary actions against subordinates. 62.13(5)(a)(a) A subordinate may be suspended as hereinafter provided as a penalty. The subordinate may also be suspended by the commission pending the disposition of charges filed against the subordinate.
62.13(5)(b)
(b) Charges may be filed against a subordinate by the chief, by a member of the board, by the board as a body, or by any aggrieved person. Such charges shall be in writing and shall be filed with the president of the board. Pending disposition of such charges, the board or chief may suspend such subordinate.
62.13(5)(c)
(c) A subordinate may be suspended for just cause, as described in
par. (em), by the chief or the board as a penalty. The chief shall file a report of such suspension with the commission immediately upon issuing the suspension. No hearing on such suspension shall be held unless requested by the suspended subordinate. If the subordinate suspended by the chief requests a hearing before the board, the chief shall be required to file charges with the board upon which such suspension was based.
62.13(5)(d)
(d) Following the filing of charges in any case, a copy thereof shall be served upon the person charged. The board shall set date for hearing not less than 10 days nor more than 30 days following service of charges. The hearing on the charges shall be public, and both the accused and the complainant may be represented by an attorney and may compel the attendance of witnesses by subpoenas which shall be issued by the president of the board on request and be served as are subpoenas under
ch. 885.
62.13(5)(e)
(e) If the board determines that the charges are not sustained, the accused, if suspended, shall be immediately reinstated and all lost pay restored. If the board determines that the charges are sustained, the accused, by order of the board, may be suspended or reduced in rank, or suspended and reduced in rank, or removed, as the good of the service may require.
62.13(5)(em)
(em) No subordinate may be suspended, reduced in rank, suspended and reduced in rank, or removed by the board under
par. (e), based on charges filed by the board, members of the board, an aggrieved person or the chief under
par. (b), unless the board determines whether there is just cause, as described in this paragraph, to sustain the charges. In making its determination, the board shall apply the following standards, to the extent applicable:
62.13(5)(em)1.
1. Whether the subordinate could reasonably be expected to have had knowledge of the probable consequences of the alleged conduct.
62.13(5)(em)2.
2. Whether the rule or order that the subordinate allegedly violated is reasonable.
62.13(5)(em)3.
3. Whether the chief, before filing the charge against the subordinate, made a reasonable effort to discover whether the subordinate did in fact violate a rule or order.
62.13(5)(em)4.
4. Whether the effort described under
subd. 3. was fair and objective.
62.13(5)(em)5.
5. Whether the chief discovered substantial evidence that the subordinate violated the rule or order as described in the charges filed against the subordinate.
62.13(5)(em)6.
6. Whether the chief is applying the rule or order fairly and without discrimination against the subordinate.
62.13(5)(em)7.
7. Whether the proposed discipline reasonably relates to the seriousness of the alleged violation and to the subordinate's record of service with the chief's department.
62.13(5)(f)
(f) Findings and determinations hereunder and orders of suspension, reduction, suspension and reduction, or removal, shall be in writing and, if they follow a hearing, shall be filed within 3 days thereof with the secretary of the board.
62.13(5)(g)
(g) Further rules for the administration of this subsection may be made by the board.
62.13(5)(h)
(h) No person shall be deprived of compensation while suspended pending disposition of charges.
62.13(5)(i)
(i) Any person suspended, reduced, suspended and reduced, or removed by the board may appeal from the order of the board to the circuit court by serving written notice of the appeal on the secretary of the board within 10 days after the order is filed. Within 5 days after receiving written notice of the appeal, the board shall certify to the clerk of the circuit court the record of the proceedings, including all documents, testimony and minutes. The action shall then be at issue and shall have precedence over any other cause of a different nature pending in the court, which shall always be open to the trial thereof. The court shall upon application of the accused or of the board fix a date of trial, which shall not be later than 15 days after such application except by agreement. The trial shall be by the court and upon the return of the board, except that the court may require further return or the taking and return of further evidence by the board. The question to be determined by the court shall be: Upon the evidence is there just cause, as described under
par. (em), to sustain the charges against the accused? No costs shall be allowed either party and the clerk's fees shall be paid by the city. If the order of the board is reversed, the accused shall be forthwith reinstated and entitled to pay as though in continuous service. If the order of the board is sustained it shall be final and conclusive.
62.13(5)(j)
(j) The provisions of
pars. (a) to
(i) shall apply to disciplinary actions against the chiefs where applicable. In addition thereto, the board may suspend a chief pending disposition of charges filed by the board or by the mayor of the city.
62.13(5m)(a)(a) When it becomes necessary, because of need for economy, lack of work or funds, or for other just causes, to reduce the number of subordinates, the emergency, special, temporary, part-time, or provisional subordinates, if any, shall be dismissed first, and thereafter subordinates shall be dismissed in the order of the shortest length of service in the department, provided that, in cities where a record of service rating has been established prior to January 1, 1933, for the said subordinates, the emergency, special, temporary, part-time provisional subordinates, if any, shall be dismissed first, and thereafter subordinates shall be dismissed in the order of the least efficient as shown by the said service rating.
62.13(5m)(b)
(b) When it becomes necessary for such reasons to reduce the number of subordinates in the higher positions or offices, or to abolish any higher positions or offices in the department, the subordinate or subordinates affected thereby shall be placed in a position or office in the department less responsible according to the subordinate's efficiency and length of service in the department.
62.13(5m)(c)
(c) The name of a subordinate dismissed for any just cause set forth in this section shall be left on an eligible reemployment list for a period of 2 years after the date of dismissal, except that if the dismissal was for disciplinary reasons the subordinate may not be left on an eligible reemployment list. If any vacancy occurs, or if the number of subordinates is increased, in the department, the vacancy or new positions shall be filled by persons on the eligible reemployment list in the inverse order of the dismissal of the persons on the list.
62.13(6)(a)(a) The board of fire and police commissioners shall have the further power:
62.13(6)(a)1.
1. To organize and supervise the fire and police departments and to prescribe rules and regulations for their control and management.
62.13(6)(a)2.
2. To contract for and purchase all necessary apparatus and supplies for the use of the departments under their supervision, exclusive of the erection and control of the police and fire station buildings.
62.13(6)(a)3.
3. To audit all bills, claims and expenses of the fire and police departments before the same are paid by the city treasurer.
62.13(6)(b)
(b) The provisions of this subsection shall apply only if adopted by the electors. Whenever not less than 30 days prior to a regular city election a petition therefor, conforming to the requirements of
s. 8.40 and signed by electors equal in number to not less than 20% of the total vote cast in the city for governor at the last general election, shall be filed with the clerk, the clerk shall give notice in the manner of notice of the regular city election of a referendum on the adoption of this subsection. Such referendum election shall be held with the regular city election, and the ballots shall conform with the provisions of
ss. 5.64 (2) and
10.02, and the question shall be "Shall
s. 62.13 (6) of the statutes be adopted?"
62.13(6m)
(6m) If a city of less than 4,000 population has not by ordinance applied
subs. (1) to
(6) to the city, the city may not suspend, reduce, suspend and reduce, or remove any police chief or other law enforcement officer who is not probationary, and for whom there is no valid and enforceable contract of employment or collective bargaining agreement which provides for a fair review prior to that suspension, reduction, suspension and reduction or removal, unless the city does one of the following:
62.13(6m)(a)
(a) Establishes a committee of not less than 3 members, none of whom may be an elected or appointed official of the city or be employed by the city. The committee shall act under
sub. (5) in place of the board of police and fire commissioners. The city council may provide for some payment to each member for the member's cost of serving on the committee at a rate established by the city council.
62.13(6m)(b)
(b) Appoint a person who is not an elected or appointed official of the city and who is not employed by the city. The person shall act under
sub. (5) in place of the board. The city council may provide for some payment to that person for serving under this paragraph at a rate established by the city council.
62.13(7)
(7) Compensation. The salaries of chiefs and subordinates shall be fixed by the council. Unless the council otherwise provides, in cities of the 4th class rewards for the apprehension of criminals may be retained by the person entitled thereto. Such salaries when so fixed may be increased but not decreased by the council without a previous recommendation of the board. The council may provide that the salaries shall increase with length of service.
62.13(7m)(a)(a) The council of every city of the fourth class shall provide for, and the chief of the police department shall assign to, each police officer in the service of such city one full rest day of 24 consecutive hours during each 192 hours, except in cases of positive necessity by some sudden and serious emergency, which, in the judgment of the chief of police, demands that such day of rest not be given at such time. Arrangements shall be made so that each full rest day may be had at such time or times as will not impair the efficiency of the department.
62.13(7m)(b)
(b) The council of every city of the second or third class shall provide for, and the chief of the police department shall assign to, each police officer in the service of such city 2 full rest days of 24 consecutive hours each during each 192 hours, except in cases of positive necessity by some sudden and serious emergency, which, in the judgment of the chief of police, demands that any such day of rest not be given at such time. Arrangements shall be made so that each full rest day may be had at such time or times as will not impair the efficiency of the department. This section shall not apply to villages to which
s. 61.65 is applicable.
62.13(7n)
(7n) Hours of labor. Except when a labor agreement under
subch. IV of ch. 111 that governs hours of employment exists, the council of every 2nd, 3rd or 4th class city shall provide for a working day of not more than 8 hours in each 24 except in cases of positive necessity by some sudden and serious emergency, which, in the judgment of the chief of police, demands that such workday shall be extended beyond the 8-hour period at such time; and, when such emergency ceases to exist, all overtime given during such emergency shall be placed to the credit of such police officer, and compensatory time under
s. 103.025 given therefor.
62.13(8)
(8) Fire department. The council may provide by ordinance for either a paid or a volunteer fire department and for the management and equipment of either insofar as not otherwise provided for by law. In the case where a combination of paid and volunteer fire department is provided for, such city shall be reimbursed by the department of transportation, not to exceed $500 for any fire calls on a state trunk highway or on any highway that is a part of the national system of interstate highways and is maintained by the department of transportation.
62.13(10m)
(10m) Rules governing leaving city. Subject to approval of the common council the fire chief may establish rules requiring fire fighters to obtain permission before leaving the city.
62.13(11)
(11) Fire fighters, rest day. The common council of every 4th class city, having a population of 5,000 or more and a fire department shall provide for, and the chief of the fire department shall assign to each full paid member thereof, a period of 24 consecutive hours off duty during each 72 hours, except in cases of positive necessity by some sudden and serious fire, accident or other peril, which, in the judgment of the chief engineer or other officer in charge demands that the day of rest not be given at that time. The provisions of this section shall not apply to cities having a 2-platoon or double shift system.
62.13(11a)(a)(a) The common council, or other governing body of every city of the first, second and third class, whether organized under a general or special charter, having a paid fire department, shall provide for, and the governing power of the fire department shall divide the full paid fire fighting force in the fire department into 2 or more bodies or platoons. Each platoon shall work, or be on duty, alternately an equal number of hours or as nearly so as the governing power of the fire department of each such city decides, but no member of said platoon shall be on duty for a longer continuous period of time than the governing power of the fire department designates, except in cases of positive necessity by some sudden and serious fire, accident, or other peril, which in the judgment of the chief engineer or other officer in charge demands.
62.13(11a)(b)
(b) The hours of duty of each member of the fire fighting force of the fire department in every city of the first class shall be limited to 72 hours in any one week. If any such department shall be on a platoon system of hours of duty, 12 hours may be added to one of 2 successive weeks and such period of time deducted from the previous or succeeding week, as the case may be.
62.13 History
History: 1971 c. 41 s.
12;
1971 c. 213 s.
5;
1975 c. 94 ss.
26,
91 (5);
1975 c. 199;
1977 c. 20;
1977 c. 29 s.
1654 (8) (c);
1977 c. 151,
182,
196;
1981 c. 171,
380;
1981 c. 390 s.
252;
1981 c. 391 s.
211;
1985 a. 135 s.
83 (3), (5);
1985 a. 166;
1987 a. 27;
1989 a. 31,
192;
1991 a. 32,
101,
189;
1993 a. 16,
53,
144,
213;
1995 a. 225,
270.
62.13 Annotation
An amnesty agreement by a city not to prosecute a fireman for striking, made as part of the settlement of the strike, does not bar a complaint by a citizen alleging violation because of the strike. Durkin v. Board of Police & Fire Comm. 48 W (2d) 112, 180 NW (2d) 1.
62.13 Annotation
A written charge of conduct unbecoming an officer filed by the chief is sufficiently specific where the officer does not object at the hearing. The fact that one member of the board prejudged the case is immaterial where the decision was unanimous. State ex rel. Richey v. Neenah Police & F. Comm. 48 W (2d) 575, 180 NW (2d) 743.
62.13 Annotation
In 2nd and 3rd class cities, monthly compensation for purposes of computing a pension do not include employer contributions to the pension fund and health and life insurance. These items cannot be included by a collective bargaining agreement. State ex rel. Manitowoc v. Police Pension Bd. 56 W (2d) 602, 203 NW (2d) 74.
62.13 Annotation
Standby time required of municipal police by the issuance of a "yellow alert" under which officers were required to leave their names, phone numbers and locations with the station house, were forbidden to leave the city without permission, did not constitute work or overtime under (7n), since the officers were not confined at the police station and, although restricted in some senses, were basically free to spend the standby time for their own purposes. Theune v. Sheboygan, 67 W (2d) 33, 226 NW (2d) 396.
62.13 Annotation
Legislatively created agencies or boards such as city police and fire commissions have the capacity to sue or be sued where such authority is necessary to carry out an express power or to perform an express duty, or where the action arises out of the performance of statutory powers or obligations. Racine Fire and Police Comm. v. Stanfield, 70 W (2d) 395, 234 NW (2d) 307.
62.13 Annotation
Review of determinations of fire and police commission may be had only by writ of certiorari or by appeal procedure provided by legislature since such procedure under (5) (i) is exclusive and conclusive. Party failing to commence certiorari proceeding within 6 months of decision is guilty of laches. State ex rel. Enk v. Mentkowski, 76 W (2d) 565, 252 NW (2d) 28.
62.13 Annotation
A labor contract under 111.70 may limit the scope of the police chief's discretion under 62.13 (4) (a). Glendale Prof. Policemen's Asso. v. Glendale, 83 W (2d) 90, 264 NW (2d) 594 (1978).
62.13 Annotation
By imposing arbitrary and capricious penalty, board exceeded its jurisdiction. State ex rel. Smits v. City of De Pere, 104 W (2d) 26, 310 NW (2d) 607 (1981).
62.13 Annotation
Probationary officer had neither constitutional nor statutory right to statement of specifications and hearing on city's decision not to retain him. Kaiser v. Bd. of Police & Fire Commrs. 104 W (2d) 498, 311 NW (2d) 646 (1981).
62.13 Annotation
Service under (5) (i) must be personal. Gibson v. Racine Police & Fire Comm. 123 W (2d) 150, 366 NW (2d) 144 (Ct. App. 1985).
62.13 Annotation
Because s. 62.13 protects police officers against wrongful discipline or discharge, a police officer cannot state a cause of action by invoking the public policy exception to the employment-at-will doctrine. Larson v. City of Tomah, 193 W (2d) 225, 532 NW (2d) 726 (1995).
62.13 Annotation
A collective bargaining agreement cannot provide for the right to seek arbitration of a discipline decision rather than to seek a hearing before the police and fire commission under this section. City of Janesville v. WERC, 193 W (2d) 492, 535 NW (2d) 34 (Ct. App. 1995).
62.13 Annotation
Citizenship requirement for peace officers is constitutional. 65 Atty. Gen. 273 is withdrawn. 68 Atty. Gen. 61.
62.13 Annotation
A mayor in a city with a police and fire commission does not have the authority to order a police chief to reinstate a discharged probationary police officer.
81 Atty. Gen. 1.
62.13 Annotation
Fire fighter's dismissal violated due process. Schulz v. Baumgart, 738 F (2d) 231 (1984).
62.13 Annotation
Police accountability in Wisconsin. 1974 WLR 1131.
62.133
62.133
Ambulance service. The common council may purchase, equip, operate and maintain ambulances and contract for ambulance service with one or more providers for conveyance of the sick or injured. The common council may determine and charge a reasonable fee for ambulance service provided under this section.
62.133 History
History: 1991 a. 39.
62.135
62.135
Highway safety coordinator. In cities with a population of 150,000 and more, the mayor may appoint a city highway safety coordinator who shall be a member of the city agency or commission responsible for traffic accident analysis and traffic safety related matters. The commission or agency shall meet at least quarterly to review city traffic accident data and other traffic safety related matters.
62.135 History
History: 1983 a. 291.
62.14
62.14
Board of public works. 62.14(1)
(1)
How constituted; terms. There shall be a department known as the "Board of Public Works" to consist of 3 commissioners. In cities of the 2nd class the commissioners shall be appointed by the mayor and confirmed by the council at their first regular meeting or as soon thereafter as may be. The members of the first board shall hold their offices, 1, 2 and 3 years, respectively, and thereafter for 3 years or until their successors are qualified. In all other cities the board shall consist of the city attorney, city comptroller and city engineer. The council, by a two-thirds vote, may determine that the board of public works shall consist of other public officers or persons and provide for the election or appointment of the members thereof, or it may, by a like vote, dispense with such board, in which case its duties and powers shall be exercised by the council or a committee thereof, or by such officer, officers or boards as the council designates. The words "board of public works" wherever used in this subchapter shall include such officer, officers, or boards as shall be designated to discharge its duties.
62.14(2)
(2) Organization. The members of the board of public works shall, on the first Tuesday in May of each year, choose a president of the board from their number, and in cities of the first class a secretary; in other cities the city clerk shall be the secretary of the board.
62.14(3)
(3) Compensation. The commissioners of public works in cities of the second class shall receive a salary, but in all other cities the salaries of the attorney, comptroller and engineer respectively shall be in full for their services as members of such board.
62.14(4)
(4) Rules for, by council. The council may make such rules as the council deems proper, not contravening this subchapter, for the government of the board of public works and the manner in which the business of said board shall be conducted.
62.14(5)
(5) Quorum; record; report. A majority of the board shall constitute a quorum for doing business. They shall keep a record of all their proceedings, which shall be open at all reasonable times to the inspection of any elector of such city, and shall make a report to the council on or before the first day of March in each year, and oftener if required.
62.14(6)(a)(a)
In general. It shall be the duty of the board, under the direction of the council, to superintend all public works and keep the streets, alleys, sewers and public works and places in repair.
62.14(6)(b)
(b)
Unusual use of streets. No building shall be moved through the streets without a written permit therefor granted by the board of public works, except in cities where the council shall, by ordinance authorize some other officer or officers to issue a permit therefor; said board shall determine the time and manner of using the streets for laying or changing water or gas pipes, or placing and maintaining electric light, telegraph and telephone poles therein; provided, that its decision in this regard may be reviewed by the council.
62.14(6)(c)
(c)
Restoring streets. In case any corporation or individual shall neglect to repair or restore to its former condition any street, alley or sidewalk excavated, altered or taken up, within the time and in the manner directed by the board, said board shall cause the same to be done at the expense of said corporation or individual. The expense thereof, when chargeable to a lot owner, shall be certified to the city clerk by the board, and if not paid shall be carried into the tax roll as a special tax against the lot.
