Authorizing Statute:
Firemen and Policemen Civil Service System Act, Public Act 78 of 1935, MCL 38.501, et seq.

Authorities and Responsibilities:
To provide a civil service system based upon examination and investigation as to merit, efficiency, and fitness for appointment, employment, and promotion of all full-time paid members appointed in the fire and police departments and respective cities, villages, and municipalities; to regulate the transfer, reinstatement, suspension, and discharge of officers, fire fighters, and police officers.

Established By:
If a township has any full-time paid fire or police department members, a civil service commission may be established by voter approval at a regular or special election. The township board may submit the question, and is required to do so if a petition is filed signed by 10% of the registered voters. The civil service system may be rescinded by a vote of the electors.

Membership:
The civil service commission shall consist of 3 members serving staggered 6-year terms:

One member shall be appointed by the township supervisor with the approval of the township board;

One member shall be selected by the paid members of the fire and/or police department; a majority vote of the members of the fire and/or police department shall be necessary to select such member; and

One member shall be selected by the other two members of the commission.

A commission member must be a citizen of the United States, a resident of the township for a period of 1 year and an elector of the county for at least 3 years immediately preceding such appointment. No commissioner may hold any other elective office, place or position under the United States, State of Michigan, or any city, county or other political subdivision. No commissioner may serve on any political committee or take any active part in the management of any political campaign. Not more than 2 of the said commissioners, at any 1 time, shall be adherents of the same political party.

OMA/FOIA Status:
Public body subject to Open Meetings Act and Freedom of Information Act.