Chapter 2.48
CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION FOR POLICE DEPARTMENT
Sections:
2.48.020 Adoption of state laws.
2.48.030 Appointing power defined.
2.48.040 Commission established – Qualifications – Terms – Removal.
2.48.060 Commission – Meetings and duties.
2.48.070 Employment requirements – Disciplinary action.
2.48.010 Established.
In order to carry out the provisions of Chapter 41.12 RCW (Chapter 13, Laws of 1937), as amended, there is created and established in the city a classified civil service for all full paid police officers of the city, excluding the police chief and assistant chief. (Ord. 1101 § 1 (Exh. A), 2023; Ord. 829 § 13, 2005; Ord. 691 § 1, 2000; Ord. 573 § 2, 1996; Ord. 199 § 1, 1976).
2.48.020 Adoption of state laws.
Chapter 41.12 RCW (Chapter 13, Laws of 1937), as amended, is adopted by reference and made a part of this chapter, together with all amendments and additions thereto, except as specifically modified or supplemented by this chapter or other ordinances of the city which substantially accomplish the purpose of the state law so adopted. Three copies of said statutes shall be kept on file with the city clerk/treasurer. (Ord. 199 § 2, 1976).
2.48.030 Appointing power defined.
For all purposes of this chapter, the term “appointing power” means the mayor of the city. (Ord. 199 § 3, 1976).
2.48.040 Commission established – Qualifications – Terms – Removal.
A civil service commission is established, consisting of three members who shall be appointed by the mayor and shall serve without compensation, except that they may be reimbursed for necessary expenses actually incurred. Members shall meet the qualifications prescribed by state law and shall be appointed for a six-year term, commencing on the first day of July of odd-numbered years. In making first appointments, the mayor shall designate one member to serve for a two-year term, one to serve for four years, and one to serve for a six-year term. Thereafter, as each term expires, appointments shall be made for a six-year term. Vacancies occurring other than through the expiration of a term shall be filled for the unexpired term by appointment of the mayor. Members may be removed for the reasons provided by state law, after a hearing before the council or a committee thereof, and a vacancy may be declared by the mayor in the event any member ceases to be a resident of the city. (Ord. 199 § 4, 1976).
2.48.050 Eligibility.
All full paid police officers holding a position in the city police department, excluding the police chief and assistant chief, who have served in such positions continuously for a period of six months last past, are automatically adopted and inducted permanently into civil service and into such office, place, position or employment which any such person has held as completely and effectually to all intents and purposes, as if such person had been permanently appointed thereto under civil service after examination and investigation. Persons now holding any such position who have not served in such position continuously for a period of six months last past shall be given credit for the time they have held such position as a temporary or probationary appointment and shall be automatically adopted and inducted permanently into civil service and into such position upon the completion of six months’ service, unless terminated prior thereto. (Ord. 1101 § 1 (Exh. A), 2023; Ord. 829 § 13, 2005; Ord. 573 § 2, 1996; Ord. 199 § 6, 1976).
2.48.060 Commission – Meetings and duties.
Within 30 days after their appointment, the commission shall meet and organize, and shall thereafter hold meetings, adopt rules and regulations consistent with state law and this chapter, conduct investigations, and perform the duties and exercise the powers of such commission in compliance with the state law governing the same. (Ord. 199 § 5, 1976).
2.48.070 Employment requirements – Disciplinary action.
All applicants for employment with the police force of the city shall be required to have the qualifications, be subject to competitive examination, have a tenure of office, and be subject to removal and disciplinary action as provided by state law and the civil service rules and regulations adopted by the commission pursuant thereto. In order to enable the appointing power to exercise a choice in the filling of positions, the commission shall certify, whenever possible, the names of three persons standing highest on the eligibility list for each vacancy existing in the class for which an appointment is to be made, and the appointing power shall thereupon appoint the person deemed best suited for the position to be filled, subject to the probationary service period provided by law and the rules and regulations of the commission. The police chief and superior officers shall continue to have the power and authority to exercise and impose minor disciplinary action not involving removal, suspension, demotion or reduction in pay or grade, upon members of the police force for dereliction of duty or infractions of rules, orders or policies of the police department without being required to file a written accusation, report or statement with the commission. (Ord. 573 § 2, 1996; Ord. 199 § 7, 1976).