Wisconsin Board of Police and Fire Commissioners
PFC Board
Summary
Wis. Stat. §62.13 mandates an all-civilian, five-member Board of Police and Fire Commissioners in each Wisconsin city with a population of 4,000 or more. Members are appointed by the mayor for staggered 5-year terms; they must be citizens (no law enforcement members permitted). The board has binding authority to suspend, demote, or remove the police chief and all subordinate officers following charges and a quasi-judicial hearing; both parties may compel witnesses via board-issued subpoenas. It appoints and may remove the chief of police. No independent use-of-force investigative function; the board acts on charges rather than initiating independent investigations. First-class cities (Milwaukee) operate under the analogous §62.50 with a 7- or 9-member board.
Independence Scorecard
| Appointment | Executive appointment |
|---|---|
| Term length | 5 years |
| Removal standard | For cause only |
| Budget independence | Executive discretion |
| Subpoena power | Yes |
| Compel testimony | Yes |
| Records access | Restricted |
| Public reports required | No |
| Pre-publication review | None — reports published directly |
Statute
- Name
- Wisconsin City Police and Fire Commissions
- Citation
- Wis. Stat. § 62.13
- Full text
- Full text of law →
Jurisdiction scope
Municipal police and fire departments in Wisconsin cities (mandatory for cities ≥4,000 population; optional by ordinance for smaller cities)