There is hereby
created in every city, town or municipality except those referred
to in RCW 41.12.010, having fully paid police officers a civil
service commission which shall be composed of three persons.
The members of such commission shall be appointed by the
person or group of persons who, acting singly or in conjunction,
as a mayor, city manager, council, common council, commission, or
otherwise, is or are vested by law with the power and authority
to select, appoint, or employ the chief of a police department in
any such city, prior to the enactment of this chapter. The
members of such commission shall serve without compensation. No
person shall be appointed a member of such commission who is not
a citizen of the United States, a resident of such city for at
least three years immediately preceding such appointment, and an
elector of the county wherein he or she resides. The term of
office of such commissioners shall be for six years, except that
the first three members of such commission shall be appointed for
different terms, as follows: One to serve for a period of two
years, one to serve for a period of four years, and one to serve
for a period of six years. Any member of such commission may be
removed from office for incompetency, incompatibility or
dereliction of duty, or malfeasance in office, or other good
cause: PROVIDED, HOWEVER, That no member of the commission shall
be removed until charges have been preferred, in writing, due
notice and a full hearing had. The members of such commission
shall devote due time and attention to the performance of the
duties hereinafter specified and imposed upon them by this
chapter. Two members of such commission shall constitute a
quorum and the votes of any two members of such commission
concurring shall be sufficient for the decision of all matters
and the transaction of all business to be decided or transacted
by the commission under or by virtue of the provisions of this
chapter. Confirmation of said appointment or appointments of
commissioners by any legislative body shall not be required. At
the time of any appointment not more than two commissioners shall
be adherents of the same political party.
[2007 c 218 § 11; 1937 c 13 § 3; RRS § 9558a-3.]
NOTES:
Intent -- Finding -- 2007 c 218: See note following RCW 1.08.130.