The Sparta Police Department is established under Wisconsin Statute 62.13, which governs the creation, powers and responsibilities of a police and fire commission.  A Police and Fire Commission (PFC) is expected to work on behalf of the community while insulating both departments from political influence or capricious actions by either elected or appointed officials. 

The PFC acts as a quasi-judicial body which shall “adopt, repeal or modify rules calculated to secure the best service in the fire and police departments.”  These rules govern recruitment, screening, testing and selection of fire and police personnel at all levels.  The commission appoints disciplines and removes public employees, subject to its jurisdiction, independent of elected officials.  While PFC actions are subject to review by the courts, the court usually limits its review to procedures used by the commission rather than the decisions made in matters brought before the commission.    

The Mayor is only allowed to appoint one PFC member annually, unless a member resigns mid-term.  A PFC member is appointed to a 5 year term.   

Excerpt from the City of Sparta Police Commission “Rules of Procedure” 

Mission .            The mission of the City of Sparta Police Commission shall be to provide citizen oversight of the Sparta Police Department, Police Chief and Police Officers so that they may protect and assist the people of the City of Sparta, consistent with their responsibilities to the public. 

Jurisdiction .   The Police Commission shall have the authority vested in it by Sections 61.65 and 62.13 of the Wisconsin Statutes, subject to Chapter 164 of the Wisconsin Statutes.  These powers include: 

a.         Appoint the Police Chief and exercise the power to suspend or remove the Chief for just cause; 

b.         Approve the appointments of Police Officers by the Police Chief; 

c.         Provide for the competitive examination of applicants for Police Officer positions and certification of a list of persons eligible for employment; 

d.         Adopt rules of procedure for selection of Police Officers, including their qualifications, providing those qualifications do not conflict with qualifications established by State Statute or administrative rule; 

e.         Review and act on charges concerning the conduct of and discipline imposed on Police Officers; 

f.          Supervise reductions in the Department in the event it is necessary to reduce the number of Police Officers; and, 

g.         Exercise other powers conferred upon the commission by Wisconsin Statutes or City Ordinance(s).