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<br /> 7. <br /> AN AMENDMENT PROVIDING THAT A <br /> DEMOTION IS EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY, <br /> SUBJECT TO AN APPEAL <br /> (:urrent Law <br /> Under Sec. 143.054, the chief of the fire or police department may recommend in <br /> writing to the civil service commission that an officer be involuntarily demoted. The <br /> chief must include reasons for the recommended demotion and request that the <br /> commission order the demotion. If the commission believes that good cause exists <br /> for ordering the demotion, the commission shall give the fire fi~ter or police officer <br /> notice to appear before the commission for a public hearing. e commission must <br /> give the pollee officer or fire fighter ten days notice before the hearing. <br /> pro pos ed.J:..h a n¡:e <br /> This amendment would provide that when the chief recommends a demotion for a <br /> police officer or fire fighter, the demotion would take effect immediately, subject to <br /> the appeal. <br /> ßeasons fm:...:proposed.J:..han¡:e <br /> Currently, if the chief recommends a demotion, the decision must await a review <br /> and possible appeal to the commission or a third party hearing examiner. The only <br /> time requirement in the statute is one which re:ires that the commission give <br /> notice to the affected police officer or fire fi ter. If the officer has been <br /> suspended, the commission must hold a hearing and render a decision in writing <br /> within 30 days after the date it received notice of appeal. Often, attorneys <br /> representing the employee in a demotion appeal will delay any hearing on the <br /> matter, effectively blocking the attempted demotion of the offIcer. <br /> There seems to be no logic for the difference between a suspension (which has <br /> immediate effect) and a demotion (which has effect only after an appeal). <br /> PAGE 7 OF lO OF EXHIBIT A <br />