Fire and Police Commission adopts veterans preference points for eligible lists

The Milwaukee Fire and Police Commission on April 3, 2025, voted unanimously to amend FPC Rule 8, Section 6(a) to add additional preference points for veterans on eligible lists for police and fire hiring.

Commissioners said the change brings the commission's rule more in line with civil service preference-point practices and state law governing civil service entities. The amendment had been held at the March 20 meeting and, having been deferred more than 10 calendar days, was placed for final action at this meeting.

Commissioners and staff discussed how the civil service commission applies preference points and how that differs from FPC practice. Commission staff explained that the civil service process applies veteran-only preference points and uses a "rule of five" to refer qualified candidates to a hiring department, while FPC eligible lists are used in rank order for multiple hires. Commissioners asked whether the additional veteran points would displace other candidates on eligible lists; staff said it is possible but noted that, on a recent police officer eligible list shown at the meeting, only three or four candidates out of roughly 60 had veteran preference points.

Commissioner discussion also noted this amendment was intended as an initial step and that some commissioners wanted a later, broader review of all preference points (residency, education and certifications) to ensure the total system of points remains appropriate. The commission voted on the rule change by roll call; every commissioner present voted in favor.

Votes at the meeting on this item were recorded in alphabetical roll call order. The commission adopted the amendment by unanimous vote.

The change will alter how preference points affect ranking on FPC eligible lists; commissioners directed that further review of other preferential points be considered at a future committee meeting.