The commission has broad powers and duties to make rules, run tests, investigate, hold hearings, handle appeals, keep records, and manage related personnel administration.
The commission shall have the following powers and duties: 1. To adopt, and amend as necessary, rules pursuant to the provisions of this chapter, which shall specify the manner in which examinations are to be held and appointments, promotions, transfers, reinstatements, demotions, suspensions, and discharges are to be made. The rules may make such other provisions regarding personnel administration and practices as are necessary or desirable in carrying out the purposes of this chapter. The commission rules, and their amendments, shall be printed and made available without cost to the public. 2. To administer practical tests designed to determine the ability of persons examined to perform the duties of the position for which they are seeking appointment. Such tests shall be designed and prepared by the director of the Iowa law enforcement academy, shall be administered by each commission in a uniform manner prescribed by the director, and shall be consistent with standards established pursuant to chapter 80B governing standards for employment of Iowa law enforcement officers. Notice of such tests shall be posted in the office of the sheriff and the office of the board of supervisors not less than thirty days prior to giving such tests. 3. To conduct and prepare annual investigations and reports concerning the effectiveness of, and compliance with, the provisions of this chapter and the rules adopted by the commission, and pursuant thereto, to inspect all departments, offices, and positions of employment affected by this chapter. In making such investigations a commissioner or the personnel director may administer oaths, issue subpoenas and require the attendance of witnesses and the production of books, documents, and accounts pertaining to such investigation, and may also cause the deposition of witnesses to be taken as in civil actions in the district court. 4. To conduct informal hearings concerning matters contemplated by this chapter. The validity of any such hearing shall not be affected by the manner in which it is conducted, however, a majority of the commissioners shall affirm all orders, rules, and decisions made pursuant to such hearings. 5. To hear and determine appeals or complaints respecting the allocation of positions of employment, rejection of those persons certified to the sheriff for appointment, and such other matters as may be referred to the commission. 6. To arrange, compile, and administer competitive tests to determine the relative qualifications of persons seeking employment in any class of position and as a result thereof establish eligible lists for the various classes of positions, and provide that persons discharged because of curtailment of expenditures, reduction in force, and for like causes, head the list in the order of their seniority, to the end that they shall be the first to be reemployed. Notice of competitive tests to be given shall be published at least two weeks prior to holding the tests in a newspaper of general circulation in the county or counties in which a vacancy exists. 7. To certify to the county sheriff when a vacant position is to be filled, on written request, a list of the names of the persons passing the examination. 8. To keep such records as may be necessary for the proper administration of this chapter. 9. To classify deputy sheriffs and subdivide them into groups according to rank and grade which shall be based upon the duties and responsibilities of the deputy sheriffs. 10. To purchase all necessary supplies, enter into contracts, and do all things necessary to carry out the provisions of this chapter. 11. To keep records of the service of each employee in the classified service. These records shall contain facts and statements on all matters relating to the character and quality of the work done and the attitude of the individual to the work. All such service records and employee records shall be subject only to the inspection of the commission. [C75, 77, 79, 81, §341A.6] 2012 Acts, ch 1023, §157 Referred to in §341A.6A