Until that time, in Milwaukee and in most cities, chiefs of both departments were appointed by the mayor, who used these appointments, and the appointment of police officers, as a form of political patronage. Between 1855 and 1885, Milwaukee had eight police chiefs, including one who was appointed three times in that thirty-year period. The new law made the civilian Board of Commissioners responsible for setting employment standards and testing candidates for positions in both safety services, and responsible for appointing both chiefs. The Commission's authority and responsibility are set forth in Wisconsin Statute 62.50, and in the Milwaukee City Charter. The five Commissioners are appointed by the Mayor of Milwaukee, and must be approved by the Common Council.
Members serve overlapping five-year terms, with one member appointed each year.
The Commissioners elect a Chair and Vice-Chair. They receive a nominal salary for this important contribution to the community, and devote an exceptional amount of personal time to the task. Diversity of background and experience makes the Commissioners representative of the entire Milwaukee community. A twelve-person staff, headed by an Executive Director, is responsible for carrying out Commission functions. Staff members are employees of the City of Milwaukee.