The seven members of the Southgate Public Safety Commission oversee police and fire policies and procedures, as well as disciplinary issues.

The commission helped the police department rewrite policies and procedures that led to the department receiving accreditation last year from the Michigan Commission of Law Enforcement.

Of the 552 agencies in Michigan, Southgate was the 57th that received this ranking. The two-and-a-half-year effort was headed by police Lt. Robert Lukofsky and Sgt. Nicholas Merony.

The accreditation outline gives the police department a set of rules, based on industry standards, which should be followed.

“All the policies and procedures had to be just right,” said Norman Loveday, commission chairperson.

Police and fire personnel also have an option to go before the commission regarding disciplinary action.

“We can agree, disagree or come up with a different disciplinary solution,” Loveday said.

Public Safety Director Joe Marsh said the commission listens to the employee, who gives their side of the story, and the police and fire department share their views.

Southgate police and fire departments report to the commission monthly about calls to service, number of arrests and other issues, as well as training and community events, Marsh said.

Commission members are Loveday, Jim Austin, Robert Beaver, Douglas Gildner, Robert Hines, Paul Knott and Edward Sukel.

The commission meets the third Wednesday monthly at 4:30 p.m., in open meetings at city hall.