Sec. 18. (a) In connection with an application for any pensions, annuities, or benefits other than for disability and other than voluntary retirement after twenty (20) years of active service in the police department, the local board may, if it is satisfied with the facts reported in the application made for the pension, annuity, or benefit, act upon the application and allow the pension, annuity, or benefits applied for.

(b) In connection with an application for the pensions, annuities, or benefits referred to in subsection (a), the local board may deny the application. If the local board denies the application, it may, and shall upon the written request of the applicant, hold a hearing on the application at which time it shall hear any evidence of the applicant or any other person as to the facts contained in the application, and as to any of the requirements stated in this chapter for receiving the pension, annuity, or benefit. After the hearing the board shall decide whether the application shall be granted or denied.

(c) At any hearing held by the local board as provided in this chapter, the local board may subpoena witnesses, and examine all witnesses under oath, and any member of the local board may administer the oath to any witness at any hearing.

(d) The local board shall give due notice of the time and place of the hearing.

(e) The applicant is entitled to be present at the hearing, to be represented by counsel, to examine any witness testifying at the hearing, and to introduce any evidence upon the applicant's behalf as to any question properly before the local board. The local board shall, upon the request of the applicant, subpoena any witness requested in writing by the applicant to be present at the hearing.

As added by Acts 1982, P.L.77, SEC.9. Amended by P.L.127-2017, SEC.258.