Sec. 3.02. APPLICATIONS; HEARINGS. (a) The board shall consider all cases for membership in the fund and for the retirement and benefits of the members of the fund and all applications for benefits by surviving spouses, dependent children, and dependent parents.

(b) The board shall give notice to persons asking for membership in the fund or for a benefit to appear before the board and offer sworn evidence.

(c) Any contributing member of the fund who is in good standing in the fire or police department may:

(1) appear in person or by attorney to contest the application for membership participation in the fund or for an annuity or benefit by any person claiming to be entitled to an annuity or benefit, either as a member, beneficiary, or alternate payee; and

(2) offer supporting testimony.

(d) The presiding officer of the board may issue process for witnesses, administer oaths to those witnesses, and examine any witness in any manner affecting retirement or a benefit under this Act. The process for witnesses may be served on any member of the fire or police department or any other person the board considers to be an appropriate person. On the failure of any witness to attend and testify, that person may be compelled to attend and testify as in any judicial proceeding.

(e) A person's failure to give truthful information to the board in an application or in testimony at a hearing may result in a referral for criminal investigation.