(a) Generally. Prior to rejecting any application for a pension, or temporary disability payment or suspension of disability payments or beneficiary payments under this article, the board shall hold a hearing. All persons in interest shall be entitled to notice thereof, to be present at such hearing, to be represented by counsel, and shall be permitted to propound any questions pertinent or relevant to such matter, and shall have the right to introduce evidence in their own behalf. All witnesses so produced shall be examined under oath, and any member of the board is authorized to administer such oath to such witnesses. The decision of the board in all cases shall be final.

(b) False statements; penalty. Any person who knowingly makes any false statement or statements or who falsifies or permits to be falsified any record of the police department retirement system, in any attempt to defraud the police department retirement system, shall be punished as provided in section 1-13. Any person convicted under this subsection shall make full restitution. (Code 1979, § 15-100)