22 - POLICE DEPARTMENT STAFFING AND OPERATIONS

Home Browse Search

command staff officers. 4 positions were signed for by officers with rank who were not command staff. The department operates under Civil Service laws. Civil service law is based on seniority and is at the core of all personnel decisions in the department. It is my belief that seniority matters as well in the selection of off -duty work. I have decided to change our method of signing for off - duty jobs to the third process we tried, signing by seniority still, but only allowing 2 positions in a month to be signed for and allowing the next officer to sign. This has resulted in more opportunities for those officers with less rank. Quarterly statistics and activity reports of the department are being shared with council. We are closing out the year end stats and those final stats will be coming in February. Our call load decreased for the third consecutive year and preliminary statistics include a modest 2.3% decrease in overall crime. To increase officer participation in the path of the department, we are opening training opportunities for officers as instructors. Officers have been selected and attended certification training for emergency and regular driving. We have shifted responsibilities in firearms training, we are in the process of creating a new wellness program which will have a cadre of instructors. We are trying to provide additional opportunities of interest for our officers and at the same time, making them more proficient in their skills. Other changes ongoing in the department is to move armed officers out of administrative positions and task those duties to civilian personnel, freeing up those positions to be more involved with our citizens. There is no static position for the department. We will continue to evolve and provide the best service to the community while taking the best care of our employees while we get there. BUDGET: There is no impact to the budget. RECOMMENDATION: Discussion Item