Authorization to Hire a Community Service Officer/Law Enforcement Program Student (CSO/LEPS)

The purpose of this case is for the City Council to consider backfilling a vacant C.S.O. position. The full title of the vacant position is Community Service Officer / Law Enforcement Program Student (C.S.O./L.E.P.S); it is essentially a long-term paid internship. The purpose of this position is to increase the likelihood of hiring future Police Officers that have worked in this role. The position requires applicants to be enrolled in law enforcement school, as well as provide evidence of continued schooling while employed as a C.S.O/L.E.P.S.; or have received a Post Eligibility letter, showing proof of meeting the requirements to become a sworn officer in Minnesota. The length of employment as a C.S.O./L.E.P.S. is limited to a maximum of five years, or one-year post eligibility, whichever comes first.

City staff have been in the process of recruiting for this position. Staff conducted an open competitive recruitment resulting in several interviews. At this time, Mr. Landon Fairbanks has been selected to advance in the recruitment process. Mr. Fairbanks passed the necessary pre-employment background checks and is recommended for hire as the new part-time Community Service Officer. As an AFSCME employee, Mr. Fairbanks will be subject to a six-month probationary period. He will be subject to the AFSCME contract and all personnel policies and benefits will apply normally.

The primary objective of this position is to perform a variety of non-sworn law enforcement support duties in the Police Department. This position provides cost-effective public safety and superior customer service while performing regularly scheduled community service work, high priority unanticipated calls for service, public protection and crime prevention.

The funding required to hire Mr. Fairbanks is included in the 2026 budget.

To hire Mr. Landon Fairbanks as a part-time Community Service Officer, effective on or near May 4, 2026, at $24.455 per hour, which is step 1 of the 2026 wage scale.

Motion to hire Mr. Landon Fairbanks as a part-time Community Service Officer, effective on or near May 4, 2026, at $24.455 per hour, which is step 1 of the 2026 wage.