Adopt Resolution #14-03-060 to Hire Two Patrol Officers

The purpose of this case is to request authorization to hire two Patrol Officers.    Both of these positions are included in the 2014 budget.    One position is to replace an officer that resigned in December 2013 and the other is to bring staffing levels back to 2012 levels, replacing an Officer who retired near the end of 2012 as part of the Early Voluntary Separation Program whereby the position was eliminated for 2013 only.  

At the December 10, 2013 City Council meeting, the City Council accepted the recent resignation and authorized staff to recruit for her replacement, as well as to simultaneously recruit for the Patrol Officer position that was approved as part of the 2014 budget and strategic plan.  A needs analysis was provided at that time recommending that two officers be hired, which the City Council approved.

A recruitment was conducted and staff received ninety applications.    Forty-five applicants were invited to take part in the physical agility fitness test, of which thirty-three successfully passed.   All thirty-three applicants were interviewed and completed a report writing exercise.  Staff conducted eight second interviews which included a "shoot/don't shoot" scenario activity.   Staff then completed five background investigations, four of whom passed the background investigation.  Next, psychological assessments, pre-employment physicals, and drug screens were completed.  

At this time, staff is recommending two candidates to be hired.   Mr. Jacob Hinnenkamp and another candidate whose name is not yet available but will  be provided at the Council meeting.   (At the time of this writing, staff is awaiting confirmation of the candidate's successfully passing the psychological assessment, physical exam, and drug screen.)

With approval to hire both Patrol Officers, the Police Department will be back at 2012 Patrol Officer staffing levels.   In the event that the Department experiences an unexpected vacancy, staff feels confident that the current recruitment file may produce many viable candidates, reducing the likelihood of having to go out for a full external recruitment. 

With the City Council's authorization, both candidates will be be hired, but with staggered start dates in order to establish seniority based on each candidates hiring scores.    It is anticipated that one candidate will be hired on or near March 27, 2014 and the other will be hired on or near March 28, 2014.   All eligible Patrol Officers will serve a 1-year probationary period and all personnel policies will apply normally.



 

The Evaluation Criteria for Vacant and New Positions is attached.

Option #1: Hiring two fulltime Patrol Officers.  Staff recommends hiring two fulltime Patrol Officers to help fulfill the public safety needs of the City and to meet the goals of the strategic plan as it relates to this position.

Option #2 Not hiring two fulltime Patrol Officers. Staff does not recommend this option due to likely repercussions such as a reduced ability to provide effective and timely public safety, i.e.:delays in response times and decreases in general patrol duties, including traffic enforcement and investigation.  Citizens would not see a squad driving by their residence as often if there are fewer officers on the department patrolling the neighborhoods and businesses. The number of officers that we currently have meets our adjusted minimum officers needed to cover shifts. Calls for service have slowly increased as has the population.  We continue to add businesses to the City.  Officers are needed to meet the demand.  One of the Council’s strategic goals was to reduce response times, this cannot be accomplished with fewer officers.   Response time is a standard of measure indicated in the Balanced Scorecard for the City.

The funding required for these positions is well within the 2014 budget and is estimated to be a general fund amount of $50,310 for each Patrol Officer, based on a late-March start date.  This amount is approximately $5,590 (each) under budget due to a later than expected start date.  

Authorize staff to move ahead with option #1 above: hiring Mr. Jacob Hinnenkamp and another Patrol Officer (name to be available at the meeting) as fulltime Patrol Officers, on or near March 27-28, 2014 at $22.53 per hour which is step 1 of the 2014 wage scale.

Motion to adopt resolution #14-03-060, to hire Mr. Jacob Hinnenkamp and another Patrol Officer (name to be available at the meeting) as fulltime Patrol Officers, or near March 27-28, 2014 at $22.53 per hour which is step 1 of the 2014 wage scale.