Adopt Resolution #17-02-045 to Hire Two Patrol Officers

The purpose of this case is to request the City Council hire two Patrol Officers. 

Recent Staffing Changes in the Police Department
In December 2016 one of the City's Police Sergeants retired. The Sergeant vacancy was back-filled when Officer Chris Curtis was promoted to Sergeant, which created one of the two current Patrol Officer vacancies.   Next, due to the approval of the Anoka-Hennepin Narcotics and Violent Crimes Task Force position as part of the 2017 budget, an experienced Patrol Officer was appointed to the task force creating the second Patrol Officer vacancy.  

Strategic Plan
The Patrol Officer positions are needed to provide public safety and to support the Strategic Plan which has been a priority of the  City.   As we know, citizens expect officers to respond to their needs in a timely manner. The strategic goals have been to maintain the police department staffing levels, not replacing this open position would decrease the Department's ability to provide timely services.  

Hiring Process
Staff conducted an internal and external Patrol Officer recruitment and recommends hiring Mr. Robert Pullar to fill the first  vacancy and Ms. Melissa Stephens to fill the second vacancy.  Both candidates participated in and passed the physical agility test, two interviews, a report writing exercise, a "shoot/don’t shoot video scenario, an intensive back grounding process, a psychological assessment and a pre-employment physical and drug screen.   Both newly hired Patrol Officers will be subject to a 1-year probation period and all other Personnel Policies and union contracts will apply normally. 

Staff does not suggest an alternative action.

The funding required for both of these positions has been accounted for in the 2017 budget at $140,596 or $70,298 for each new hire.   However, with a March 1 start date, the funding required will be reduced to $127,810 or $63,905 for each new hire.  Additionally, the City will receive funding from Anoka-Hennepin Narcotics and Violent Crimes Task Force in exchange for one of the City's senior officer's appointment to the task force, which will help offset a portion of the expenses.   

Staff recommends hiring Mr. Robert Pullar and Ms. Melissa Stephens as City of Ramsey Patrol Officers, on or near March 1, 2017 at $25.06 per hour which is step 1 of the 2017 wage scale.