Discuss Police Department Staffing

The purpose of this discussion is to seek the City Council's feedback regarding the City's sworn officer staffing levels and how to proceed with the unfilled, yet budgeted new Patrol Officer position.   

Budget
Although not unanimous, the 2019 budget was approved to include funding for two new Patrol Officers.  Since this is a significant and time consuming recruitment process, and there have been changes to the make-up of the Council since the budget was approved, staff is requesting feedback of whether to proceed at this time.  One new officer was hired in June, but the other recruitment has not been started, and was budgeted for an October 1 start date.  Note:  The remaining candidates from the recent recruitment are not recommended for advancement.  

At this time, staff is not planning to request an additional Patrol Officer in 2020.   However, if the City does not bring on a new officer in 2019, the plan will be to request the 2019 position be bumped to the 2020 budget. 

Timing
From the time a recruitment is started, It generally takes 12 to 14 weeks to have the new officer on-board.  Staff is planning to begin the second recruitment in July and would expect to have a Council case ready for authorization to hire by September 24 or October 8, 2019.  


 

Up to 15 minutes

2019 Funding Required for 10-01-19 to 12-31-19:   $21,180
2020 Funding Required for the year:    $83,941

Colleen Lasher, Administrative Services Director and Jeff Katers, Police Chief.

City Council feedback regarding whether to proceed with the budgeted hiring of a Police Officer in 2019, or consider the position in the 2020 budget discussions.