Authorization to Hire two Community Service Officers (CSO/LEPS)

Background of the position:  This position was discussed during the June 13, 2023 work session. It was explained that the structure of this C.S.O position would be new to the City. It is referred to as C.S.O./L.E.P.S. (Community Service Officer / Law Enforcement Program Student); 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. C.S.O./L.E.P.S. employees must be enrolled in law enforcement schooling, as well as to 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./LEPS is limited to a maximum of five years, or one-year post eligibility, whichever comes first. 

Background of this case:  As a result of the City Council's authorization to add the C.S.O./L.EP.S. program, Human Resources staff proceeded with the recruitment process in hopes of hiring two new employees into the  C.S.O./L.E.P.S. program.   However, only one candidate passed the hiring process, leaving one position vacant.   Since that time, the City received a resignation from a different CSO, leaving the Police Department short by two employees.  A new recruitment was conducted resulting in staff interviewing many candidates, including Ms. Abby Spitzer and Ms. Madison Spah, who were both selected to advance in the recruitment process. 

Both Ms. Spitzer and Ms. Spah completed the necessary pre-employment background checks and staff recommends them both for the two part-time CSO/LEPS positions. Ms.Spitzer and Ms. Spah will be subject to the AFSCME contract, the Personnel Policy and a 6-month probationary period.

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 for this position has been accounted for within the 2024 budget.

To hire Ms. Abby Spitzer as a part-time Community Service Officer, effective on or near July 8, 2024, at $24.20 per hour which is step 2 of the 2024 wage scale. To hire Mr. Madison Spah as a part-time Community Service Officer, effective on or near July 15, 2024, at $23.05 per hour, which is step 1 of the 2024 wage scale. 

 

Authorization to hire Ms. Abby Spitzer as a part-time Community Service Officer, effective on or near July 8, 2024, at $24.20 per hour, which is step 2 of the 2024 wage scale. 
Authorization to hire Ms. Madison Spah as a part-time Community Service Officer, effective on or near July 15, 2024, at $23.05 per hour, which is step 1 of the 2024 wage scale.