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. 

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 previous employee in this role resigned.  Staff proceeded with a recruitment process to fill the vacancy.  Staff interviewed many candidates, including Ms. Clara Giese, who was selected to advance in the recruitment process.  Ms. Giese completed the necessary pre-employment background checks and staff recommends her for the part-time C.S.O./L.E.P.S. position.  Ms.Giese will be subject to the AFSCME contract, the Personnel Policy and  a 6-month probationary period.

The funding for this position is included in the 2025 budget.

To hire Ms. Clara Giese as a part-time Community Service Officer, effective on or near July 14, 2025, at $24.93 per hour, which is step 2 of the 2025 wage scale,

Motion to hire Ms. Clara Giese as a part-time Community Service Officer, effective on or near July 14, 2025, at $24.93 per hour, which is step 2 of the 2025 wage scale.