Discussion Regarding a Police Department Staffing Change

The City of Ramsey implemented a long-term internship program a few years ago in an effort to improve Police Officer recruiting.  The positions within the program are called CSO/LEPS or Community Service Officer / Law Enforcement Program Students positions.   The primary objective of the positions are to perform a variety of non-sworn law enforcement support duties in the Ramsey Police Department office while preparing them to become sworn law enforcement officers for their career.  One condition of employment is as follows:  this internship is limited to no more than five years, or one-year post eligibility, whichever comes first.  

The City has been successful in onboarding and retaining sworn officer positions that have started through this program.  Management staff have become aware that one of our successful current CSO/LEPS employees will soon leave the City of Ramsey for another sworn officer position. Staff are confident that if the City had an opening, this employee would be recommended for hire as a Police Officer.  However, at this time the City does not have a vacancy for a Patrol Officer.  Staff would like to discuss this matter with the City Council and provide details regarding options for bringing on this employee as a new Police Officer in the near future.  

As shared during previous updates from the Police Department, a request to add a Patrol Officer position will be included in the 2027 Preliminary Budget.  This request further mirrors recent past years' requests as the community continues to grow.  Though the additional patrol officer position is not included in the 2026 budget, staff believes that funding will be available within the current budget based on year to date spending.  Furthermore, there would be a period of time the CSO/LEPS position would remain vacant.  The 2027 budget would account for this position, contingent upon approval.

Current Police Department approved budget.

Staff recommends adding a Patrol Officer position to the budget in 2026 in order to retain an individual who has proven themselves through our program.  This would ultimately reflect the position Council would have been asked to approve in the 2027 Budget.

Based on discussion.