Agenda - Council - 11/07/1994 - Laserfiche WebLink

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CASE # STATUS OF THE PATROL OFFICER HIRING By: Kay McAioney, Administrative Services Manager Background: In September the Ci%' of Ramsey received the most current hiring list (89 people total) from Minnesota Police Recruitment System (MPRS). On September 28, 1994 a letter was sent to the 89 individuals on the MPP~S list with a deadline for applying to the City of Ramsey of October 21, 1994. Between the time that we sent out letters/applications and the deadline for applying there was significant information that became available to us regarding the hiring process through MPRS. The Judge presiding over the lawsuit that was filed in .lanuary 1993 against MPRS and its 36 cities declared that the test given through MPRS had an "a6verse impact" on persons in a protected class. Several of the 36 cities, including Ramsey, are currently involved in filling patrol officer positions, but have been told to "hold until further notice". Police Chief Mike Auspos, Sergeant Dave Gustafson and I met to discuss the timeline for filling the position of patrol officer on January 1, 1995. As some of the items for this position would be con-ting from the 1994 budget (psychological, physical, uniforms, etc.), we would like to have a party in mind by approximately December 15, 1994. Mike, Dave and 1 believe that if we do not have an answer from MPRS and our attorneys that we may continue hiring from the MPRS list by November 18, 1994, we would tike to place advertisements in various newspapers to begin the process of hiring without MPRS. (Incidentally, we have been told that we would not owe MPRS anything for using their list. We only pay when we choose a person from the list. The $900 we had anticipated paying to MPRS could be used in part to fund the cost of advertising.) We would be advertising for a t~erson that is licensed to be a peace officer with two years~ experience. In addition to the change in experience requirement, we would be changing our interview questions to reflect experience gained in the two years as patrol officer. This alternative method of hiring is recommended until the lawsuit is resolved. After resolution the Personnel Committee may want to review hiring through Mt'RS. Recommendation: Staff recommends that if we do not hear from our attorneys and MPRS that we can continue to use the MPRS list for hiring, that we place an advertisement in various newspapers to begin the hiring process without MPRS. Committee Action: To approve the recommendation of staff to place an advertisement in the Minneapolis Star Tribune to hire a Patrol Officer with two years' experience, in the event that hiring through MPRS is not possible. Review Checklist: City Admimsn"ator Police Chief Adminish-~afive Services Manager Sergeant PC: 11/'7/9,4