Agenda - Council - 03/11/2014 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

CC Regular Session 7. 2. Meeting Date: 03/11/2014 By: Colleen Lasher, Administrative Services Information Title Adopt Resolution #14-03-060 to Hire Two Patrol Officers Purpose/Background: The purpose of this case is to request authorization to hire two Patrol Officers. Both of these positions are included in the 2014 budget. One position is to replace an officer that resigned in December 2013 and the other is to bring staffing levels back to 2012 levels, replacing an Officer who retired near the end of 2012 as part of the Early Voluntary Separation Program whereby the position was eliminated for 2013 only. At the December 10, 2013 City Council meeting, the City Council accepted the recent resignation and authorized staff to recruit for her replacement, as well as to simultaneously recruit for the Patrol Officer position that was approved as part of the 2014 budget and strategic plan. A needs analysis was provided at that time recommending that two officers be hired, which the City Council approved. A recruitment was conducted and staff received ninety applications. Forty-five applicants were invited to take part in the physical agility fitness test, of which thirty-three successfully passed. All thirty-three applicants were interviewed and completed a report writing exercise. Staff conducted eight second interviews which included a "shoot/don't shoot" scenario activity. Staff then completed five background investigations, four of whom passed the background investigation. Next, psychological assessments, pre -employment physicals, and drug screens were completed. At this time, staff is recommending two candidates to be hired. Mr. Jacob Hinnenkamp and another candidate whose name is not yet available but will be provided at the Council meeting. (At the time of this writing, staff is awaiting confirmation of the candidate's successfully passing the psychological assessment, physical exam, and drug screen.) With approval to hire both Patrol Officers, the Police Department will be back at 2012 Patrol Officer staffing levels. In the event that the Department experiences an unexpected vacancy, staff feels confident that the current recruitment file may produce many viable candidates, reducing the likelihood of having to go out for a full external recruitment. With the City Council's authorization, both candidates will be be hired, but with staggered start dates in order to establish seniority based on each candidates hiring scores. It is anticipated that one candidate will be hired on or near March 27, 2014 and the other will be hired on or near March 28, 2014. All eligible Patrol Officers will serve a 1-year probationary period and all personnel policies will apply normally. Notification: The Evaluation Criteria for Vacant and New Positions is attached. Observations/Alternatives: