Agenda - Council - 03/09/1993 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

CASE # MINNESOTA POLICE RECRUITMENT SYSTEM DUES By: Michael Auspos, Police Chief Background: The Minnesota Police Recruitment System (MPRS) was formed as a joint powers group to provide for a police recruitment testing service for the member communities of which them are thirty-six (36). In initial discussions and investigations relating to joining the System, it was found that the City, alone, could not hire officers as economically when the ramifications of faulty testing procedures was considered in thc light of possible lawsuits for discrimination against a variety of persons. 1 have previously submitted for payment the dues bill of $200 ($20 per officer in the department), to Council and, it is my understanding, Council wanted further information prior to payment. Observations: The payment of dues is for the ongoing maintenance of the System (Enclosed is a copy of the financial report for the quarter ending December 31, 1992). Because I have been unable to attend but one or two of the director's meetings I am not up to scratch on the workings of MPRS as I would like to be. I do feel, however, that the original principals and concepts under which it was formed still hold true and that we should continue our membership. As to the current lawsuit facing MPRS, it is my understanding that at the Board of Directors meeting of January 26, 1993, there were several motions passed. One of them was to bill each member community, which chooses to join in a common defense, $300 now and $200 if needed up to a current cap of %500. This assessment is only for defense costs and not for any judgement which may result form the lawsuits. Another motion was made and passed which appoints Holmes and Graven as the law firm representing MPRS in the suits for those communities joining together in the defense. A third motion formed a litigation committee which will keep the Executive Board and Board of Directors advised of the progress of the lawsuits. Recommendation: It is my recommendation that we make remittance at this time in the amount of $200 for our 1993 dues. If the City wants to re-examine its position on the hiring of police officers vis- a-vis its relationship with MPRS, Council may wish to instruct staff, namely Police and Personnel, to view options to the present system. Since, however, the City is currently named in the lawsuits, I would suppose our payment of the 1993 fees is a moot point insofar as our liability there is concerned. Unless and until we find a better system we should remain members in MPRS. Council Action: Based upon discussion. Reviewed by: Copies also distributed to: Police Chief City Adminiswator Finance Officer Personnel Coordinator CC: 03/09/93