Agenda - Council Work Session - 09/24/2024

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2. 5. CC Work Session Meeting Date: 09/24/2024 Primary Strategic Plan Initiative: Not Applicable Information Title: Police Chief Recruitment Plan Purpose/Background: The purpose of this case is to provide the City Council with information related to Chief Jeff Katers' upcoming retirement,to provide staff insight on the pending recruitment,and to seek direction on filling the position. Retirement As the City Council is aware,after over 24 years of service,Jeff Katers has submitted a letter of retirement dated September 23,2024. In the letter,Chief Katers'stated that his last day of employment with the City of Ramsey will be November 18, 2024. Chief Katers' announcement has a significant impact on the City. Staff are committed to filling this position with the best possible candidate,a candidate that demonstrates the qualities necessary to meet the City's mission,core values, and guiding principles as identified in the adopted Strategic Plan. Survey/Assessment Staff plans to conduct an internal survey with the Police Department,the management team, and possibly the City Council- if so directed. This survey will be seeking feedback regarding what qualities would be most important in the City's next Chief of Police. One or more finalists for the Police Chief position will participate in an extensive leadership assessment. Recruitment Two options exist to complete the recruitment for Ramsey's next Police Chief. The city could use an internal recruitment process to hire/promote from within the organization. This is done when it is believed there are both interested and qualified candidates. An internal recruitment does shorten the timeline to fill the position. The second option is an external recruitment as well. If this is desired or warranted,the timeline would be extended due to the need to prepare position advertisements,scheduling multiple rounds of interviews and additional background check processes. Interview Panel Regardless of whether an internal or external recruitment is conducted,staff will be looking for recommendations for panel members to participate in the interview process. Due to the critical nature of this position,the full Council may choose to participate in the final interview(s). Panel members may also be from outside the community(e.g.,a Police Chief from a neighboring city). Timeline/Start date If the City Council approves an internal promotional process,staff anticipates having a case to hire an individual on the November 12,2024, regular meeting. If approved,this timeline would eliminate the need to assign an Interim Police Chief. Draft Timeline Begin recruitment period internally-September 27 Close recruitment-October 11 Conduct survey-October 4- 18 Leadership assessment-Week of October 21 Conduct interview(s)-Week of October 28 City Council Case-November 12 Start date-November 19 Position Qualifications The Police Chief position requires the following minimum qualifications: Seven years of proven experience in a law enforcement agency and as a patrol officer and at least three years of formal supervisory experience and training of uniformed officers. Must be licensed as a police officer in the State of Minnesota or able to obtain a license upon hire. Desirable Qualifications include: A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with coursework on criminal justice, political science or related field. Completion of advanced management training such as the FBI National Academy, NW Traffic or Southern Police Institute is desired.