Minutes-071002
MINUTES
Call to Order
Attendance/Roll Call
The meeting was called to order by Chair Tanick at 5:35 PM. Present at the meeting were Commissioners Marshall Tanick, Gloria Kumagai, Bruce Peterson; staff member Stacy Altonen.
Approval of Minutes
The minutes from the August 13, 2007 meeting were approved by consensus.
Approval of Police Sergeant Eligibility Register
Altonen advised there is an immediate opening for a sergeant position due to a resignation. Ten applicants went through an assessment center, consisting of two written exercises, an
in-basket, a role-play scenario and a promotibility index. Two portions of the testing were scored by Altonen and Human Resources Director Paula Graff, and the other three portions
were scored by PDI. PDI then compiled scores and preference points for applicants with four-year degrees, resulting in the presented eligibility register that will expire October 1,
2009.
Tanick inquired if the “rule of three” applies to this position and Altonen stated it does; for any one opening the top three candidates can be interviewed. Peterson inquired if the
promotional process was conducted using the most current position description and Altonen stated it was.
Tanick asked if test preparation was available to the candidates. Altonen advised vendors who conduct test preparation are usually contacted by the police union to set up a schedule.
The police union did not schedule testing preparation for candidates in this process. PDI gave an overview of the testing process and will also be conducting a debriefing of the process
for the applicants on October 5th.
Tanick inquired if the scores are significant or if they were merely a way to rank candidates. Altonen stated PDI does not have a scale they use to measure scores, but scores in the
high 80-90 range are difficult to attain.
Peterson advised the prior sergeant eligibility register dated 11/05/01 has expired. Peterson asked if the sergeant promotional process was managed consistent with the approved process
of the Civil Service Commission, and Altonen stated it was. Peterson asked if there are any reservations in recommending for approval the presented sergeant eligibility register, and
Altonen stated there were none.
Peterson moved that the sergeant eligibility register dated 10/02/07 be approved as presented; seconded by Kumagai. The register was unanimously approved.
Other Business
Public Safety Summit
Altonen advised the police department is hosting a Public Safety Summit on 11/10/07 from 9AM-4PM. This event is open to the first 40 residents and business owners who register and there
is no fee to attend. The morning portion will consist of an abbreviated citizen’s academy and will include a tour and an overview of
police functions, to possibly include a shoot/don’t shoot simulator. The afternoon portion will allow time for focus groups to give feedback to the department about crime trends, department
priorities for 2008, and any other concerns they may have. This event is being advertised on the city website and in the newsletter.
Altonen stated she would like to develop a citizen’s academy in 2008 that would touch on use of force, investigations, drugs, bullying, etc. This would most likely be scheduled for
a few hours on a weeknight and/or some Saturday hours. Commissioners agreed they would be interested in assisting staff with developing and implementing this program.
Patrol Commander
Altonen advised in August the City Council expressed interest in her proposal to create an exempt Patrol Commander position. Deputy Chief Johnson would retain his title, but upon his
retirement a candidate will be appointed as an Operations Commander. Both commanders would be of equal authority and would both report to the chief. A final vote to approve this will
occur in December.
Use of Force Reporting Policy
Altonen stated she is working to develop a database to log instances where officers used force to gain compliance from individuals. She expects this database to not only provide overall
numbers of use of force incidents, but to also allow command staff to monitor each officer’s use of force and investigate complaints made against officers. Tanick stated it would be
nice to have a form where individuals can give input and/or reaction to their interactions with police department staff. Altonen stated this will be forthcoming and will also be posted
on the city website. She advised she is also working to develop internal affairs procedures and offer better training to staff conducting these investigations.
Community/Employee Satisfaction Surveys
Altonen advised an internal employee survey has been distributed to police department staff to gather feedback on the satisfaction levels of various components of police operations.
In addition, a survey will be available on the city website and at the front desk of the police department for community members to give feedback on their satisfaction with various
police functions. Peterson said he is encouraged to hear these ideas and see the department moving forward in these areas. He also stated commissioners are available as resources
if input is desired.
Hixon Case
Tanick stated the Civil Service Commission would like a briefing on the Hixon case and status. Altonen stated because of an attorney/client privilege, she would need to involve the
city’s attorneys to disclose some of the information. Tanick advised the commission would like to be briefed, but does not want to interfere with any legal issues. Altonen will speak
with the city’s attorneys and will have them work with Amanda Johnson to schedule a briefing.
Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 6:20 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Gloria Kumagai, Secretary