02/05/96 Meeting Minutes �
GOLDEN VALLEY POLICE CIVII, SERVICE CO1�Il�IISSION
ANNiJAL MEETING, FEBRUARY 5, 1996
Members Present: Bruce Peterson, Carol Johnson
Also Present: Dean Mooney, Roger Johnson, Bob Shellum, Judy Smith
The meeting was called to order at 5:10 P.M. by Chairperson Johnson. The minutes of
the May 24, 1995 meeting were unanimously approved.
Citizens Police Academv
Peterson provided a written report on his experience attending the New Hope Police
Department's Citizens Police Academy, which was held on five consecutive Tuesday
evenings, September 12 through October 10, 1995. A copy of his report is attached to
these minutes for reference. A general discussion followed about the feasibility of
implementing this program in Golden Valley. Peterson suggested that if grant monies or
other funding ever become available, this would be a program he would highly recommend
to the Golden Va11ey Police Administration.
MPRS Lawsuit
Mooney reported that after testimony and hearings regarding the lawsuit initiated several
years ago which alleged that the MPRS test was culturally biased, the judge made a ruling
that upheld, in part, the allegations of the plaintiffs. In response to this ruling, the City of
Golden Valley has chosen to broaden the diversity of the candidates available to them to
hire, by proposing an addition to the Civil Service Rules - Section 3, as follows:
Candidates who have successfully completed a CSO/Internship Program with the Golden
Valley Police Department, or an equivalent program, of not less than 1000 hours training
and work experience, and are eligible to be licensed as police officers in the State of
Minnesota, shall be eligible for selection as police o�'icer. Placement of such candidates
on the Eligibility Register will be determined by oral and/or written examinations
prescribed by the Commission, along with the preference points described in Section 8 of
these Rules.
Currently there are 2 ways to enter our police officer selection process:
1. MPRS Test
2. Transfer an equivalent score from another test process
It is being proposed that we add this third avenue of entry into the process. We will work
with the Northwest Hennepin Human Services Program which recruits qualified minority
candidates for C.S.O. positions in participating departments.
Mooney advised that the Civil Service Commission has the right to exclusivity of testing,
using any of the three methods. However, he does not recommend using only one method
because it could possibly exclude qualified candidates.
Peterson asked if a blend of inethods is used if it would work against the CSO we have
interning. Mooney stated that the police administration gets to know the CSO interning
after 1,000 of work, and that the person would get 5 additional points added to their score
by completing the program.
Carol Johnson asked if there were any additional costs to implement this change. Shellum
advised that our hiring is kept at authorized strength and the program reimburses the City
at $725 per hour, so there is no additional cost involved.
7ohnson asked if police administration is confident that our intemal oral and written exams
would protect us from litigation. Shellum stated he felt confident they would be
satisfactory.
Peterson moved acceptance of the rule addition as proposed by Mooney. Motion passed
unanimouslv.
A discussion of the current eligibility register was discussed. If we need to hire we would
probably institute a new list. Those currently on the list would be co-mingled with new
persons added.
Director's Report
Mooney stated that Jennifer Kostant resigned her position as police officer during her
FTO program. Kelly Blad was hired and is just finishing up her FTO program.
Mooney advised that two retirements may be coming up in the next 18 months.
We are continuing a strong community policing efforts, with the Apartment Manager's
group, Bike Patrol, Neighborhood Watch, Safety Camp, etc. which are increasing contacts
with the community we serve.
February marks the one year anniversary of our move back into the remodeled public
safety building. We are having a good work experience in the new facility and Mooney
thanked Bob Shellum for his work on this project.
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Kelly Blad was hired under the"Clinton Cop" federal program grant. We have been told
the dollars have been set aside for three years at least to fund this program and the grant
could be renewed.
Mooney advised on the re-alignment of the two police captains. Roger will take over
administration for the entire patrol division and Shellum will be in charge of the
Investigative Unit,with other administration duties.
A patrol o�icer will be moved to the Investigations Unit for an 18 month career
development position.
There were approximately 1,500 custodia( arrests during 1995, and the number of officer
initiated contacts was very high for the same period.
The Northwest Metro Drug Task Force had an outstanding year during 1995, with 150
arrests and large amounts of marijuana and cocaine seized. At the same time, dozens of
guns were confiscated. Six officers are working full-time in the six cities which comprise
the task force. This task force has been cited as the most effective drug task force in the
State of MN.
The 1996 Goa1s for Administration and Patrol were discussed. Copies of both are
attached for reference. Regarding the 1995 Goals, Peterson asked if the MDT's are now
going to be lap top computers in the squads with the ability to access our in-house
computer. Johnson said that technology is available.
With regard to the alarm monitoring system, Shellum indicated we have about 30
customers and are reasonably confident that by the end of 1996 we should have many
more.
Election of Officers
Carol Johnson nominated Bruce Peterson as Chair. This was unanimously approved.
Carol Johnson will serve as Secretary. Johnson thanked 7udy Smith for transcribing the
minutes.
Carol7ohnson expressed the Commission's confidence in the police administration in
Golden Valley and commended them for their efforts in accomplishing their goals in 1995.
Respectfully submitted,
. �-.J
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Judith A. Smith, Recorder