10.2. SR 04-06-2015 - Laserfiche WebLink

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City of Elk River Request for Action To Item Number Mayor and City Council 10.2 Agenda Section Meeting Date Prepared by Work Session Aril 6, 2015 Ron Nierenhausen, Police Chief Item Description Reviewed by Community Service Officer Vacancy Cal Portner, City Administrator Reviewed by Action Requested Receive information, discuss, and provide staff direction regarding a vacant Community Service Officer (CSO) position. Background /Discussion The police department currently has three full-time CSOs allocated and budgeted. CSOs are non -sworn officers that provide vital support to the department and the community. CSOs assist with traffic control at accident or crime scenes, assist with vehicle lockouts, manage the animal control program and manage the crime prevention program. The CSO position is frequently a stepping stone for individuals interested in becoming licensed police officers. In 2012, Chief Rolfe proposed changing one vacant CSO position into two part -time positions. The intent was to improve coverage with eight additional hours of coverage in lieu of full-time benefits. The positions would be geared to law enforcement students who would gain vital "on the street" experience as they continue their education and allow them to demonstrate their skills for pending future Elk River PD vacancies. The recruitment of new officers is very expensive and time- consuming and service as a CSO in our organization would expedite this important vetting period. Unfortunately following Council approval, our 2013 recruitment for two part -time CSOs was unsuccessful. We felt we had a strong candidate who was interested in a full-time position and Chief Rolfe asked the Council to consider returning the position to one full-time position. Following Council approval, Amy Berglund was offered and accepted a full-time CSO position. CSO Berglund recently left city employment to pursue a police officer position with another department With the new vacancy, command staff reviewed department and community needs and again would like try and fill our current full-time CSO vacancy with two part -time CSOs. Financial Impact The full-time position is currently budgeted. Hiring two part -time CSOs at 24 hours per week would amount to the same budgeted amount when benefits are included. Attachments • December 10, 2012, Request for Action • August 5, 2013, Request for Action P a w E A E U s r NaA f RE]