BOARD OF FIRE AND POLICE COMMISSION AGENDA ITEM
ACTION REQUESTED:
title
Approve quarterly interview dates for police officer hiring
body
DEPARTMENT: Police Department
SUBMITTED BY: Jason Arres, Police Chief
BOARD/COMMISSION REVIEW:
NA
BACKGROUND:
The Board of Fire and Police Commission plays an instrumental role in the city’s police officer hiring process. As the challenges in police hiring continue, city staff has begun to review our police hiring data, timelines, and processes. This effort coincides with the city review of all boards and commissions efficiency and ensuring staff provides the necessary tools and support to the commission.
DISCUSSION:
The Police Executive Research Forum completed a report in August 2023 “Responding to the Staffing Crisis: Innovations in Recruitment and Retention” which included recommendations around re-examining hiring processes and adopting innovative recruiting strategies. Local changes including the elimination of the testing fee and reducing the degree requirements assist in increasing the number of potential candidates. We look forward to sharing the initial hiring process review at the meeting and potential short, medium, and long- term opportunities.
Quarterly interview dates
With the upcoming February testing date, staff recommends that the commission establish quarterly interview dates for 2024. Currently, interviews are scheduled as needed and can be challenging to schedule. By establishing quarterly meeting dates now, we can ensure Commission quorums, interview more candidates throughout the year, improve candidate availability of pre-set interview dates and potentially reduce the hiring process by 30-60 days.
FISCAL IMPACT:
NA