CC 2016-07-26_09b Resolution_Police Trainee Position
MEMORANDUM
TO: CITY COUNCIL
FROM: DEBORAH MALICOAT, DIRECTOR OF ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
BY: KAREN SISKO, HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGER
SUBJECT: CONSIDERATION OF A RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING A JOB
DESCRIPTION AND SALARY RANGE FOR THE POLICE TRAINEE
POSITION
DATE: JULY 26, 2016
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended the City Council adopt a Resolution establishing a job description
and salary range for the Police Trainee position.
IMPACT TO FINANCIAL AND PERSONNEL RESOURCES:
There is funding for the Police Trainee position in the FY 2016/17 budget due to vacant
Police Officer positions in the Police Department. There are currently three vacant
positions in the Department for a budgeted total of $293,100. This will be a full-time
position at forty hours per week.
BACKGROUND:
Over the past several years, it has become more difficult to hire lateral Police Officers.
Most cities in the state are experiencing the same difficulties and it has become very
competitive to hire staff. The trend is moving towards sponsoring a candidate through
the Police Academy. When it comes to graduation time, the majority of the graduates
are already employed because of their sponsorships. Not only has it become difficult to
hire a lateral Police Officer, there are very few Police Officer Academy graduates
available for hire now. In order to be able to fill vacant positions, it is recommended that
the City should also begin sponsoring candidates through the Police Academy.
ANALYSIS OF ISSUES:
Since this would be a new position in the City, a job description has been developed to
reflect the duties. This position would be a non-sworn member of the Police Officers’
Item 9.b. - Page 1
CITY COUNCIL
CONSIDERATION OF A RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING A JOB DESCRIPTION AND
SALARY RANGE FOR THE POLICE TRAINEE POSITION
JULY 26, 2016
PAGE 2
Association. The salary range for this position would be Range 27. When the Police
Trainee successfully graduates from the Academy and begins patrol work, he/she would
be moved into the position of a sworn Police Officer.
ALTERNATIVES:
The following alternatives are provided for the Council’s consideration:
- Adopt the Resolution;
- Do not adopt the Resolution;
- Modify as appropriate and adopt the Resolution; or
- Provide direction to staff.
ADVANTAGES:
By sponsoring a candidate through the Police Academy, the City will have secured a
new hire for the Police Department. During the Academy, a supervisor will also be
working with the candidate and preparing them for patrol work.
DISADVANTAGES:
The disadvantage is the training time and financial costs to bring a new hire on. The
length of the Academy is twenty-one weeks. A Police Trainee could drop out during the
Academy, not successfully graduate from the Academy, or get injured during the
Academy which would have financial implications for the City. Successful completion of
the Academy is a condition of employment. If the Police Trainee does not successfully
complete the Academy, they would be dismissed.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW:
No environmental review is required for this item.
PUBLIC NOTIFICATION AND COMMENTS:
The Agenda was posted in front of City Hall on Thursday, July 21, 2016. The Agenda
and report were posted on the City’s website on Friday, July 22, 2016. No public
comments were received.
Item 9.b. - Page 2
RESOLUTION NO.
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
ARROYO GRANDE ESTABLISHING A JOB DESCRIPTION AN D
SALARY RANGE FOR THE POLICE TRAINEE POSITION
WHEREAS, the City of Arroyo Grande (“City”) currently has vacant Police Officer
positions; and
WHEREAS, an evaluation of the needs of the organization resulted in a
recommendation to create a new Police Trainee job classification; and
WHEREAS, the City Council deems it in the best interest of the City to establish a
Police Trainee position so the City can sponsor a candidate through the Police
Academy, which will assist with recruitment issues; and
WHEREAS, the City Council deems it in the best interest of the City to establish a job
description for the position of Police Trainee, a copy of which is attached hereto as
Exhibit “A” and incorporated herein by this reference; and
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Arroyo Grande (“City) deems it in the best
interest of the City to establish a salary range for the position of Police Trainee. This
position will be placed on the Police Officers’ Association non-sworn salary schedule.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Arroyo
Grande does hereby establish the position of Police Trainee to perform the duties and
responsibilities set forth in the job description so attached as Exhibit “A”. The position of
Police Trainee shall receive the rate of pay as follows:
POSITION: Police Trainee
Range: POA Non-sworn, Range 27
$4,507/month
This Resolution shall become effective as of July 27, 2016.
On motion of Council Member __________, seconded by Council Member
___________, and on the following roll call vote, to wit:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
the foregoing Resolution was passed and adopted this ____ day of_________ , 2016.
Item 9.b. - Page 3
RESOLUTION NO.
PAGE 2
JIM HILL, MAYOR
ATTEST:
KELLY WETMORE, CITY CLERK
APPROVED AS TO CONTENT:
GEOFF ENGLISH, ACTING CITY MANAGER
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
HEATHER WHITHAM, CITY ATTORNEY
Item 9.b. - Page 4
Exhibit A
CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE
POLICE TRAINEE
Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by
employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the
job.
DEFINITION
To attend, participate in and successfully pass all required classes in a Peace Officer Standards
and Training (P.O.S.T) certified academy, which requires basic law enforcement training in
academics, leadership, tactical skills, general performance and physical ability. Upon successful
completion of the academy, incumbents will be promoted to the position of Police Officer.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This is a trainee level, non-sworn position in which incumbents will be learning the duties of a
Police Officer. In this position, incumbents do not have Peace Officer status. Failure to graduate
from the P.O.S.T. Academy training program within the prescribed Academy schedule will be
grounds for termination.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives general supervision from higher level law enforcement staff.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTION STATEMENTS--Essential and other important responsibilities and
duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
Essential Functions:
1. Attend a P.O.S.T certified police academy and participates in all required classes and
training exercises.
2. Successfully complete and pass all required classes.
3. Maintain, operate and safely store all specialized police equipment necessary for the
Academy.
4. Perform related duties and responsibilities as required by the Police Chief, Police
Commander and/or Police Sergeant to meet the needs of the Police Department.
5. Responsible for self-compliance with regulations, policies and procedures.
6. Accept responsibility and exercise reasonably appropriate discretion in matters not
specifically defined or described in the Police Department regulations, policies,
procedures, and job description.
7. Consistently demonstrate exemplary courtesy, initiative, diligence, truthfulness, attention to
duty, and observance of proper personal discipline in accordance with Police Department
standards.
8. Perform other related duties as assigned.
Item 9.b. - Page 5
CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE
Police Trainee (Continued)
Page 2
QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:
1. Basic verbal and written English language, grammar and spelling to be able to
reasonably communicate information with the public and/or complete relevant written
documentation required by job activities.
2. Basic math and calculations.
3. Operational characteristics and use of modern equipment including office equipment,
computers and supporting word processing applications.
4. Upon completion of the Academy, ability to demonstrate knowledge of basic laws,
procedures and techniques related to policing.
5. Principles and practices of exceptional customer service.
Ability to:
1. Complete and pass the P.O.S.T. certified Police Academy.
2. Prepare and write clear and concise reports.
3. Interpret, explain and apply federal, state and local laws and Lexipol policies, procedures
and regulations by graduation of the Academy.
4. Effectively and proficiently use and care for a firearm by graduation of the Academy.
5. Participate in all required classes.
6. Analyze situations and adopt a quick, effective and reasonable course of action.
7. Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
8. Comprehend and follow oral and written instructions.
9. Work independently in the absence of direct and immediate supervision.
10. Operate office equipment including computers and supporting word processing
applications.
11. Operate a vehicle safely, under normal and emergency conditions.
12. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course
of work.
13. Maintain effective audio/visual discrimination and perception to the degree necessary for
the successful performance of assigned duties.
14. Maintain physical condition appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and
responsibilities.
EXPERIENCES AND TRAINING GUIDELINES
Any combination of experience and training that would provide the required knowledge and
abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
Experience:
No experience is required.
Training:
Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth (12th) grade, e.g. a high school diploma or a GED.
License or Certificate:
Possession of and ability to maintain a valid California driver's license throughout employment.
Possession of, or ability to obtain, valid CPR and First aid certificates.
Other:
Minimum 21 years of age upon successful graduation from the Academy.
Item 9.b. - Page 6
CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE
Police Trainee (Continued)
Page 3
WORKING CONDITIONS
Environmental Conditions:
Exposure to indoor and outdoor classroom and field training conditions; outdoor weather
conditions; loud noises; working with explosives; moving objects/persons/vehicles.
Physical Conditions:
Job duties and responsibilities may req uire maintaining physical condition necessary for bending,
stooping, kneeling, crawling, running, standing, sitting or walking for prolonged periods of time;
carrying up to one hundred pounds; the ability to discharge a firearm; and operate vehicles in a
reasonably safe manner.
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