06-29-82 Safety Comm Minutes4:00 P. M. June 29, 1982
Conference Room
Mayor McDowell,
Councilman Grainger presided. Those present were/Councilmen O'Boyle, Vidal, Saverud,
and Palmer; Police Chief Stefanie, Asst. Chief Hellman, Det. Stotts and Sgt.
Fredenberg.
Topics for discussion were "System of Promotion" and "Step Program"
Chief Stefanie explained that the policy has been to promote by seniority, but he
feels that the senior patrolman might not necessarily be the best person for
sergeant. The position being considered at this time is Sgt. Giffords who retired
on a medical.
Chief Stefanie stated that other conditions than seniority would be time - a minimum
of five years service with the KPD; a written exam of 145 questions, an oral board
appointed by the Mayor which could consist of the Mayor, Chief of Police, possibly 1
or 2 members from the Police Commission, Asst. Chief of Police, member of the
safety committee, outside community level person, either 5 or 7 members total and a
staff evaluation by the KPPA.
The written exam would count 30%; oral exam 40%; staff evaluation 10%; senority 10'0;
essay questions by Chief 10%.
Sgt. Fredenberg stated that the majority of officers do not endorse this policy, but
recognize managerial rights to adopt it.
Councilman Palmer would like 4 police people and 3 non -police people on the oral
board. The written test might eliminate a good person.
Councilman Vidal rated the policy as a great benefit to the department, fair and
objective.
Councilman O'Boyle stated he would be pleased to try the new process.
Committee recommended Chief Stefanie go ahead with the new policy.
STEP PROGRAM
Chief Stefanie explained that the STEP program has been an extremely successful
program, but the effectiveness has been largely washed away because the legislature
has taken away their right to write tickets. He says we have three options: 1)
continue as we are; 2) convert from civilians to policemen; 3) drop the project.
Advantages of continuing as we are - they investigate accidents, parking problems,
open locked car doors, conduct safety programs for schools, provide visibility,
relieve dispatchers and save overtime and escort funerals. If we convert to police-
men, we will have arrest powers; full equipment; armed; lots of flexibility; pull
off schedule rather than pay overtime and provide good training. If we drop the
program what happens to all the equipment we have'
Before the committee makes a decision, Asst. Chief Hellman is to write to Al Goke,
director, and ask about funding and equipment.
Meeting adjourned at 5:15 P. M.