HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 2/1/2012 - Police CommissionMcHenry Police Commission
February 1, 2012
Chairman Haley called the meeting to order at 4 p.m. in the McHenry Municipal Center
Aldermen’s Conference Room. In attendance were Commissioners Gregorio, Haley and Roberts.
Absent: None. Also in attendance were Chief Jones, Deputy Chief Birk, Deputy Chief Kreassig,
and Deputy Clerk Kunzer.
Consideration of Minutes:
Motion by Roberts, seconded by Gregorio, to approve the minutes of the January 4, 2012 Police
Commission meeting as presented.
Voting Aye: Gregorio, Haley, Roberts.
Voting Nay: None.
Absent: None.
Motion carried.
Update on Recent Hires
Chief Jones reported Officer Zumwalt has just begun step 2 of his training and is doing very
well.
In response to an inquiry from Chairman Haley, Chief Jones stated it is unlikely there would be
any hires from the current eligibility list in the near future unless unforeseen circumstances
arise.
Discussion: Promotion Exam Process and Development of Timetable
Chairman Haley noted the Commission is looking towards a September through November
exam and interview process. In response to his inquiry, Deputy Chief Birk noted the current
promotion list expires on November 26, 2012. Chairman Haley stated it is not necessary to
establish the promotion exam timetable at this time.
Report: Information Regarding Proposed Testing Agencies, Including:
a. Evaluation of Exams Provided
b. Cost of Exams per Unit
Chief Jones provided the Commission with a report on two testing agencies exams and
proposed cost to obtain testing materials. He noted that Stanard and Associates requires the
testing officers to purchase approximately $450 worth reading materials (5 to 6 books). IO
Solutions has elected to selectively produce a binder which includes portions of each of the five
or six books required to be studied for the exam at a total cost of $150. The cost of reading
materials in either case is borne by the officer.
Discussion ensued regarding the fact that there would likely be no promotions made following
the posting of the list. It was noted it might be in the best interest of the testing officers to go
with the firm which would require minimal financial outlay (IO solutions, due to the reduced
cost for reading materials). Chairman Haley pointed out, even if there are no promotions in the
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foreseeable future, he believed the testing process should not be taken lightly and should not
be compromised. The selection of testing firm should not be based solely on reduced cost to
the officers or the City. He stressed that the firm with the best product (exam) should be
utilized.
Chief Jones further noted the cost per candidate for the exam is $100 for Stanard and
Associated versus $75 for IO Solutions. He noted, however, that IO Solutions offers two grades
of exams: one for promotion to sergeant (cost of $75); one for promotion to lieutenant (cost of
$100). Brief discussion followed regarding the fact that sergeants in McHenry typically perform
management tasks and make decisions which lieutenants would make at departments where
there is a three-tiered level versus the City’s two-tiered structure. Deputy Chief Birk stated he
would look into the difference in the two exams and provide further information to the
Commission at its next meeting. The Commission would then be able to determine which exam
offered by IO Solutions, if that is the selected firm, should be used for the promotion process.
Discussion: CALEA Protocol
Deputy Chief Kreassig reported the onsite CALEA certification assessment went very well. The
department received a report from the national CALEA headquarters advising of the anticipated
recertification. However, the report was disappointing in that there were numerous errors,
typos, misrepresentations, etc. Deputy Chief Kreassig has requested a revised/corrected letter
of notification be sent to the City.
Deputy Chief Kreassig noted a procedural list of steps required to be followed in the
promotional process needs to be established and posted prior to beginning the process. A
completed actual testing exam must also be included in the CALEA documentation regarding
the promotional process. The CALEA Assessment Team also noted a deficiency in the lateral
transfer policy of the City. Staff will be addressing that issue as well. The policy will be
submitted to the Commission for review and approval prior to being implemented.
Brief discussion occurred regarding the possibility of investigating State of Illinois certification
as opposed to CALEA. It was noted the certification cost would be greatly reduced if that were
the case. The annual dues, conferences, etc. required by CALEA are extremely costly to the
department. Staff will investigate and bring information to the Commission at a future meeting.
Discussion: Who Should be Permitted to Take Promotion Exam
Chief Jones stated the requirements for taking the promotional exam require an officer to have
completed three years with the department. Deputy Chief Birk noted as of September 1, 2012
there would be 28 officers eligible to take the exam. If the exam is scheduled on or after
September 14, 2012 two additional officers would be eligible bringing the total to 30.
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Discussion: Oral Interview Questions as Provided by Staff
Chief Jones noted he and his Staff would come up with proposed questions for the oral
interviews. The questions would be provided to the Commission for consideration at a later
date.
Other Business
There was no Other Business discussed.
Adjournment
Motion by Gregorio, seconded by Roberts, to adjourn the meeting at 4:25 p.m.
Voting Aye: Gregorio, Haley, Roberts.
Voting Nay: None.
Absent: None.
Motion carried.
The meeting was adjourned at 4:25 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
___________________________________
Kathleen M Kunzer, Deputy Clerk