HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 7/11/2012 - Police Commission
City of McHenry
Board of Police Commissioners
July 11, 2012
Chairman Haley called the meeting to order at 4:00 PM in the City of McHenry Police Department
Conference Room. Also in attendance were Commissioner Gregorio and Commissioner Roberts. Others
present, Chief John Jones, Deputy Chief John Birk, and Executive Assistant Marci Geraghty.
Chairman Haley thanked Vice-Chair Roberts for leading the meeting on June 13th and for attending Ryan
Lusmann’s oath of office ceremony.
Consideration of Minutes
Motion by Roberts, seconded by Gregorio to approve the minutes from the June 13, 2012 Police
Commission meeting as presented.
Voting Aye: Gregorio, Roberts, Haley
Voting Nay: None
Motion carried.
Update on Recent Hires
Chief Jones advised Ryan Lusmann passed the agility test; he was given the oath of office on July 25th;
and he left for the Suburban Police Academy in Glen Ellyn on July 26th. It was noted D.C. Birk is a
graduated of the SPA.
A discussion ensued on police academies available in the state and why the SPA was selected. D.C. Birk
said timing of available classes and when candidates are hired is the main consideration when selecting an
academy. He also announced the Police Training Institute in Champaign is reopening and will be
considered in the future.
Officer Zumwalt is performing well in the field.
Update on Promotion Process
Deputy Chief Birk reported 14 officers from 28 who are eligible registered to take the sergeants test.
When asked why more are not participating, Birk stated some simply chose to remain officers, others are
waiting to gain more experience, and some do not want the added responsibilities. Chief Jones said
currently, the average experience level for officers in the department is five years or less. Birk added it is
possible one or two additional officers may elect to take the test prior to the July 17th deadline.
The written exam is scheduled for September 8th. A suggestion was made to move the September 5th
commission meeting to a date after the exam. It was the consensus of the commission not to reschedule
the meeting. Chairman Haley noted September is a busy time of year for some commissioners and he
reminded the board to mark their calendars for the meeting on September 5th.
The interview process timeline was discussed and the following schedule was established:
November 10th five interviews 6-9PM
November 12th five Interviews 6- 9PM
November 19th four Interviews 6-9 PM.
City of McHenry Board of Police Commissioners
July 11, 2012
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Chief Jones offered to provide the board with panel questions. The board agreed panel questions would
be helpful. Chief will present them at the August meeting.
Chairman Haley asked if officers will be ranked in a similar was as in the past. Chief said yes and noted
the breakdown is as follows:
Written Exam 40%
Oral Interview by Commission 45%
Chief Preferential Points 05%
Other Business
Chief Jones and the board reviewed the process for receiving and answering Police Commission mail in a
timely manner. The commissioners were in agreement to permit the recording secretary to receive mail
on behalf of the commission. Chairman Haley noted invoices paid on behalf of the commission should be
included in the minutes for the official record.
Chairman Haley asked if results and an invoice for services were received for psychological testing for
Officer Candidate Lusmann. Chief Jones said they have not received the results adding a new company
was used and he and DC Birk are interested in reviewing the results. They will check with HR Manager
Zinanni and report back to the commission at the next meeting.
Chairman Haley asked which officers on the Sergeants List compiled by the commission have been
promoted; how are they working out; and who is next on the list for promotion. Birk replied Cruz
Sciame, and Cox. Chief said they are all performing well. Sgt. Cox is also an entry team commander for
NIPAS and head of the CAP Team. Detective Sgt. Sciame has recently been moved to the defensive
tactics division. Sgt. Cruz was promoted this week. Chief Jones said Officer Sexton is first and Officer
Aalto is second on the promotion list. Chief also added Dan Kreassig was recently moved to the position
of Patrol Sgt.
Chief Jones informed the commission about the new command structure recently implemented by the
department. The position of Commander has been added effective July 11th and will report to the Deputy
Chief. Sgt. Laura King was promoted to Commander of Supplies and Services and will supervise civilian
personnel in the department. Sgt. Thomas Walsh was promoted to Commander of Field Operations and
will supervise sworn personnel.
Chairman Haley suggested Commanders attend commission meetings from time to time. Chief Jones
said that was a good idea. DC Birk said the Commanders are transitioning in their new roles and their
attendance at the September meeting would be something to consider.
Commissioner Gregorio noted the department needs additional police officers. DC Birk said it has been
five years since the department has been in full force (51 officers).
Adjournment
There being no further business to discuss, Gregorio made a motion, seconded by Roberts to adjourn the
meeting.
Voting Aye: Gregorio, Roberts, Haley
Voting Nay: None
Motion carried.
The meeting was adjourned at 4:40 PM.
City of McHenry Board of Police Commissioners
July 11, 2012
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Next meeting is August 1, 2012.
Respectfully submitted,
___________________________________
Marci Geraghty, Executive Assistant