HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 1/5/2011 - Police CommissionMcHenry Police Commission
January 5, 2011
A regular meeting of the City of McHenry Police Commission was called to order by Chairman
Haley on January 5, 2011 at 4 p.m. in the Municipal Center Aldermen’s Conference Room. In
attendance were Police Commissioners Ramon Gregorio, Sean Haley, and Michael Roberts. Also
in attendance were Deputy Chief Lumber and Deputy Chief Kreassig.
Chairman Haley wished all present a Happy New Year.
Consideration of Minutes: November 3, 2010 Regularly Scheduled Meeting
Motion by Gregorio, seconded by Roberts, to approve the Police Commission minutes of the
November 5, 2010 regularly scheduled meeting as presented.
Voting Aye: Gregorio, Haley, Roberts.
Voting Nay: None.
Absent: None.
Motion carried.
Update on Status of New Officers
Chairman Haley requested an update on the new officers. Deputy Chief Lumber advised Officer
Voelker is progressing well in his field training program. Recruit Christina O’Brien was sworn in
today and will begin at the Police Training Institute in Champaign on Sunday, January 9, 2011.
Update on Proposed Dates for New Hires
Deputy Chief Lumber stated the department hopes to hire one more officer. Discussion
occurred regarding whether to begin the hiring process for another officer utilizing the current
list or to wait for a new eligibility list to be posted n late summer. It was the consensus that,
since the City is not ready to hire at the present time, the current list be allowed to expire.
With the hiring of Voelker and O’Brien, all shifts will have 12 officers, allowing minimums to be
met and still affording officers the ability to take benefit time.
Roberts stated he would like the liaison officer re‐instated in the high school; however, budget
concerns with the school district may not allow for that possibility. The school community
needs, and does, support the liaison officer position.
Discussion Regarding Testing Firm and Testing Process
Deputy Chief Lumber opined the writing segment should be included in the next testing
process. Discussion followed regarding the testing process and components which should be
included. It was the consensus that a timetable needs to be established, including advertising
for 30 days, allowing approximately 30 days to pick up and complete applications, and establish
a date when the candidate list must be posted. All agreed that the process went well last time,
with the physical test held in the morning, and only those that pass allowed to move on to the
written test the same afternoon.
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January 5, 2011
It was noted the current testing company, Stenard & Associates, does not include a writing
segment in their test. Deputy Chief Kreassig suggested the Department could film a scenario
and require a written report of the scenario be completed by the candidates as a part of the
testing process.
Roberts indicated that writing rubrics exist and are used by the school district. They can serve a
two‐fold purpose: can the applicant write? And, can the applicant visualize and write what
he/she sees?
Deputy Chief Lumber stated he is familiar with the testing done by the DEA, which includes
watching a video and writing what is seen, in a set time frame. Chairman Haley stated he felt
that the physical portion is used purely for elimination. He opined while the written test is
important, the oral interviews are the most important element in coming to a final decision
regarding the candidate list. Deputy Chief Lumber advised the previous Commission was not
receptive to any changes in the testing procedure, but this Commission seems to want to hire
the best possible candidates.
Chairman Haley stated that the function of the Police Commission is to assist the Department in
obtaining qualified candidates. The first priority is to determine the segments of the test and
what weight will be given the segments, and then to approach Human Resources. HR needs
time to evaluate and comment.
Deputy Chief Lumber stated he will obtain more information on the testing company used by
the Illinois State Police for the next meeting. He noted the firm allows a department to
customize the test for the needs and requirements of the department.
Projected Timeline for Testing Schedule and Posting for New Candidate Entry Level List
Tentative dates were discussed for testing. It was suggested to begin advertising in late April, or
early May, 2011 targeting a June test date. It was the consensus that the schedule should be
finalized at the April Commission meeting.
All agreed that the process utilized to create the current candidate list worked well. Deputy
Chief Kreassig stated that any comments written on applications during interviews are available
to the detective assigned to do the background check. Some of those comments prompted
questions from the detectives. It was suggested a separate form could be used to record
comments.
Roberts stated the Commission should set a date for testing, with approval from HR, and work
backward from there to determine when to advertise and determine a time frame for
submitting applications.
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January 5, 2011
Chairman Haley stated a month should be slotted for oral interviews. Deputy Chief Lumber
requested that the new list be ready for posting when the current list expires. Chairman Haley
stated the process needs to be completed, regardless of the City’s intent to hire officers when
the new list is posted.
Establish 2011 Commission Meeting Schedule
Chairman Haley requested comments on date and time of commission meetings. Everyone was
still comfortable with the first Wednesday of the month at 4:00 pm.
Motion by Gregorio, seconded by Roberts, to establish the 2011 Police Commission Meetings as
follows:
Wednesday, January 5, 2011, 4 p.m. Aldermen’s Conference Room
Wednesday, February 2, 2011, 4 p.m. Aldermen’s Conference Room
Wednesday, March 2, 2011, 4 p.m. Aldermen’s Conference Room
Wednesday, April 6, 2011, 4 p.m. Aldermen’s Conference Room
Wednesday, May 4, 2011, 4 p.m. Aldermen’s Conference Room
Wednesday, June 1, 2011, 4 p.m. Aldermen’s Conference Room
Wednesday, July 6, 2011, 4 p.m. Aldermen’s Conference Room
Wednesday, August 3, 2011, 4 p.m. Aldermen’s Conference Room
Wednesday, September 7, 2011, 4 p.m. Aldermen’s Conference Room
Wednesday, October 5, 2011, 4 p.m. Aldermen’s Conference Room
Wednesday, November 2, 2011, 4 p.m. Aldermen’s Conference Room
Wednesday, December 7, 2011, 4 p.m. Aldermen’s Conference Room
Voting Aye: Gregorio, Haley, Roberts/
Voting Nay: None.
Absent: None.
Motion carried.
Other Business
Chairman Haley forwarded a bill for $135 from Theodore Polygraph, for services rendered, to
the Police Department for payment.
Chairman Haley asked if any other personnel should be attending the Commission meeting.
Discussion occurred regarding asking Sgt. McKeen, field training coordinator, or one of the
FTO’s to attend. Deputy Chief Kreassig suggested a detective who would be involved in the
background investigation of applicants could be invited to attend the Commission meetings. It
was noted HR would be invited as needed. Deputy Chief Lumber stated it would be beneficial
to hear from a FTO if there is an area that all new officers struggle with, in order to improve the
testing process. Chairman Haley stated he thought it was good for officers to be involved in the
hiring and promotion process. Numerous officers expressed their satisfaction with the
promotional interviews conducted recently.
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January 5, 2011
Adjournment
Motion by Roberts seconded by Gregorio to adjourn the meeting at 5:00 p.m.
Voting Aye: Gregorio, Haley, Roberts.
Voting Nay: None.
Absent: None.
Motion carried. The meeting was adjourned at 5:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
________________________________
Joan Lunsmann, Administrative Assistant