HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 10/5/2011 - Police CommissionMcHenry Police Commission
October 5, 2011
Chairman Haley called the meeting to order at 4 p.m. in the McHenry Municipal Center
Aldermen’s Conference Room. In attendance were Commissioners Haley and Roberts. Absent:
Commissioner Gregorio. Also in attendance were Chief Jones, Deputy Chief Birk, Deputy Chief
Kreassig, and Deputy Clerk Kunzer.
Consideration of Minutes: August 3, 2011 regularly scheduled meeting
Motion by Roberts, seconded by Haley, to approve the minutes of the August 3, 2011 Police
Commission meeting as presented.
Voting Aye: Haley, Roberts.
Voting Nay: None.
Absent: Gregorio.
Motion carried.
Review and Discuss 2011 Candidate Application Testing and Results Process and Evaluation of
IO Solutions Testing Package
Chairman Haley stated his belief that the written test offered by IO Solutions was much more
rigorous and fair than that which had been provided by Stanard and Associates. The physical
fitness test left a little to be desired, particularly as there were not enough monitors to count
laps, repetitions, etc.
Chief Jones noted in spite of the difficulties with the physical fitness portion of the testing,
overall he was pleased with the services provided by IO Solutions. The written test was certainly
of better quality than the previous written test provided by Stanard and Associates. He
suggested meeting with representatives of IO Solutions prior to the next testing session and
voice concerns regarding the manner in which the physical fitness testing was conducted.
Deputy Chief Kreassig suggested the Police Department could conduct the physical fitness
portion of the testing process. Chief Jones acknowledged the Department could conduct the
physical fitness portion of the testing. The Department currently has two licensed physical
fitness instructors with two more currently enrolled in the licensing program. Deputy Chief Birk
acknowledged there are other agencies which conduct their own physical fitness tests as part of
the recruitment process.
Chairman Haley stated there is some value to having a third party conduct the physical fitness
tests and they would remain impartial as to the results.
Chief Jones noted even though IO Solutions was the firm hired to conduct the candidate
testing, they outsourced the psych and polygraph testing to Stanard and Associates. He found
that to be ironic.
PC
10/5/2011
Page 2
Chairman Haley sought other comments regarding the overall testing and evaluation process of
determining the final candidates list.
Deputy Chief Kreassig noted it was a good process. It offered a fair opportunity to determine
which candidates would likely become good officers. He also commented on how both teams
seemed to form a consensus regarding the evaluation of each candidate and the teams
concurred most of the time on proposed rankings.
Chief Jones concurred noting the City has been provided with a good list of candidates.
Deputy Chief Birk noted that although he was not a participant in the interview process, he had
opportunity to speak with each of the top three candidates as he was involved in background
investigations on them. He stated he was extremely impressed with the top three candidates.
Status of Recent Hires
Chairman Haley requested an update on recent department hires.
Chief Jones stated Officer Zumwalt left for the Police Academy last Sunday. He noted both
Officer O’Brien and Officer Voelker are doing extremely well and are very motivated and
impressive as new officers. He noted this is likely one of the benefits of the extremely
professional recruitment process.
Update on Proposed Additional Hires
Chairman Haley requested an update on the possibility of openings within the Department
which might require new hires.
Chief Jones responded noting the officer who had contemplated relocating to southern Illinois
is no longer moving and will remain with the Department. The second potential opening
relating to disciplinary action will also not occur. There is an officer who was injured in the line
of duty and has been out for some time, although it is hoped he will make a full recovery and
return to duty.
Chief Jones noted he may include a request for an additional officer in the 2011-2012 budget
requests.
Other Business
Chairman Haley established the following agenda for the next Commission meeting:
1. Consideration of the minutes of the 10/5/11 meeting;
2. Update on recent hires;
3. Discussion regarding timetable for 2012 sergeant’s exam;
4. Other business.
PC
10/5/2011
Page 3
Adjournment
Motion by Roberts, seconded by Haley, to adjourn the meeting at 4:26 p.m.
Voting Aye: Haley, Roberts.
Voting Nay: None.
Absent: Gregorio.
Motion carried.
The meeting was adjourned at 4:26 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
___________________________________
Kathleen M Kunzer, Deputy Clerk