HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 3/2/2011 - Police CommissionMcHenry Police Commission
March 2, 2011
A regular meeting of the City of McHenry Police Commission was called to order by Chairman
Haley on March 2, 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, Deputy Chief Kreassig and Deputy Clerk Kunzer.
Consideration of Minutes: January 5, 2011 Regularly Scheduled Meeting
Motion by Roberts, seconded by Gregorio, to approve the Police Commission minutes of the
January 5, 2011 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 will graduate
at the end of March from the Police Training Institute in Champaign. It was noted for the record
that Officer O’Brien was #13 on the eligibility list.
In response to an inquiry, Deputy Chief Lumber noted there are currently no openings for
positions for sworn officers within the department.
Commissioner Roberts stated that if the City were to cut additional sworn officer positions
there could be a great impact on the community in that there could be a reduction in
enforcement of escalating problems such as drug abuse, fighting, underage drinking, etc.
Deputy Chief Lumber responded the department is almost fully staffed at this time. The City is
down four officers, the school resource officers and the County crime unit officer.
Deputy Chief Kreassig noted the City is proposing to reinstitute the canine unit. The Unit would
be funded with monies received from drug confiscation and vehicle impoundments relating to
drug cases. The proposal to re‐establish the canine unit will be before Council for consideration
at its March 7, 2011 regularly scheduled meeting.
Commissioner Roberts stated as the recession deepens the City would likely see a higher crime
rate.
Chairman Haley noted the role of the Commission is to make sure the candidate’s list for police
officer includes top notch individuals.
Police Commission Meeting
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March 2, 2011
Testing Firm Options
Deputy Chief Lumber stated the Illinois State Police utilizes the firm IO Solutions. This firm has
the capability of customizing the testing procedure and tests to the needs of each individual
department. The firm can create a written test that is tailored to the McHenry police
department. The goal would be to ensure that the candidates can look at a situation and be
able to document in writing what they have seen. This skill is extremely important in day‐to‐day
functions of the police officers. Deputy Chief Lumber stated he would take a serious look at IO
solutions in the next couple of months to determine if their testing methods and procedures
would meet the needs of the City.
Chairman Haley suggested that the City state its criteria for testing procedures and written
testing elements and request proposals on how this need can be satisfied. He suggested
proposals be sought from both IO Solutions and Stanard & Associates. In addition the proposal
should include the cost of the service so that it could be taken into consideration prior to
selecting the firm to be utilized.
Deputy Chief Lumber stated it is important to know the individual’s awareness comprehension.
The purpose of the video screening followed by written report documentation (essay) of the
screening is critical in order to be able to discern what the potential candidate sees, senses and
hears and how well and accurately they are able to put in writing what they have just
witnessed.
Commissioner Roberts inquired who would judge the written report segment of the test.
Deputy Chief Lumber responded the testing firm would score all aspects of the test. Deputy
Chief Lumber stated he, Chief Jones and Deputy Chief Kreassig would compile a list of
requirements for the written essay portion of the test.
Brief discussion occurred regarding the current requirements for applicants. It was the
consensus to maintain the current criteria including education requirements.
Timeline for Testing Schedule and Posting for New Candidate Entry Level List
The following timeline is projected for the new candidate list schedule:
Post advertisement for recruits Late April
Testing ‐ both agility and written June 18th or June 25th
Establish Commission interview dates April 6, 2011
Review and determine testing firm to
be utilized April 6, 2011
It was noted the current candidate’s list expires on August 25, 2011. It was the consensus that if
the Commission follows the stated testing schedule the new list should be posted prior to the
expiration of the existing candidate list.
Police Commission Meeting
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March 2, 2011
Other Business
There was no other business discussed.
Adjournment
Motion by Roberts seconded by Gregorio to adjourn the meeting at 4:37 p.m.
Voting Aye: Gregorio, Haley, Roberts.
Voting Nay: None.
Absent: None.
Motion carried. The meeting was adjourned at 4:37 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
________________________________
Kathleen M Kunzer, Deputy Clerk