HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 8/3/2011 - Police CommissionMcHenry Police Commission
August 3, 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 Gregorio and Haley. Absent:
Commissioner Roberts. Also in attendance were Chief Jones, Deputy Chief Lumber, Deputy
Chief Kreassig, HR Manager Zinanni and Deputy Clerk Kunzer.
Consideration of Minutes: July 6, 2011 regularly scheduled meeting
Motion by Gregorio, seconded by Haley, to approve the minutes of the July 6, 2011 Police
Commission meeting as presented.
Voting Aye: Gregorio, Haley.
Voting Nay: None.
Absent: Roberts.
Motion carried.
Status: Application and Testing Process
HR Manager Zinanni distributed to commissioners copies of employment applications of the 27
candidates who passed the written and physical agility exams on July 9, 2011. It was noted each
of the candidates would be interviews by the joint Commission/Staff interview teams.
In response to an inquiry from Chairman Haley, Chief Jones noted his concerns regarding the
quality, caliber and testing monitors of the physical agility exam. He noted it appeared to be
disorganized and it did not appear to be on a par with the requirements of the physical agility
test at the Champaign Police Academy. He stated the test monitors were not good at counting
laps, nor were they stressing the importance of correct form for doing sit-ups. He expressed
disappointment and noted candidates were not tested in a manner that would ensure they
would be capable of passing the test at the Academy. Chief Jones stated his preference that the
physical agility test standards be the same as that required at the state police academy.
Otherwise, the physical agility test component is a waste of time and money.
Chief Jones stated the written test appeared to be more of a challenge than the one provided
to candidates two years ago by Stanard and Associates. The written test resulted in more of a
curve and there was greater disparity in test results.
Deputy Chief Lumber agreed the written test was much more difficult than during the previous
testing process.
In response to an inquiry, it was noted both the physical agility and written tests were pass-fail.
Scenario Questions for Oral Interviews
Deputy Chief Lumber provided four potential scenario questions to be considered for use
during the oral interviews. After brief discussion, the fourth question was thrown out as it
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appeared inappropriate. Deputy Chief Lumber stated he would attempt to come up with a
question to replace it.
Deputy Chief Lumber then provided a list of ten interview questions. Discussion occurred
regarding the best way to ensure each of the questions was addressed. It was decided there
would be two interview teams. The first interview question would be asked by both teams. The
remainder of the questions would be divided up as follows:
Team #1: Questions 1, 3, 5, 7, 9 – Scenario questions 1 and 3.
Team #2: Questions 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 – Scenario questions 2 and 4.
Team membership shall be comprised as follows:
Team #1: Commissioner Roberts, Commissioner Gregorio, Deputy Chief Kreassig.
Team #2: Chairman Haley, Chief Jones, Deputy Chief Lumber.
Chairman Haley noted the interviews would begin on Saturday, August 13th at 8 a.m. and
requested all to be in attendance by 7:30 a.m.
HR Manager Zinanni requested the candidates be scored on their oral interviews based on
100% being perfect. She noted the written exam was also based on 100%. She intends to take
50% of the oral score plus 50% of the written score to determine the candidate score from
which they will be ranked on the candidate eligibility list.
Discussion followed regarding the Job Interview Evaluation Form provided by HR Manager
Zinanni. It was agreed the form could be used as a guide during the oral interview process. It
would be good to make notes on the form to assist in recalling each of the candidates when
final ranking takes place.
Chairman Haley noted during breaks (lunch, end of day, etc) in the interview process, the teams
would discuss the candidates and devise a cumulative preliminary ranking to aid in the final
ranking when all interviews have been completed. He noted this process worked very well
during the candidate testing process in 2009.
It was noted interviews would be conducted by the Teams in the Aldermen’s Conference Room
and the Council Chambers. HR Manager Zinanni stated she would reserve the rooms for the
interviews to be scheduled on:
Saturday, August 13th 8 a.m. until 3 p.m.
Wednesday, August 17th starting at 4 p.m.
Saturday, August 20th 8 a.m. until 3 p.m.
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Other Business
Chief Jones noted there would likely be three candidates hired from the new eligibility list. One
officer recently retired, one officer will be transferring to another downstate department, and
there is the possibility of one other officer leaving.
Deputy Chief Lumber noted he has reserved three spots for the October Police Academy in
Champaign.
Deputy Chief Lumber stated Officer O’Brien has been on her own for two days and is doing very
well.
Adjournment
Motion by Gregorio, seconded by Haley, to adjourn the meeting at 4:43 p.m.
Voting Aye: Gregorio, Haley.
Voting Nay: None.
Absent: Roberts.
Motion carried.
The meeting was adjourned at 4:43 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
___________________________________
Kathleen M Kunzer, Deputy Clerk