TITLE
Recommendation to request City Manager to begin the application process for a Police Academy this year and report back to the City Council within 15 days identifying the funding for the academy and lateral hiring.
DISCUSSION
Since the current police staff levels are below the Police Department's projected needs, the Department is 19 officers below the budgeted staffing levels for this fiscal year and with the projected retirements for the next two years there is an immediate need to convene a Police Academy this fiscal year.
We believe that the present staffing levels are at or near critical levels. If the City does not convene an academy and promote lateral hires immediately, the staffing levels in the Department in two years will be devastating to this City.
Therefore, we request the City Manager begin the application process for a Police Academy this year and report back to the City Council within 15 days identifying the funding for the academy and lateral hiring.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
VICE MAYOR VAL LERCH, COUNCILMEMBER, 9TH DISTRICT
RAE GABELICH, COUNCILMEMBER, 8TH DISTRICT
PATRICK O'DONNELL, COUNCILMEMBER, 4TH DISTRICT