TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager to enter into an employment agreement with Anthony W. Batts, Chief of Police.
DISCUSSION
Chief of Police Anthony W. Batts recently requested that the City consider entering into an employment agreement with him so as to provide assurance to Mr. Batts of the City's longterm commitment to retain him as Chief of Police.
Although employment agreements for City management staff are somewhat rare in our City -- I believe the City Manager and the Executive Director of the Harbor Department are currently the only City employees who have been provided with such agreements -- I have learned that cities do, from time to time, extend such arrangements to key personnel such as chiefs of police, particularly when there are transitions contemplated in senior City management. In fact, I believe there are no fewer than 96 chiefs of police throughout California who have been provided employment agreements by their cities.
As you know, Chief Batts has served this community exceptionally well throughout his career and certainly since the Fall of 2002 when I first appointed him to his current position. During each successive year, Chief Batts has led the Long Beach Police Department with distinction and he has meaningfully contributed to annual reductions in violent crime, the single highest priority of this and previous City Councils.
The Employment Agreement attached specifies the duties, term, severance and other provisions negotiated between the City Manager and Chief Batts and is presented for your approval.
I strongly believe retaining Chief Batts over the long-term is of substantial benefit to the City of Long Beach, Long Beach Police Department and community overall and, moreover, that he has earned this unique consideration from the City of Long Beach.
This item was prepared in consultation with City Attorney Robert E. Shannon.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
GERALD R. MILLER
CITY M...
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