8.4. SR 11-13-2001Police Department
Item ~ 8.4.
MEMORANDUM
TO:
Mayor and City Council
FROM:
DATE:
Thomas D. Zerwas, Chief of Police
November 7, 2001
SUBJECT: Elimination of Police Corporal Position
For the past twenty (20) years or so, the police department has utilized police corporals to
supervise patrol shifts when sergeants weren't working. The term "supervisor" was actually
not accurate as corporals are not really supervisors, but more similar to a lead person in the
street or sewer department. We have now come to a point with the growth and evolution in
the police department where it is more appropriate to have additional sergeants on duty to
supervise the patrol staff.
We currently have three (3) patrol sergeants and three (3) patrol corporals. What we plan to
do is eliminate the three (3) corporal assignments and return these officers back to patrol
officer functions. We would then promote one (1) police officer to the rank of Patrol
Sergeant. This would allow us to schedule sergeants to cover a larger share of the shifts with
actual supervisors.
For the shifts where sergeants would not be workingo we would to create a lead officer
assignment. These officers would be selected based on seniority and their ability to lead.
These officers selected would receive a minimal pay increase for those hours when a
sergeant was not on duty.
In the 2002 budget, we have included approximately $5,000.00 to cover the costs associated
with making these changes. I am, therefore, requesting authorization to eliminate the patrol
corporal assignments, adding one (1) additional patrol sergeant and creation of the lead
officer position.
In the near future, I see the need for another sergeant to be promoted to bring the number
of patrol sergeants to five (5). With five (5) sergeants, we believe that ninety percent (90%)
or more of all shifts would have a supervisor on duty.
If you have any questions in regards to this recommendation, please give me a call.
TDZ/kma