4.4C. SR 10-09-2000
Memorandum
Item 4.4.C.
J,j
To: Mayor and City Council
From: Thomas D. Zerwas~ Chief of Police ~?!J ~
Date: October 4~ 2000
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ElI<
Police Department
Subject: PROMOTING CRIME PREVENTION
SPECIALIST TO PATROL OFFICER
In October of 1999, we hired a police officer and a crime prevention
specialist (CPS). The CPS is Darren McKernan. At the time he was
hired~ he was our second choice for the position of police officer.
Over the past year" Darren has proven hitnself to be a very capable~
dedicated and hardworking employee.
A year has since gone by and Darren would like to fulfill his desire to
be a licensed police officer. Darren had hoped that we would be
adding an additional officer with our 2001 budget; however~ that
turned out not to be the case.
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Darren then came to the conclusion that he should apply for police
officer openings in the area. After discussing this with Darren and the
Assistant Chief~ I came to the conclusion that we should attempt to
retain Darren especially because of the difficulty other agencies and
we have had in finding good officer candidates. I also discussed this
with City Administrator Pat Klaers and Finance Director Lori .Johnson
and they" too~ agree that with the current market climate :for police
officer candidates~ we should prom.ote Darren to a police officer
position.
My proposal to the city council is that we elevate Darren from CPS to
the position of full...tim.e police officer. We would leave the full...titne
CPS position vacant until a later date when the budget vvould allow it
to be filled. This vvould a.nl.ount to about a six thousand dollar
($6~OOO.OO) increase in the 2001 budget. At this point in titne,. we
intend on cutting back on conference and schools to cover this
increase.
If you agree with this request" it vvould be contingent on Darren
passing the screening process. If you have any questions in regards to
this request, please give me a call. ,
TDZIkma
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13065 Orono Parkway. P.O. Box 723. Elk River, MN 55330. (612) 441-2324. Fax (612) 441-8937