HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - Increase in staffing level of sworn Police Officers RESOLUTION NO. 12-172
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING INCREASE OF STAFFING LEVEL
OF SWORN POLICE OFFICERS ON A TEMPORARY BASIS
FOR THE CITY OF AMES,IOWA
WHEREAS,replacing a police officer is a time intensive process,as officers are required by
law to attend and successfully complete a 14-week residential training program at the Iowa Law
Enforcement Academy; and,
WHEREAS, this training can not occur until the officer has actually been hired by a Police
Department,and,in addition,new Ames officers need to complete an approximately 13-week field
training experience within the department; and,
WHEREAS, the six-month time period between hiring new officers and their ability to
operate independently in the field is critical, since it limits the Police Department's ability to
maintain a full complement of officers on the street; and,
WHEREAS, in July 2010, it was proposed that the department hire new officers as soon as
a retirement or resignation date was known so that new officers could get into the training queue as
soon as possible; and,
WHEREAS, to accomplish that, the City Council temporarily increased the department's
authorized staffing level for sworn personnel from 53 to 54,and this action allows for the hiring and
training of a new officer prior to retirement of the departing officer for a temporary period of time;
and,
WHEREAS, although the Council's current authorization expires at the end of June 2012,
the challenges created by training new officers will continue into the next fiscal year,therefore, it
is appropriate for the Council to extend this authority to temporarily increase authorized strength for
Fiscal Year 2012/13; and,
WHEREAS,during the FY 2012/13 budgeting process,provision for this type of temporary
position was made in the Crime Prevention and Police Services section of the budget, carrying
forward savings from unspent payroll funds in the amount of$40,000; and,
WHEREAS, the need for funding will be impacted by the timing of a particular officer
leaving and the availability of a qualified replacement.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Ames, Iowa,
that authorization to temporarily increase the staffing level in the Police Department for sworn
personnel from 53 to 54 for the 2012/13 fiscal year is hereby approved.
ADOPTED THIS 10`'' day of April, 2012.
Diane R. Voss, City Clerk Ann H. Campbell, Mayor
Introduced by: Goodman
Seconded by: Davis
Voting aye: Davis, Goodman, Larson, Orazem, Szopinski, Wacha
Voting nay: None Absent: None
Resolution declared adopted and signed by the Mayor this 1 O'h day of April, 2012.