HomeMy WebLinkAbout04.07.2008• •
COUNCIL WORK SESSION
April 7, 2008
5:00 p.m.
Council Chambers
Members present: Mayor Hurley, Cole, Getty, Hart, Greenwood, Steve Schmitt, Welper, Reggie
Schmitt.
Moved by Reggie Schmitt, seconded by Welper that the Agenda, as proposed, be approved.
Ayes: Seven. Motion carried.
The purpose of the work session was to discuss a phased -in plan to staff the Police Department
crime lab with civilian personnel.
The Police Department gave a presentation on the history of the police crime lab, costs, and new
trends. The crime lab originated in the 1950s and services was provided 24/7. Over the years,
staffing levels have declined to the current level of one sergeant and three officers. The 24/7
coverage gradually was replaced by five day weeks, two shifts. Lieutenant Carter reviewed the
lab's responsibilities, police applicants and the process to hire an officer.
Lieutenant Carter explained that the perfect police applicant has good communication skills,
strong competitive drive, works well with others, team oriented and a sales type personality. The
weakness of applicants to crime lab is that police officers are not experts in technology, they
don't like working alone, they prefer constant interaction and change, and they are not suited to
inside/desk work.
Lieutenant Carter noted the technical skills required for the crime lab include: digital, film and
video photography; digital and video enhancement and processing; development of fingerprints
using powders, chemicals, dyes; alternate light source technology; evidence related to firearms
and ballistics; blood spatter evidence; installation of portable alarm systems; certification by the
Iowa DCI for chemical testing of marijuana; DNA collection; footwear and tire track
impressions; trace evidence collection; crime vision video enhancement system; installing
surveillance cameras and associated equipment. Lieutenant Carter compared the skills of a
sworn officer to the required skills for a civilian lab tech. The average police officer does not
have the technical skills required for the crime lab. The Police Department has found that filling
the crime lab positions with police officers can be extremely difficult, and combing the duties of
both positions limits the number of qualified applicants.
Lieutenant Carter commented that the national trend is many cities, counties and state agencies
have switched or are in the process of transferring to civilian lab staff, including the FBI, Iowa
DCI, Des Moines, Council Bluff, Davenport and Sioux City. Cedar Rapids is the only major
area with police officers still filling this position.
Lieutenant Carter explained that civilian lab techs have lower salaries than sworn officers,
investment would be more long term, hiring technically skilled applicants suited for this type of
work saves training others and this would place more sworn officers on the street.
Lieutenant Carter noted that the city pays for a variety of training to transform an officer to a lab
investigator at a cost of $5,000 to $10,000. Contractually, the department cannot make the
officers stay in the crime lab position, and they usually opt out of the lab taking that training with
them.
A cost comparison for an officer versus crime lab tech was reviewed. The Police Department
will be short three positions as of July 2008 due to retirements and a short term disability. The
savings generated in the salary line from not filling any of these positions until September 1,
2008 would be $47,427. The cost to hire one lab tech on July 1, 2008 could be from $38,768 to
$45,135.
Council Work Session
April 7, 2008
Page 2
Over the next two years, the Police Department's goal is to increase the number of civilian lab
officers to three, with one sworn sergeant. Because of the salary difference, the Police Depart
would like to maintain the 120 sworn officers but gain three street officers for the cost of
approximately two officers.
Police Chief Tom Jennings reported they have determined how to pay for the lab position for the
first year, but in years two and three they would be adding civilian positions to make it work.
Mayor Hurley noted that part of the strategy with having police officers work in the crime lab is
that these officers can be used during a crisis or special events, and the Police Chief feels he
would feel the pinch if he cannot keep 120 sworn officers. Chief Jennings reported that the
crime lab officers are used during candidates visits and special events.
Lieutenant Carter noted that Waterloo's police lab is recognized as one of the best in the state,
and the police officer retiring in 18 months is one of the most senior crime lab techs in the state.
Chief Jennings noted that he feels Waterloo can draw good candidates because of the type and
volume of work and because we are a large, metropolitan area. Chief Jennings noted the
department has already been contacted by several individuals interested in the civilian crime lab
tech job. Chief Jennings explained that they have talked with the current Sheriff regarding
sharing the crime lab, and the current Sheriff is interested but a new sheriff will be elected in a
few months and will have to be approached at that time.
Councilperson Getty asked that Chief Jennings put this request on the full council agenda in two
weeks.
Mayor Hurley noted that there are several options: Have the Police Chief prepare for a civilian
crime lab meaning adding additional positions, or adopt the civilian idea but we can't afford
additional positions. Mayor Hurley explained one crime lab officer retires at the end of June and
the other officer will retire in 18 months. The Police Chief would like time to start training the
civilian techs, and it will probably take three to five years to fill all three civilian positions.
Mayor Hurley explained that the council needs to understand how this change will affect the
Police Department's budget. Mayor Hurley agreed that this item could be put on the full council
agenda in two weeks.
With no further business before the council, it was moved by Cole, seconded by Reggie Schmitt
that the meeting be adjourned at 5:30 p.m. Ayes: Seven. Motion carried.
Nancy Eckert
City Clerk
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