Exh 8fAGENDA ITEM #SF
DECENLBER 8, 2003
STAFF REPORT
City of Atlantic Beach
Commission Meeting
AGENDA ITEM: Police Officer Recruitment/Retention: College Graduates
DATE: November 30, 2003
. l~
SUBMITTED BY: David E. Thompson, Chief of Police/DPS
BACKGROUND: Officer Recruitment/Retention Issues
The recruitment and retention of Atlantic Beach police officers has been discussed at
great length over the past year, and the city staff will be bringing several related issues
and considerations to the City Commission in the near future. However, there are time
constraints relative to the recruitment of college graduates into Trainee positions, and
commission approval is necessary in December 2003 to meet a January 2004 deadline.
Recruitment/Retention ofCollege Graduates
The competition for good police officer candidates has been becoming more competitive
over the past few years. In the past, the police department could simply advertise in the
newspaper, and it was not unusual for Atlantic Beach to receive more than eighty (80)
applications for a few open police positions.. In the past year, the department has
advertised in the newspaper and received fewer than ten (10) applications. In some cases,
none of the applicants were selected for the police positions.
In response to the need for police officers, police departments are expanding their
applicant pools by selecting applicants, and paying them to attend the State required law
enforcement training courses. To be eligible for consideration, the applicants must pass
the required testing mechanisms for full time employment with the Police Department.
The applicants are then hired, and the police department pays them to attend the Police
Academy. In return, the recruits sign an agreement stating that they will not voluntarily
leave employment with the department for three (3) years, or the recruits will be required
to reimburse the department for the cost for the salary and training at the academy.
The Atlantic Beach Police Department has explored this option, and the City Attorney
has reviewed and approved a contract for this purpose. The Police Department
recommends the creation of a Police Trainee position, which will be offered to selected
applicants with college degrees (four (4) year degree preferred).
This proposal is intended to integrate within the existing budget, and it will not add
personnel to the police department budget. The pay rate will be the same as a starting
police officer rate, but some benefits will be limited until the trainees successfully
complete their academy training.
AGENDA ITEM #8r
DECEMBER 8, 2003
BUDGET: The recommended classification will be implemented with no increase in
the police department budget.
RECOMMENDATIONS: To authorize a new classification of "Police Trainee" for
the police department.
ATTACIIMENTS: Job Description for Police Trainee Position
REVIEWED BY CITY MANAGER:
AGENDA ITEM NUMBER:
AGENDA ITE1vI #8F
DECEMBER 8, 2003
City of Atlantic Beach lob Description
Com leted b HR
Job Title: Police Trainee New: a ~ Recl: ;^
Reports to (Title): Police Lieutenant Job Code:' 50500
Department/Division: Public Safety Grade: 19
- FLSA: Non-exempt
GENERAL SUMMARY:
The Police Trainee's primary responsibility is to attend Law Enforcement Certification training
approved by the Florida Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission. The Police Trainee's
continuing employment with the City of Atlantic Beach is dependent on the successful completion of
the certification training. The Police Department will assist the Police trainee with the selection and
enrollment into an appropriate course of study, and the Police Department will pay the educational
expenses for the classes in addition to an hourly salary for the time spent in training.
The Police Trainee will sign a written commitment that he/she will not voluntarily leave employment
with the Atlantic Beach Police Department within three (3) years of graduating from the certification
training.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
The Police Trainee will attend the approved training in appropriate clothing, and at the dates and times
established by the training center/academy/community college.
The Police Trainee will be responsible for his/her transportation to and from the approved training center.
The Police Trainee will maintain passing academic and practical test scores as established by the training
center/academy/community college.
The Police Trainee will provide a weekly update, to his/her supervisor, discussing the trainee's performance and
progress in the course of study. Any deficiencies or failures will be identified in the updates.
During training sessions and in the trainee's interaction with the training center/academy/community college
staff, the Police Trainee will conduct him/herself in a professional manner at all time.
Any confirmed disciplinary problems or the inability to perform at a satisfactory level in the course, may result in
the termination of the employment of the Police Trainee.
Education and Experience:
Four (4) year college degree or two (2) year Associates Degree from an accredited college or university,
preferably in a Criminal Justice or a related field (Psychology, Sociology, Criminology).
Licenses and/or Certificates:
Must complete all requirements established by the State of Florida Criminal Justice Training and Standards
Commission, and must successfully pass all Atlantic Beach hiring standards/tests
Valid Driver's License and a satisfactory Motor Vehicle Record (MVR).
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Knowledge and Skills to be acquired in training.
Ability to analyze situations quickly and objectively to determine the proper course of action. Ability to cope with
situations tactfully, firmly, courteously, and with respect for the rights of others. Ability to react quickly and
AGENDA ITEM #8F
DECEMBER 8, 2003
City of Atlantic Beach ]ob Description
calmly in emergency situations. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. Ability to interpret
established rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
The physical conditions that apply to the Worker in this job are described as follows:
None: The worker is not substantially exposed to adverse environment conditions: job likely consists
of typical office work or administrative work.
OX The worker is subject to inside environmental conditions: protection from weather conditions but
not necessarily from temperamental changes (i.e. warehouses, covered loading docks, garages,
etc). '
OX The worker is subject to outside environmental conditions: no effective protection from the
weather.
OX The worker is subject to extreme cold: temperatures below 32 degrees for periods of more than
one hour.
QX The worker is subject to extreme heat: temperatures above 100 degrees for periods of more than
one hour.
0 The worker is subject to noise: there is sufficient noise to cause the workers to shout in order to be
heard above the surrounding noise level.
The worker is subject to vibration: exposure to oscillating movements of the extremities or whole
body.
OX The worker is subject to hazards: Includes a variety of physical conditions, such as proximity to
moving vehicles on roadways, mechanical parts, electrical current, working on scaffolding and high places or
chemicals.
0 The worker is subject to atmospheric conditions: one or more of the following conditions that
affect the respiratory system or the skin: fumes, odors, dust, mists, gases or poor ventilation.
The worker is subject to oils: there is air and/or skin exposure to oils and other cutting fluids.
0 The worker is required to wear a respirator.
AGENDA ITEM #8F
DECEMBER 8, 2003
City of Atlantic Beach fob Description
PHYSICAL ACTIVIITES:
Essential physical activities:
X~ Climbing ~ Balancing XD Stooping XD Kneeling XO Crouching XO Crawling
XD Reaching X~ Standing X~ Walking ~ Pushing X~ Pulling X~ Lifting
Xa Fingering X~ Grasping X~ Feeling X~ Talking X~ Hearing X~ Driving
Repetitive Motion
a Other (list): "
MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT: -
Machines, tools, equipment, electron ic devices, software, etc. used by pos ition:
Q Camera/photographic equipment
a Cleaning supplies (for firearms)
0 Commercial vehicle
0 Data processing equipment
0 Handcart
0 Hand tools
[~ Headset
0 Office equipment (desk, chair, phone, etc.}
Q Office machines (copier, facsimile, calculator, cash register, etc.)
Office supplies (pens, staplers, pencils, etc.}
Packaging materials (boxes, shrink wrap, etc.)
0 PC equipment (monitor, keyboard, printer, etc.)
XD PC software
Public safety equipment (firearms, radar, radio, mobile video systems, etc.)
a Other (list): OC spray, handcuffs, baton, gas mask
DISCLAIMER: The above information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and
level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a
comprehensive inventory of all duties and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.
For Office Use Only
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September 15, 2003
May 13, 2003
July, 2001
November, 2000
police Patrol Officer
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