PURPOSE:

The purpose of this report is to request City Council adoption of a resolution revising the specification for the classification of Police Cadet (CTC No. 0639), as shown in the attachments.

BACKGROUND:

The purpose of the Police Cadet classification is to have a number of qualified individuals readily available for promotion primarily to the position of Police Recruit/Officer, as well as other law enforcement related positions.  The Police Cadet is a trainee-level position which introduces the incumbent to a variety of law enforcement careers through practical experience while allowing the Police Department the opportunity to assess the qualifications of the incumbent through actual work performance.  Additionally, Police Cadets will have already successfully completed the extensive background process which will save the Department several months during a recruitment process.    

Due to the length of the hiring process, including extensive background checks, the Police Department would like to be able to also recruit high school seniors in the spring.  This will allow the Department to process the applicant during the summer and appoint the applicants to the position in the fall once they are enrolled at an accredited institution.  Prior to this proposed revision, applicants were required to first be enrolled at an accredited institution at the time of their application, limiting high school seniors or recent graduates from applying. 

In addition to allowing the recruitment of high school seniors, the Department would also like to require a basic knowledge of law enforcement and applicable laws as this will allow the Police Department to recruit applicants with an actual interest in law enforcement.  Also, as Police Cadets will rotate among the divisions within the Department, it is critical that applicants possess the ability to exercise sound judgment under stressful conditions.  Some of the tasks which a Police Cadet will be assigned require the ability to operate office equipment, including computers and supporting software.  Duties often entail physical fitness and the ability to lift, carry, and otherwise move irregularly shaped items.  Finally, effective verbal and written communication is essential to the Police Cadet position.

ANALYSIS & CONCLUSION:

In reviewing the existing specification, several revisions are proposed to ensure consistency in wording, definition, functions, and requirements as compared to other specifications within the Police Department and the City.  Comparable classifications from our survey cities were analyzed to make certain the City is keeping pace with industry standards.  The revisions to the specification for the classification of Police Cadet will more accurately reflect the actual duties and requirements of this position.  These revisions will enhance the Police Department�s ability to recruit, maintain, and evaluate highly qualified individuals for the position of Police Recruit/Officer or other law enforcement-related positions.      

This classification will continue to be exempt from Civil Service but will be subject to the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).  This classification will not be included in the City�s Conflict of Interest Code.  The Burbank City Employees Association (BCEA) will continue to represent this classification.  The Civil Service Board approved these revisions at their meeting on December 6, 2006

FISCAL IMPACT:

There is no fiscal impact from the revision of this specification because the current salary range for the position will be maintained.

RECOMMENDATION:

Staff recommends that the City Council adopt the proposed resolution revising the specification for the classification of Police Cadet (CTC No. 0639).

Respectfully submitted,

Judie Sarquiz

Management Services Director