Laserfiche WebLink
On July 1, 2024, the authorized sworn officer strength of the police department will be 22. The current staffing <br />level is at 19, with no new applications for the police officer position. In order to achieve the needed staffing <br />level, the Police Department would propose the following approaches: <br />EXPANSION OF THE CADET PROGRAM <br />There has been some increased interest in the Cadet program, which has a current authorized strength of 2. The <br />police department has one cadet, and has another cadet starting within the next month. Staff is requesting that <br />this authorized strength be increased to 6, which will increase our ability to promote more cadet candidates to <br />the police officer position when they have finished their required college education. An evaluation of hourly <br />compensation and incentives should also be conducted to ensure that St. Anthony is consistent with industry <br />standards. <br />UTILIZE THIRD PARTY RECRUITER <br />Currently all recruitment efforts for police officer and cadet are being handled by police department employees. <br />Other agencies have retained the services of a police recruiter to assist in the coordination of finding qualified <br />candidates and to advise staff on incentives that are attractive to candidates. Staff is requesting the ability to <br />explore the cost of hiring a qualified recruitment employee. <br />NEXT STEPS <br />Staff from both Saint Anthony and Falcon Heights will continue to work through refining all aspects, including <br />the risk sharing/mitigation concern as part of a draft contract. Saint Anthony staff will also continue refining the <br />cost and pricing aspects as the 2025 budget preparation process brings future costs into better focus. <br />When ready, staff will schedule another Work Session for the Council to review and discuss the updated <br />information and proposed plans. <br />DISCUSSION ITEMS FOR COUNCIL FEEDBACK <br />Below are the specific items for discussion and feedback for the City Council: <br />ď‚·Comments on the information presented and work completed to date. <br />ATTACHMENTS: <br />ď‚·Presentation