CC Minutes - 03/09/05 WS - Laserfiche WebLink

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policing model in force. Dr. Caeti also referred to performance evaluations and opined that in order to make evaluations effective, field supervisors need to be present in the field. He shared that input from the EPD revealed that internal responsibilities along with commitments to community organizations curtail that key element to effective policing. Consequently, Dr. Caeti announced that the report recommends a watch commander position be reestablished for the late-night hours; additionally, the department should make a concerted effort to put the sergeants back out in the field. Dr. Caeti turned to human resource issues such as discipline, performance evaluations, promotions, transfers, and internal affairs. He said the general recommendation crafted by the team spelled out the need for ;;redefinition" and ;;refinement" of the relationship between the EPD and the human resource function. Dr. Caeti noted that several steps had already been implemented to clarify the process; however, it must also be well-defined prior to the recruitment, training, selection, and discipline processes. In addition, he stated that the evaluation process needed to feed back into the promotional process and in general be utilized in a more effective way. In conclusion, Dr. Caeti turned once again to the complaint process and recognized the changes that have occurred, i.e., all complaints were now tracked. He explained that tracking provides a paper trail which reveals patterns of officer conduct. Dr. Caeti stated that the team recommended (1) that the Internal Affairs Unit be led by a captain-level officer, (2) that all investigative staff receive comprehensive training on how to conduct investigations, and (3) that the process be completely transparent to the EPD and the City. Mayor Piercy thanked the presenters for an excellent presentation and called on the council for questions and comments. Mr. Kelly referred to the Action Plan and questioned the Police Commission's role in that plan. City Manager Taylor explained that the commission was currently conducting a comprehensive analysis of implementing an external review board and that report is due later in the year. Mr. Kelly questioned if the Police Commission and/or the Human Rights Commission will be involved in the implementation of the recommendations. Leonard Matarese replied that policy must be driven by the City Council and it was up to that body to determine what role the two commissions will play in this process. He stressed that the council was the final decision-maker with regard to all City policies. Mr. Pap~ referred to page 13 of the report, Issue No. 1, which stated the EPD was fundamentally sound and that the current problems were easily correctable. Mr. Matarese indicated that the EPD was one of the best departments in the United States, and the %risis" referred to was one of expectations. He went on to say that the team was impressed that the council and the community have taken such a key interest in improving the level of performance within the EPD. Mr. Pap~ remarked that the term %risis" may not have been the best choice of words when writing this report. Mr. Pap~ voiced his concern that the City's job descriptions may not be accurate and additionally that all City employees may not be receiving annual performance reviews. He opined that if there was improvement to be made in those areas, it should be done quickly to ensure this critical management practice was well- instilled within all departments. Mayor Piercy spoke to the council's strategic goals, which listed this particular goal as a priority. MINUTES--Eugene City Council March 9, 2005 Page 5 Work Session