Police department equipment and personnel policies come before City Council tonight

When the Maricopa City Council meets tonight at the Global Water facility at 7 p.m. with a work session at 6 p.m., approvals for police vehicles and equipment will be on the table. (Click here for full agendas available under public notices.)

Chief Patrick Melvin is requesting 17 police department vehicles to enable the department to transition to second and third shifts. Other departmental requests include the hiring of a full-time Crime Scene/Evidence Technician, the purchase of an emergency equipment package for a 2006 Dodge Charger and the purchase of 50 ballistic vests for police officers. Three pass-through evidence lockers plus shelving for property and evidence are also being approved.

Human Capital Manager Karen Shaffer will be asking to amend the city’s personnel policies and procedures manual (section 3.3.1c) to add: “Public safety employees, including sworn police officers and firefighters are subject to an industry standard one year probationary period.” She will also be asking to amend section 4.8, “specifically titled ‘Fire Department’ which provides guidance on the conduct an discipline of Fire Department employees.”

Additionally, Ralph Andersen and Associates will offer a presentation regarding a national search for a permanent Maricopa City Manager. The contract amount for the firm to do the search will be $24,775, if approved.

Photo by Aaron Thacker