HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-28-2021 Civil Service CommissionCivil Service Commission
Wednesday, April 28,2021 8:15 a.m.
Electronic Meeting
Zoom Meeting Platform
Electronic Meeting
(Pursuant to Iowa Code section 21. 8)
An electronic meeting is being held because a meeting in person is impossible or
impractical due to concerns for the health and safety of Commission members, staff
and the public presented by COVID-19,
You can participate in the meeting and can comment on an agenda item by going to
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJlodO-ggT4gEtaapr.C'I'sx9qlZf rg XTROIS
via the Internet to visit the Zoom meeting's registration page and submit the required
information. Once approved, you will receive an email message with a link to join the
meeting, If you are asked for a meeting or webinar ID, enter the ID number found in the
email. A meeting password may also be included in the email. Enter the password
when prompted.
If you have no computer or smartphone, or a computer without a microphone, you may
call in by telephone by dialing (312) 626-6799. When prompted, enter the meeting or
webinar ID: 965 3627 5082. Once connected, you may dial *9 to "raise your hand,"
letting the meeting host know you would like to speak. Providing comments in person
is not an option.
1. Entry level Poly e Officer testing
If you will need disability -related accommodations in order to participate. in this programl vent, please
contact Karen Jennings, Human Resources at 31-3 6-5025 or l aren:R e nirr s iowa-cit .or , 'arly
requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to meet your access reeds.
CITY OF IOWA CITY
MEMORANDUM
Date: April 26, 2021
To: Civil Service Commission
From: Karen Jennings, Human Resources Administrator
Ike: Entry Level Police Test
The certified list for the position of Police officer has reached the end of its useful lifer and we recommend
that we test for this position and certify a new hiring list, The City is committed to the goal of achieving
workforce that is reflective of the community we serve. To that end, the Iowa City Police Department has
formed an internal staff recruitment committee focused on recruitment outreach initiatives to attract and
support candidates from diverse backgrounds. These initiatives include creation of new recruitment
materials including a video, brochures and flyers, community outreach events including an informational
open house and physical fitness practice test session, a pilot test of an interactive app to provide targeted
tent message information and communication to candidates, creation of a recruitment committee email
address where candidates may direct questions, and a hiring bonus for certified officers.
Staff recommends than the position be advertised and applications accepted for a minimum of four weeks
and that the following process be used to create a recommended hiring list for certification by the
Commission. Because there are currently several openings with the potential for more to come, we are
recommending a modified approach to expedite the process for certified candidates to enable the chief to
increase present staffing levels as quickly as possible, This modification is explained further under `oral
Interviews" and `certification of Hiring List",
Written Test: Staff recomrnends use of the Rational Police Officer Selection Test (POST) which is required
for acceptance into the Iowa Lawn Enforcement Academy (ILEA) and the nnost widely used entry level written
test in the state of Iowa. The test includes four sections (arithmetic, reading comprehension, identification
of gram m r/punctuation/spelling errors, and writing skills) designed to measure cognitive skill critical to
successfully learning and performing the job of police officer. No prior training or experience in the job of
police officer is assumed of candidates taking this test. A passing score of % in each test section is
required. The city will provide, upon request and at City expense, a POST study guide and/or online
practice test opportunity for candidates who are required to take the POST, The POST will be proctored b
City of Iowa city Human Resources staff certified as test proctors by the ILEA.
Because the POST is used statewide and a database of test scores is maintained by Stanard and
Associates, Inc,, I recommend accepting passing POST scores for exams administered within one year of
anticipated certification of a hiring list. Candidates with such a score on file or who are ILEA certified will
be excused from having to retake the PST.
Physical Fitness Test: Staff recommends we continue to use the physical test regimen established as a
pre -employment standard by the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy council, The test is administered on a
pass/fail basis and consists of the following: 1sit-ups; 2 push-ups; 3 one and one-half 1, mile run.
Eligible candidates who provide acceptable documentation of having successfully completed the ILEA pre-
employment physical test regimen administered by another law enforcement agency in the state of Iowa
within four months preceding Iowa City`s final test date or who are i LEA certified will be excused from having
to complete the fitness test,
The City will provide at least one open physical fitness test practice session during the application period.
This will be a voluntary opportunity for interested individuals to interact with staff and to attempt a timed
practice test to assess their potential readiness for successful completion of the physical fitness test. The
practice sessions) will be held during the application period to provide potential candidates time to improve
their fitness level, if necessary, in preparation for the test.
April 2, 2021
Page
Test dates: The POST test and physical fitness test will be administered twice. The second test -date will
provide an alternative testing opportunity for candidates unable to attend on the first date and will also
provide a second chance to candidates who do not pass either the POST or physical fitness test on the first
date. The two testing dates will be held at least 3 weeks apart.
Oral Interviews: Interviews will be offered to all candidates passing both the POST and the physical fitness
test or with current ILEA certification, Interviews follow a structured interview format with the interview panel
consisting of Human Resources Division, Police Department supervisory staff, and community
representation, pending availability. This process could take up to two weeks followed by panel discussion
to determine the composition of the recommended list. IDEA certified candidates who have been exempted
from the POST and PT testing requirements, will be scheduled for interviews following the application
deadline rather than being delayed until the remainder of the candidate pool has completed the required
exams.
C e rtific atl n of Hi rin g List: A rank order Iist will be rec mmended to the Commission for certification, This
will occur in two phases. Certified candidates will be recommended to the Commission following completion
of their expedited interview process, This will provide the Chief the ability to fill a portion of existing
vacancies as quickly as possible. Following completion of the testing, interview, and selection process for
non -certified candidates, the Commission will be asked to certify the remainder of the hiring list. It is unlikely
that all vacancies will be filled with certified candidates and the Chief will retain the ability to mire candidates
from the list in any order,
Airing Process: Following certification, all offers of employment will be made only to individuals on the
list. Any offer of employment is subject to the candidate passing a background investigation and medical
examination (including interpretation of the i IMPI scores by ILEA) conducted in accordance with the
protocols developed by Municipal Fire and Police Retirement System of Iowa I iFP SI as mandated by
Chapter 411 of the Code of Iowa.
ILEA interpretation of a valid Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory MMPI will be required of all
candidates as part of the post -offer medical examination process and could result in a required follow-up
psychological exam. The Minnesota Multiphase Personality Inventory M1PI will be administered to all
candidates who do not have a valid result on file with the ILEA in conjunction with the medical examination
process, City of Iowa City Hinman Resources staff possessing valid proctor certifications from ILEA will
proctor the iV MPl for candidates without a score on file and will then forward the exam to the ILEA for
interpretation.
testing schedule will be established based upon the availability of testing facilities,
I look forward to discussing this process with you at your meeting. In the meantime, please contact me at
356-5025 with any questions.
Thank you,
Cc: Chief Liston