Loading...
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