The Human Resources and Information Technology Committee met 02/14/2024. One of the items they voted on was a request by the police department to create a Lead Forensic Evidence Specialist position.
The forensic evidence unit is supervised by a police lieutenant but the three staff members are all civilians. Per one of the memos on the subject, “it would be extremely rare that the Lieutenant would have any experience working in evidence or property room management. While all our civilian staff possess a high level of skill, education, and ability in their field, there are often differences in opinion about specific methods that they should employ to carry out their duties. These matters are often resolved by the investigative Services Lieutenant who lacks professional experience or training in these matters.”
Police Chief Polly Olson asked for permission to make one of the forensic specialist positions a lead position which would be “responsible for the schedule, for assisting with minor personnel issues, and for resolving any other issues which do not require intervention by a supervisor.” This would be similar to lead positions the Police Department had created for their clerical department and their front desk operations and was estimated to cost an additional $2,000 a year would could be paid for which overtime savings resulting from the unit operating more efficiently.
This item was approved unanimously by the Human Resources and Information Technology Committee. It also appeared as an information item before the Safety and Licensing Committee which discussed it briefly.
I’ve prepared transcripts of the discussions and each meeting for download:
Chief Olson told the Human Resources and Information Technology Committee that this position would not be a supervisory position but was intended to be the lead decision maker regarding a lot of the day-to-day operations in the unit that don’t, necessarily, require the attention of a manager. They would still be reporting to the lieutenant in charge and the role would be more of an informal leadership role.
One of the three existing employees would be promoted to this role and would receive a $1 an hour increase in pay. They had found the lead positions they had created for the clerical department and front desk operations had been successful and also low-cost.
There was minimal discussion by each committee, but during the Safety and Licensing Committee meeting, Alderperson William Siebers (District 1) did say, “I made a promise some time ago that I’ll never let an opportunity slide by without saying this. I look forward to the day when the chief says “I’d like to add four sworn officers to the staff.” So, I’m looking forward to that day.”
His comment tied in nicely with another item of business discussed which was the desire by Chief Olson to conduct a police staffing study.
The Human Resources and Information Technology Committee approved the request by a vote of 5-0.
View full meeting details and video here: https://cityofappleton.legistar.com/MeetingDetail.aspx?ID=1169627&GUID=95F62E92-F20D-467D-9B27-B67EA668A68E
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