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HomeMy WebLinkAboutFS 2009-06-16 Item 2C - Discussion - Police Organizational StructureTO: FROM: Lori Sutter, Assistant Chief of Police DATE: June 9, 2009 SUBJECT: Proposed Change to Organizational Structure ISSUE BACKGROUND DISCUSSION W y z City of Tukwila INFORMATIONAL MEMORANDUM Mayor Haggerton Finance Safety Committee Jim Haggerton, Mayor The operation of the Police Department Major Crimes Unit would be enhanced by adding a second Sergeant to the unit. The Major Crimes Unit (MCU) is currently staffed with nine detectives, a domestic violence advocate, and a special services records clerk. The unit is responsible for investigating and filing all felony and juvenile crimes, management of the registered sex offender (RSO) program, pawn, missing persons and juvenile runaways, domestic violence, child neglect and abuse cases, pre employment background investigations, and other tasks as assigned. Currently one sergeant supervises all eleven positions and oversees the above responsibilities. The sergeant reviews and prioritizes all Tukwila felony cases (other than narcotics cases), makes determinations as to their solvability and then assigns them to the individual detectives. All RSO notifications and background investigations require supervisory review and approval prior to completion. The sergeant responds to call -outs, attends training and oversees all open homicide cases. He provides regular reports to command staff as to the progress of these and other high priority cases. He has the additional responsibility of day -to -day supervision with regard to routine personnel issues as well as the annual performance evaluations for the eleven people he supervises. The span of control both in regard to personnel supervision and responsibilities is beyond the capabilities of one sergeant. The impact in sustaining the current ratio of one to eleven is that personnel do not receive the supervision that is required to ensure the highest quality of investigation and unit output. The Major Crimes unit experienced a significant jump in homicides and serious assaults during 2008. Out of necessity we made a temporary 60 -day assignment of a second MCU sergeant to manage the high volume of work. It was clear that having the second sergeant was a critical factor in the successful teamwork and resultant outcome during that time. With the mall expansion and retail growth in Tukwila we expect a continued increase in cases to be assigned to the MCU. INFORMATIONAL MEMO Page 2 Four detectives currently investigate property crimes and five investigate person crimes. A second MCU sergeant would allow this unit to be split into two work groups. This division would allow a manageable span of control. It would ensure better systems to monitor the quality and completion of investigations, and improve the service to our community. The second MCU Sergeant position can be filled by eliminating a Traffic Officer position and replacing it with a Sergeant position. It would not require additional personnel. The chart below outlines the salary and benefits for a Probationary Sergeant, and for a Police Officer First Class. Police Officer 1 Class $35,802 $17,974 Probationary Sergeant Y 39,522 Police Officer 1 Class Probationary Sergeant Difference The additional wages and benefits total for 2009 would be $3,413 (beginning on July 1St) The additional wages and benefits total for 2010 would be $10,494. Note: These figures would be lower if the person promoted had held the rank of Master Police Officer 1, 2, or 3, or if the promotion took place after July 1 2009. RECOMMENDATION ATTACHMENTS Difference The Council is being asked to consider the proposal and attached Budget Transfer Authorization at the June 22, 2009 Committee of the Whole meeting and subsequent July 6, 2009 Regular Meeting. Budget Transfer Authorization Form W:12009 I nfoMemos\PoliceReorg. doc 2009 July 1 December 31) Salary 1 Benefits Total 2010 Salary $74,112! $83,394_ $53,776__, $57,189 $3,413 Benefits Total $37,223 $111,,335 $38,435 $121,829 $10,494 Department: Police Department Date: Tune 16, 2009 Under the provisions of Ordinance No. 2221, the following transfer of funds within the budget class is requested: From: To: (210). the City of Tukwila AUTHORIZATION FOR TRANSFER OF FUNDS Budget Line Item Number/ BAR 000.10.521.700.11.00 000.10.521.700.21.00 000.10.521.700.22.00 000.10.521.700.24.00 000.10.521.700.25.97 Total Budget Line Item Number/ BAR 000.10.521.210.11.00 000.10.521.210.21.00 000.10.521.210.22.00 000.10.521.210.24.00 000.10.521.210.25.97 Total Detailed justification for transfer: Move salary and benefits for difference between Probationary Sergeant and Police Officer 1st Class from Traffic Policing (700) to Investigation APPROVED BY THE TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL AT A MEETING THEREOF: APPROVED BY THE DEPARTMENT HEAD: Signature: APPROVED BY THE MAYOR: Signature: 6/11/2009 Amount 122,916 10,298 7,154 2,009 36,641 179,018 Amount 122,916 10,298 7,154 2,009 36,641 179,018 day of 20 Date: Date: