HomeMy Public PortalAbout2010-05-20 Police Commission special meeting minutesMinutes of Special Meeting on May 20, 2010 Meeting was called to order at 7:00 pm by Commissio ner Mike Nott. In attendance: Commissioner Greg Chapman Commissioner Ray Brixey Chief William Doster Commander Kevin Greco Commander Ken Ruggles Office Jason Kopek The purpose of the meeting was to discuss whether t he existing rule barring officers lacking the colle ge education requirement from taking the sergeant prom otional exam should be changed. Chief Doster stated that since the rule was put in place after some officers were hired, those hired p rior to the rule change should be exempt from the requir ement and be allowed to take the promotional exam. Commander Greco agreed with Chief Doster stating th at a college education does not necessarily make officers better candidates for promotion. He furt her stated that there are numerous other training opportunities available to officers that are more b eneficial than the knowledge gained though a colleg e education. Commander Ruggles agreed with Chief Doster. He sta ted that other life experiences are more valuable and compensate for the lack of a college degree. H e mentioned previous years experience as a police officer and a military background as examples. In his opinion, good candidates such as Jason Kopek w ill be overlooked if prohibited from taking the promoti onal exam. Officer Kopek agreed with Chief Doster. He summari zed his background including military service and the skills he gained over the years as an officer. He stated the door is being shut for people in his situation. Commissioner Chapman stated that the rule should be changed to allow officers who were hired before the rule change but lack the required education to take the exam. He stated that he believes on the job experience is far more valuable than a college degr ee. Commissioner Brixey stated the rule should not be c hanged because college experience is one component of learning that enhances professional co nduct, further raises the standard of the position, and prepares the candidates for future command-leve l positions beyond that of sergeant. He further stated that many other departments have added this requirement. He concluded by stating that relaxing this rule would be a step backward.
Commissioner Nott supported the position of Commiss ioner Brixey adding that this rule has been in effect for several years which gave officers adequa te time to obtain the required college credentials. After discussion ended a vote was taken. Commissio ner Chapman voted in favor of changing the rule. Commissioners Brixey and Nott voted in favor leavin g the rule as is. The motion carried 2-1 in favor of leaving the rule in place. The meeting adjourned at 8:00 pm. Respectfully submitted, Greg Chapman Secretary Plainfield Police Commission