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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04 - Police Civilian InvestigatorCITY OF F NEWPORT REACH City Council Staff Report October 14, 2014 Agenda Item No. 4 TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL FROM: Dave Kiff, City Manager— (949) 644 -3002, dkiff @newportbeachca.gov PREPARED BY: Terri L. Cassidy, Deputy City Manager /Human Resources Director PHONE: (949) 644 -3303 TITLE: Resolution No. 2014 -87 - Amending Resolution No. 2014 -52 to Establish the Job Classification and Salary Range for Police Civilian Investigator ABSTRACT: The City Manager is responsible for recommending changes to classification and compensation, as provided in the Newport Beach Municipal Code 2.28. During the FY2014 -15 budget adoption process, positions and salaries were established via Resolution No. 2014 -52. The proposed changes amend Resolution No. 2014 -52 and establish a new job classification of Police Civilian Investigator and convert two civilian positions in the Police Department. RECOMMENDATION: Approve Resolution No. 2014 -87, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Newport Beach Amending Resolution No. 2014 -52 and Establishing the Police Civilian Investigator Job Classification and Salary Range, as follows: a) Establish the Police Civilian Investigator job classification at a rate of $4,570 - $6,432 per month; and b) Convert one vacant Crime Scene Investigator position and one Community Services Officer position to Police Civilian Investigator. FUNDING REQUIREMENTS: There is no cost to convert one Crime Scene Investigator position to Police Civilian Investigator, since both positions have the same pay rate. The cost to convert one Community Services Officer position to Police Civilian Investigator is estimated to be $5,600 for the remainder of FY2014 -15. There is no impact to the FY2014 -15 budget as the Police Department is expected to have sufficient salary savings to absorb the cost due to position vacancies that are not expected to be filled until November 2014. 4 -1 DISCUSSION: The Police Department continues to seek ways to effectively manage operational costs while keeping pace with the demand for public safety services. When possible and appropriate, the Police Department evaluates whether certain duties can be provided by civilian staff rather than sworn staff (e.g. Police Officers). Currently, there is need for additional support in investigation activities in the Vice and Intelligence Unit, Economic Crimes Unit, and Traffic Accident Investigation Unit. These activities, which include auditing, enforcing massage parlor permits and liquor licenses, investigating traffic collisions, and processing applicable reports and documents, do not require powers of arrest or related sworn duties. A complete description of the proposed duties for Police Civilian Investigator is listed on Attachment B (Police Civilian Investigator job description). As proposed, the Police Department would replace one vacant Crime Scene Investigator position with a Police Civilian Investigator position, and reclassify one filled Police Community Services Officer to Police Civilian Investigator. The proposed salary for Police Civilian Investigator is $4,570 - $6,432 per month, which is a comparable pay rate to other civilian positions performing similar work. On June 10, 2014, the City Council adopted the FY2014 -15 budget via Resolution No. 2014 -52, which included approval of all positions and pay for the City's job classifications. Adoption of the attached resolution (Attachment A) would amend Resolution No. 2014 -52 to establish the job classification and pay for Police Civilian Investigator. The recommendations do not impact the overall employee count for FY2014 -15 (727 full -time positions), which is a reduction of 14.6% from FY2008 -09, when the City's budget reflected 833 full -time positions. The City Manager's Office and Human Resources Department continue to work with Fox Lawson & Associates on the study of City job classifications and compensation programs. Though the study is not yet concluded, it is recommended the Police Civilian Investigator classification be established at this time so that the Police Department can reallocate sworn duties and increase efficiency of investigative services. City staff consulted with representatives from the Newport Beach Police Association (Association), who represent sworn and non -sworn positions. The Association considered the proposal and concurs with creation of Police Civilian Investigator positions to assist with meeting Police Department operational needs. If City Council approves the attached resolution, Human Resources, Finance and Police Department staff will work to implement the changes. ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW: Staff recommends the City Council find this action is not subject to the California Environmental Quality Act ( "CEQA ") pursuant to Sections 15060(c)(2) (the activity will not result in a direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment) and 15060(c)(3) (the activity is not a project as defined in Section 15378) of the CEQA Guidelines, California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Chapter 3, because it has no potential for resulting in physical change to the environment, directly or indirectly. NOTICING: Public notice was fulfilled with the posting of the agenda and report for this item. The agenda item has been noticed according to the Brown Act (72 hours in advance of the meeting at which the City Council considers the item). ATTACHMENTS: Description Attachment A - Resolution No. 2014 -87 Amending Resolution No. 2014 -52 to Establish Classification and Salary Range for Police Civilian Investigator Attachment B -Police Civilian Investigator Proposed Job Description 4 -2 Attachment A RESOLUTION NO. 2014 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH AMENDING RESOLUTION NO. 2014 -52 AND ESTABLISHING THE POLICE CIVILIAN INVESTIGATOR JOB CLASSIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Newport Beach previously adopted Resolution No. 2014 -52 to approve the FY2014 -15 budget and establish job positions and salaries; and WHEREAS, the City Council has determined that one additional job classification and salary range is to be included in the FY2014 -15 budget; WHEREAS, the City Council has established that adding a new job classification to the City FY2014 -15 budget will not increase the number of full -time positions budgeted in the Police Department; WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Newport Beach desires to amend Resolution No. 2014 -52 and establish the Police Civilian Investigator job classification and salary range. NOW, THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of Newport Beach does RESOLVE as follows: Section 1. The Police Civilian Investigator classification shall be established with a salary range of $4,570 - $6,432 per month, and shall be designated within the Newport Beach Police Association bargaining unit. Section 4. The effective date of this change shall be October 15, 2014. Adopted this day of 2014. U]7 ATTFST- City Clerk Mayor of the City of Newport Beach 4 -3 Attachment B CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH POLICE CIVILIAN INVESTIGATOR (PROPOSED) DEFINITION: To perform complex and specialized civilian law enforcement duties in the investigation of crimes and traffic collisions, preparation of court filing packages, and administrative and investigative processing of permits and licenses. Duties include but are not limited to the investigation of financial crimes, property crimes and crimes against persons, collection of evidence and property for related cases, preparation of related reports and court filings and testifying in court or administrative hearings. SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED: Receives general supervision from sworn or civilian staff. EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES: Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following: Essential Job Duties • Investigates criminal felony /misdemeanor cases; reviews crime and arrest reports and evaluates allegations to determine if a criminal investigation is warranted or refers complainant(s) to appropriate agency; collects and secures evidence and property related to cases; conducts follow -up investigations and writes reports, memorandum, and correspondence related to investigations; • Responds to and investigates traffic collisions and other traffic - related matters; examines collision scenes, collects and reviews evidence, interviews witnesses and collects statements to determine primary collision factor(s), at -fault party and whether traffic citations or criminal charges are appropriate; prepares diagrams related to investigation findings; • Acts on behalf of the Police Department as the Court Liaison Officer (CLO); prepares misdemeanor and felony cases for filing with the District Attorney's Office; coordinates court appearances for department personnel, prepares, maintains, edits, and updates civil and criminal subpoena scheduling, court correspondence, criminal case filings, and other relevant documentation; reviews and monitors case status through adjudication; • Performs administrative and investigative processing of testing, permitting and licensing; conducts compliance and criminal investigations of City businesses related to alcohol, entertainment, and massage parlors; LEI Police Civilian Investigator Page 2 City of Newport Beach • Interviews victims, witnesses, and suspects to obtain details, admissions, and leads; refers victims to appropriate social services agency, community resources and /or for medical care as necessary; • Analyzes financial documents and related records to establish loss amounts and methods of operation of suspects; prepares charts, diagrams, and other visual aids to demonstrate method of operation and link suspects, victims, and financial institutions; • Testifies in court as an expert related to assigned criminal cases; maintains proper courtroom demeanor and etiquette while testifying in court; • May provide assistance in proceedings leading to the arrest of suspects when probable cause is present; interacts with probation /parole officers to determine actions needed; • Searches for, identifies, seizes, and books evidence into property; requests lab analyses, medical records, motor vehicle records, and other documents needed for evidence in assigned cases; • Prepares a variety of reports, declarations, complaints and court documents, and maintains a variety of records, logs and files; • Reviews work and provides assistance and training to lower level staff and /or volunteers; and • Performs related duties as assigned. QUALIFICATIONS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and /or ability required. Knowledge of: Principles and practices of criminal justice and criminology, crime elements, elements required to establish probable cause for arrest, and current case law; Knowledge of California Evidence Code, California Penal Code, and Newport Beach Municipal Codes; Proper police procedures and Newport Beach Police Department policies and procedures; 2 4 -5 Police Civilian Investigator Page 3 City of Newport Beach Effective techniques for interviewing and collecting evidence; Techniques and sources for research, including location of documents, evidence and suspects; and The rules and operating techniques for the use of law enforcement databases such as CLETS /NCIC, CopLink, LInX, ELETE and for public safety radio communications. Ability to: Apply modern methods of investigation and interviewing techniques; Analyze situations and develop appropriate solutions to varying scenarios; Exercise good judgment in dealing with routine and unusual situations; Appropriately apply laws, City ordinances, and department and City policies, rules and procedures; Maintain composure and judgment during tense situations; Perform the cognitive and physical requirements of the job in a satisfactory manner; Effectively represent the Department in a variety of community and government settings; Work extended hours and changing shifts when assigned or required; Operate equipment and machinery, requiring simple but continuous adjustments, such as city vehicles, computer keyboards, digital recorders, telephone, fax machine, photocopier, camera /audio /video equipment, inked fingerprint equipment, and police communication devices; Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; Appear for work on time; Follow directions from a supervisor; Understand and follow posted work rules and procedures; Accept constructive criticism; and 3 Police Civilian Investigator Page 4 City of Newport Beach Establish and maintain cooperative working relationship with those contacted in the course of work. This position may be required to work overtime hours as needed. EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: A combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities may be qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be: Experience: Two years' experience in a law enforcement agency with demonstrated understanding and experience in investigation practices, or any combination of education and experience that provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities. Training: Equivalent to completion of two years (60 units) of college level coursework criminal justice, criminalistics, physical sciences or a related field. Extensive related work experience and professional training may substitute for formal education LICENSE OR CERTIFICATE: Possession of a valid California driver license at the time of appointment. Successful completion of P.O.S.T. technical courses in investigative and evidence collection techniques within one year of appointment. For traffic investigation positions, incumbents must pass the P.O.S.T. Traffic Accident Investigations course within one year of appointment. Additional Requirement: Prior to employment, the prospective candidate must successfully complete a thorough background review, including being fingerprinted by Newport Beach Police Department. The resulting report of your conviction history, (if any) will be evaluated along with the other information received in connection with your application. Except as otherwise required by law, a criminal conviction will not necessarily disqualify you from the position. The nature, date, surrounding circumstances, and the relevance of the offense to the position applied for may, however, be considered. Disaster Service Worker: In accordance with Government Code Section 3100, City of Newport Beach Employees, in the event of a disaster, are considered disaster service workers and may be asked to respond accordingly. Bargaining Group — Newport Beach Police Association FLSA: Non - Exempt 0 4 -7