Posted: 7/23/03

Report in on police, city working relationship

Alice Pickering
Wyoming Area Reporter

Brad Kollman, the consultant hired by the Wyoming City Council to evaluate the working relationship between the city and the police department, summarized the results of his study for the council and made recommendations to the city and the police department recently.

The consistency was in the impression the hierarchy is unclear and/or the lines of communication established did not follow hierarchy. There is no written plan.

To obtain his information, Kollman reviewed the organization of the city and police department, documents, and problem issues for the best view of the processes. He also interviewed council members, city administrator, police officers. Everyone with whom he spoke agreed there was a problem/issue between the department and the city.

Council member Martin English asked if the organizational structure would be evident to someone from outside the police department or city offices. He also asked if it was possible that the hierarchy ìseemedî to be unclear, or possibly the structure was purposely misunderstood.

In Wyoming the council makes decisions and delegates day-to-day operation to the city administrator. The position descriptions appear to be in conflict with each other, with the supervisor being the clerk/administrator, but the department heads being responsible to and reporting to the council.

In some cities, communication is direct, between department heads and the council or mayor.

ìI wouldnít suggest that option,î Kollman said. He recommended developing a flow chart and policy statement specifying who gives directions to whom. Kollman said the hierarchy should be specific about who speaks for the council. Council should set policy, and then develop directives out of policy. The goal is directives not micromanagement.

Mayor Vern Haag responded that there are job descriptions, but not a flow chart showing chain of command, as Kollman suggested.

Kollman was clear everyone he interviewed wanted to solve the problem. He emphasized that the misunderstandings had not jeopardized public safety. Among his observations, police officers perceive a lack of caring from the city and are seeking council and administrative respect.

He said in the event of a communication break-down, it is up to the subordinate to ask questions. Sometimes communication needs to be clearer, but more often individuals do not hear what is being said. But, he continued that if there are disagreements, neither party can just ìtune-out.î

Speaking generally, if a disagreement is not a matter of great importance, it should not become a big issue. Clearly this is the responsibility of all parties. Kollman commented that with any written policy, it ìdoesnít matter what you have if you donít follow it.î

He recommended ìstarting anew, get past the past issues as well as you can. Then if anyone is not following rules, they should be held accountable.î

He expressed the opinion that the chief and sergeant have a responsibility to seek council approval for appropriations, facilities and equipment.

Council member Sandy Standridge outlined communication she has had recently with the department as it sought a new squad car.

Kollman observed the working relationship was sound. Finally, he complimented the police department and the council on their efforts to work together to create a better working environment.

A workshop is to be scheduled after the union negotiations are completed, dedicated to formulating written policy statements which can be implemented by the city. Attorney Tom Miller and Administrator Dennis Coryell are to check job descriptions that might involve conflicts of authority.

Police/Fire news

Council authorized execution of an agreement between Chisago County and the city to apply for additional grant money to continue funding overtime for the Safe and Sober program. The vote was 5-0 in favor of the agreement.

Bob OíBrien, law enforcement liaison for Minnesota Safe & Sober, presented the Wyoming Police Department with a pair of day-glow vision goggles for use in training and educational programs. Someone wearing the goggles is made aware of changes in vision as a result of consuming alcohol.

Sgt. Scott Dexter and Officer Brian Rodd attended the meeting. Dexter accepted the goggles on behalf of the department and told the council that officers had been looking for ways to fund the purchase of this equipment.

Top of Page