Alice Pickering
Wyoming Area ReporterDetermined to maintain its own city police department, Wyoming City Council Monday night formalized its agreement with Brad Kollman, police consultant, to advise and assist the city in its search for a new police chief.
In a single motion, council voted to begin establishing a new eligibility list for full-time licensed police officers to work on a part-time basis in the city and authorized Kollman to take the first steps in the process to hire a new police chief for the city of Wyoming.
At the last meeting council learned Kollman had agreed to work with the city one or two days a week in an advisory capacity, not as acting-chief. Kollman met Friday with City Administrator Dennis Coryell, Mayor Vern Haag, and Council member Sandy Standridge to determine the best approach to bolster the strength of the department.
The group had to first determine a best path for Wyoming, whether to pursue consolidating with another department or maintaining and strengthening the existing police department.
With Kollman as a consultant/advisor, the discussion focused on ìwhere do we go from here?î
Considering the growth in the area and goals for the city five years down the road, the decision was made to maintain the city police department. Kollman summarized the comments, stressing control over response in a specific time. Comparisons were with local departments and those that were consolidated.
Even if the city consolidated with another city or cities, costs to the city would depend upon bids for service. In addition there would still be administrative and equipment costs for 24-hour police protection.
Kollman said most of the issues related to the police department can be resolved. He recommended recruitment and selection of a new police chief.
Steps to follow
If the city maintains its own police department, the city needs a new police chief. He said it could take three to five months before a new chief could be selected. This means ìno rushing or cutting corners, but moving things along,î he said.
The first step in the process is to set up a timeline to accurately calculate the time to recruit and select a new chief.
Advertising the position should be about three-four weeks. An additional week would be needed to review applications and narrow the field of candidates. The process would conclude with notices to the finalists and scheduling interviews.
Besides training there are two mandates for this position. Candidates would be required to go through background checks and psychological testing. Kollman will be available to assist with the process. He will do the background checks. Some of his work with the city can be done by telephone.
The first step is to develop a position description identifying desired qualifications and duties of the chief. Kollman suggested a plan to allow three to four weeks to secure responses. The application period will give the committee time to develop responses for candidates.
Council member Lynn Koalska also asked about additional officers, believing the city should be developing an eligibility list for part-time officers.
While this list is to be developed, Kollman said it would be better to have the new chief help select new/additional officers. The new police chief should help hire and train new officers, Kollman said.
At the suggestion of City Attorney Tom Miller, Kollmanís working relationship is subject to a written agreement with the city.
Kollman agreed to work at an hourly rate until the next council meeting. The vote was unanimous 4-0 in favor of hiring Kollman.
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