CC Min 1997-10-13 Stdy - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

. " . , . -, manager who did a wonderful job in developing the information for the Report. He said the Department is aware of the important need to upgrade the computer systems, and has plans to do so. - In response to Council questions regarding how many times CSOs arrive, but cannot handle the situation and need to call a sworn officer, Chief Bolanos said he didn't believe it happened often enough to warrant putting a system in place to monitor it. He said that dispatchers would always err on the side of safety. Chief Bolanos described the training CSOs received, but said an Academy did not exist for CSOs, and training was not commensurate with Police officers. City Manager Everett said we are only using CSOs 13% of the time and other jurisdictions that use them up to 25% of the time have not reported any difficulties arising from their work. In answer to Council questions regarding evaluating CSO's performance, Captain Switzer said all CSO's work is reviewed by a Sergeant. They are trained well in taking fingerprints, report taking, and collecting evidence. They don't have to be trained in all the areas Police officers need to be trained, so they receive concentrated training in those few areas. They are constantly being evaluated by the sergeant and by the Patrol officers on the street, and they are doing a good job. In answer to Council questions regarding alternative work shift scheduling, Mr. Heiss said statewide, the predominant schedule is the four ten hour work days plan. He said - there are a few jurisdictions, such as San Mateo, that have employed the three twelve plan, but none have moved to the five eight plan. He said the impacts of stress and overload on performance are being evaluated. Mr. Heiss said San Clemente, which is not the best example due to their contract with the Sheriff Department, has used the three twelve plan for a while and there have been no reported problems. He said there are overtime issues involved with that plan due to using a 40 hour work week, and training on non-working days. He said he understands that it has been "pretty favorably received" by the officers. In answer to Council questions, Officer Talaat said one of the issues involved in the three twelve hour days plan is the fatigue issue. Sometimes officers have to stay passed their shifts to complete work in progress. They have to come back for court appearances or training. He said the trips back in forth use up a lot of time and energy. Officer Talaat said many officers have to commute a long distance to work and there would be times they wouldn't see their families for days on end. In answer to Council questions, Mr. Heiss said he didn't disagree with those comments, but only included that information to describe the potential advantages a three twelve hour day plan might afford. He suggested that the Department and the - SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING MINUTE BOOK NO. 55 OCTOBER 13, 1997 MINUTES Page No. 573 PAGE 12