09-05-12 Personnel & Finance - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Personnel and Finance Committee Meeting September 5, 2012 Page 3 tracked manually. Council Member Scott recommended that electronic scheduling and monitoring of overtime would improve efficiencies. Council Member Henry Davis, Jr. noted that "crime is crime" and inquired whether the police department has a sabbatical program for officers in light of the "intensity of the job ". He noted that they are high stress jobs and that the City should foster programs which address mental health. Chief Horvath stated that the currently "officers do not have the ability to take sabbaticals" He added that high incidents result in the department "giving whatever time the officers needs ", with crisis intervention counseling, being sent to the hospital, etc. Council Member Davis further inquired as to whether the police department has ever considered terminating its relationship with Metro Homicide Unit (MHU) since South Bend is large enough to have their own. He also inquired about the morale of the officers, use of SROs and the perceptions which persons have. He noted that Fort Wayne pays about $5,400 additional to individual senior officers to work midnights to help mentor and train rookie officers. Chief Horvath indicated the MHU has had great success over its more than ten (10) years. The team concept works well especially for investigations. Most of the officers work between 6 am to 11 pm. The department pays a very modest shift differential. Due to time restraints, Council President Dieter stated that he would hold his questions until a future meeting since he has several. Council Member White requested that if the Council Members needed more information that they contact the City Controller and herself so that the Chief could be ready to address additional concerns as the Committee continues to review the proposed budget. She added that she did not recall a reference to "drug monies" in the past being used to buy capital equipment items, and would appreciate more information on that and the process used, as well as a detailed presentation on public safety LOIT, and other police items. Police Pension Proposed 2013 Budget $6,929,133 Proposed Expenditures -2% Variance 2012 -2013 Fund No. 702 pp. 964 -968 Police Department Police Pension Secretary Don Pinckert made the presentation. He noted that he was a retired South Bend Police Officer and then served as the Director of Police Financial Services for the past 24- years, and retired from that position about a month ago. He noted that the police and fire departments' pension program work essentially the same way. Mr. Pinckert provided a multi - page 2013 Pension Budget (copy attached)