08-14-09 Personnel and Finance Committee

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Personnel and Finance Committee Meeting August 14, 2009 Page 3 In response to questions from Council Member Oliver Davis, Mr. Pinckert stated that the SBPD has not hired any officers in over a year. Division Chief Horvath added that the department goes to a conference in Bloomington which recruits individuals who are already certified. In response to a question from Council Member Henry Davis, Jr., Mr. Pinckert stated that one (1) female police officer is serving in Iraq and is hoping to return to the SBPD next Summer. There are three (3) officers currently on active military duty with another officer leaving in January 2010. Mr. Pinckert stressed that the 2010 proposed police budget is over $1 million less than the 2009 SBPD budget. Council Member Rouse voiced concern over what he called "bells and whistles" being added back into the police department budget, while other departments are being asked to cut. Mr. Pincket stated that there are "very little bells and whistles". He noted that the Police Cadets earn a maximum of $10,000 per year. These are college students who work at the SBPD part-time and receive on-the-job training. He believes it is "an investment well worth it". Council Member Henry Davis, Jr. stated that he likes incentive-type programs, but knows of unpaid internships as well. Division Chief Horvath stated that the city has agreements with Bethel College, the University of Notre Dame and Indiana University South Bend. Programs encourage home grown sons and daughters to later work on the SBPD. Each who qualifies signs a contract at the end of four (4) years and has a degree; must pass physical and agility tests. Currently one (1) cadet is assigned to the Investigative Bureau and works the equivalent of 2/3 days for a total of $10,000 per year. He also handles fraud investigations. Cadets live in South Bend and are vested and interested in staying in South Bend. Council Member Henry Davis, Jr. stated it sounds "like a great thing". Council Member White inquired as to what the parameters were in adding dollars back into the police budget. She stated that the Council needs to know the standards which were used by the Administration. In response to a question from Council Member LaFountain, Division Chief Horvath stated that all officers must go through FTO and the Academy in Plainfield; and the Cadet program reduces the overall training by about 2-3 weeks. Council Member Rouse stated that he is not attempting to quarrel with the Police Department and sees the programs which they have highlighted as being excellent.