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Title:
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Police Department Hiring and Recruitment Efficiencies Update
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Title
Police Department Hiring and Recruitment Efficiencies Update
Description
This report provides the Public Safety and Justice Subcommittee an update on the Police Department's current hiring and attrition numbers, as well as recruitment efficiencies.
THIS ITEM IS FOR INFORMATION AND DISCUSSION.
Report
Summary
As discussed at previous meetings, the Phoenix Police Department (PPD) has been dealing with various staffing challenges including low recruitment and hiring numbers. These challenges led to a comprehensive review of the recruiting and hiring processes of the organization. Many of the efficiencies that have been introduced were discussed in the March 9, 2022, Public Safety and Justice Subcommittee report. This report will focus specifically on the Department's recruitment efficiencies that have been made and the results the Department has seen from these improvements.
Current Staffing
Please see Attachment A for a summary of current recruitment and hiring efforts and Attachment B for a breakdown of retirements and resignations.
Recruitment Efficiencies
Due to ongoing staffing shortages, PPD has taken measures to revamp the way it attracts, tests, and retains employees. The City Council adopted pay incentives as well as increased the pay of sworn personnel to assist with these staffing efforts. The Department continues to see an increase in the number of individuals applying (both new recruits and laterals), testing, and returning to the Department after these incentives were implemented. Other creative efficiencies are outlined below.
Applicant Test
Currently, applicants with a conferred Associates Degree or above are exempt from the written test and move right into the background investigation; this process change has seen an overall increase of 800% in degree waiver hires. In an effort to more efficiently reach all areas of the community, PPD will be hosting testing opportunities in smaller venues across the state starting this fall. In collaboration with the Human Resources Department (HR), the Employment Services Bureau (ESB) is working to author an oral board applicant test in lieu of a written examination. It is understood that a written test may not benefit all applicants in our diverse society. Pre-approved community members will serve on the oral board evaluation panel. The format of the oral board will consist of three questions, with each question coming from a separate bank of pre-approved questions covering the topics of:
Why the applicant wants to be a Phoenix Police Officer
What the applicant will do to maintain the public’s trust
Reading comprehension from a fact sheet authored by community members and City employees regarding the history and diversity of the City of Phoenix
PPD is hoping to have this format finalized and approved by October 2022.
eSOPH
The City Council approved the purchase of new software in April 2022. ESB just launched the new software that allows the applicants to create an on-line profile, upload documents and forms required for the background investigation, and pre-answer questionnaires covering their personal and professional history. Once a profile has been created and the applicant submits the required documents, background investigators can electronically and automatically communicate with other agencies, references, and websites. The communication includes pre-filled City of Phoenix and Arizona POST forms with the applicant’s information. Prior to the launch of the software, all background investigations were hard copy forms and faxes. The median time to complete a background investigation was over two months. This new software has cut this time in half and, in many cases, the investigations can be completed in under three weeks.
SkillBridge
SkillBridge is a U.S. Department of Defense program that provides retiring and transitioning service members the opportunity to participate in industry training programs while transitioning out of their Military careers. The Department of Defense covers Military pay and benefits during a service member’s time in a SkillBridge program, for up to 180 days, providing an invaluable experience for the service member and industry partners. PPD and City HR are currently in the application phase with the Department of Defense and hope to have final approval by the end of 2022. Police Assistants, Detention Officers, Communications Operators, and Police Recruits will all be career opportunities for service members who are accepted into the SkillBridge program. HR is also looking at other positions across the City that may also be included in this program. Cost savings to the City of Phoenix for each SkillBridge participant is estimated to be $40,000 in pay and benefits.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Assistant City Manager Lori Bays and the Police Department.