9: Specialty Selection Process Action Research Project

The impetus for this project began in December 2020, shortly after the study began. Due to the retirements generated by the ERI there were several specialty positions that were vacant. Due to the ERI and training availability limitations caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, we were unable to fill any of the specialty positions that were outside the patrol division. The team determined that this was an opportune time to explore making changes to the specialty selection process.

Context for this action research project was drawn from the initial qualitative data gathering process where numerous participants voiced concerns about how the police department not only made promotions, but also how specialty assignments were selected. Specialty assignments at this time in the department included the following positions: detective (10), task force officers (TFOs) (3), school resource officers (SROs) (2), traffic officer (1), overweight truck officer (1), evidence technicians (9), training officers (2), community action team (CAT) (2), and Canine officers (2). The detectives receive an additional 6.5% above the base officer pay and the other specialty positions receive an additional 5% over the base officer pay. Additionally, detectives, TFOs, SROs, and training and relations officers have better schedules, primarily Monday through Friday with weekends off. The department also has a Tactical Response Team (TRT), which is a part-time assignment that receives no compensation.