HomeMy WebLinkAbout19J - PARK RANGER UPDATEREQUEST FOR
COUNCIL ACTION
CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATE:
MAY 2, 2017
TITLE:
PARK RANGER PROGRAM UPDATE
(STRATEGIC PLAN NO. 1, 1)
F
CI Y MANAGER
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Receive and file Park Ranger Update.
DISCUSSION
CLERK OF COUNCIL USE ONLY:
_-•:•
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As Recommended
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As Amended
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Ordinance on 1" Reading
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Ordinance on 2nd Reading
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Implementing Resolution
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Set Public Hearing For_
CONTINUED TO
FILE NUMBER
The Police Department assumed responsibility for the Park Ranger Program on April 18, 2015.
Since then, the Personnel Services Department has received 175 applications for the full -time
Park Ranger position. There were 15 applicants who possessed the minimum qualifications
required by the job description. All of the full -time 15 applicants that met the minimum
qualifications failed a component of the testing process or failed to respond.
The Police Department successfully hired one part -time Park Ranger, who has since been
separated. There are currently two remaining full -time Park Ranger vacancies; however, the
Police Department continues to staff the Park Ranger program at 100 hours per week, including a
40 -hour Park Liaison Officer, a 20 -hour part-time Ranger, and 40 hours of Police Officer overtime.
The current Park Ranger classification continues to present recruitment challenges. The position
requires completion of a Police Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) approved Basic or
Extended Basic police academy. Park Ranger candidates that possess a valid POST certificate
are regularly hired as Police Officers. Those that are not, have difficulty passing one or more of
the Park Ranger testing components, including the Background.
The Police Department and Personnel Services Department are currently researching other
armed Park Ranger models, which do not require a Basic POST certificate, to present for City
Council consideration. The Police Department will be considering armed Park Ranger models
that require a shorter academy or training period. Some of these training programs can be
completed after the hiring of the successful Park Ranger candidates, thereby increasing the
applicant pool. The Police Department will be working with the Personnel Services Agency
throughout this process, and will present options for City Council consideration at an upcoming
Council meeting.
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Park Ranger Program Update
May 2, 2017
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The Police Department continues to actively recruit Park Ranger applicants from the Orange
County Sheriff's Department (OCSD), Los Angeles County Sheriff Department (LASD), San
Bernardino County Sheriff Department (SBSD), Riverside County Sheriff Department (RSD),
California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST), area police academies
(Golden West, Rio Hondo, Orange County), and various police officer associations.
STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT
This item supports the City's efforts to achieve Goal #1 — Community Safety, Objective #1.
(Modernize the Community Policing Philosophy to improve customer service, crime prevention
and traffic / pedestrian /bicycle safety).
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal associated with this item.
Carlos Rojas
Chief of Police
Santa Ana Police Department
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