Page 60 - October 2018 FOP Magazine

How the consent decree will affect promotional processes
What information was presented in the agreement
between the state and City regarding the Chicago
police sergeant and lieutenant exams? and
The agreement states that within 18 months of the effective date of the consent decree, and at least every three years thereafter, CPD will obtain an in- dependent expert assessment of its promotional processes for the ranks of sergeant and lieutenant to ensure that its policies and practices comply with the law and are transparent and consistent with this agreement. The independent expert will review the existing hiring plan and any relevant collective bar-
gaining agreements in order to conduct the assessment of the sergeant and lieutenant promotional processes. At minimum, the sergeant and lieutenant promotional assessment will iden- tify:
a. the processes by which CPD selects candidates for promo- tion to sergeant and lieutenant who possess a core set of competencies, characteristics and capabilities and, when applicable, are effective supervisors in compliance with CPD policy and this agreement;
b. methods for consideration of each candidate’s disciplinary history in the selection process;
c. department strategies for promoting qualified applicants who reflect a broad cross-section of the Chicago commu- nity;
d. the frequency with which CPD should hold promotional ex- ams;
e. opportunities to increase transparency and officer aware-
f. recommendations for any modifications to the current pro- motional processes that would enable CPD to address the requirements of this section.
Within 60 days of the completion of the independent expert’s promotional assessment, CPD will develop an implementation plan to respond to any recommendations identified in the as- sessment, including modifications to the promotional processes and a timeline for implementation. Upon completion, CPD will share the results of the assessment and its implementation plan with the monitor for review and approval. Within 60 days of re- ceiving the monitor’s approval, CPD will begin to implement the plan.
What about captain and commander positions?
Within 365 days of the effective date of the consent decree, CPD will identify and publish, both internally and externally, for the ranks of captain and commander, the duties, eligibility cri- teria, knowledge, skills and abilities considered to select quali- fied candidates who are effective supervisors in compliance with CPD policy and this agreement.
Do you expect the format for the sergeant’s exam to change for the next test?
Yes, I expect a MAJOR revision, based on what I have seen around the country.
A job analysis for the positions of sergeant and lieutenant would then be developed, as well as a reading list. A candidate preparation guide is expected to be given to all candidates, which typically includes a basic overview of the promotional exam process.
The consent decree will go into effect, unless the FOP is able to get the consent decree thrown out in court.
How will the ongoing possibility of a consent decree and the FOP’s work to block it affect the promotional testing schedule?
The process of reaching a final consent decree will continue. Judge Dow plans to hold hearings on the proposed order on Oct. 24 and 25, and the judge can make changes before entering the decree. Ultimately, a lead monitor and monitoring team will be in place to implement the reforms. How efficiently and effective- ly they work will determine when the promotional exams will be given.
What is being done by the City to ensure the security of the next sergeant and lieutenant exams?
The City’s Department of Human Resources is on it. They clearly recognize that there is a problem and are taking active measures to deal with it. From my FOIA request, I learned that the City will be looking to minimize the use of internal subject matter experts. They expect the test maker to better protect the test by using sources outside of Chicago.
You should also know that FOP President Kevin Graham and Sergeants Association President Paul Bilotta are addressing sev- eral promotional exam issues. Some of these issues include exam security, frequency and validity. I also emailed the City with my recommendations on how to improve security and the overall testing process. I’m going to send them to Judge Dow as well.
So, that’s the latest for now. I hope this information was help- ful. As I get more information, I will put together another col- umn. d
To submit questions, email Dr. Jeff Bernstein at info@bern- steintestprep.com. For information, visit www.bernsteintestprep. com or call 800-272-5353.
ness about the promotional process and decisions, includ- ing but not limited to identifying criteria for promotions;
ASK DR. BERNSTEIN
60 CHICAGO LODGE 7 ■ OCTOBER 2018