It’s been a topic for some time–but Riley County Law Enforcement Agency Law Board members seem to be closer to making a decision on changes to general health and physical fitness requirements for Riley County Police officers. RCPD Director Brad Schoen admitted to the group it’s been a tough policy to change.
A video presentation narrated by Lt. Greg Steere with an officer performing various parts of the test in the background gave the board a first hand look at what the test involves.RCPD Assistant Director John Doehling concurred with Schoen’s comments that there have been a lot of questions as the requirements and testing have been studied.
However the policy review committee has concurred with the proposed policy the last two times it’s come back for review. The committee is made up of members of the department both at the sworn and non-sworn ranks.
Doehling says one of the biggest concerns involved who is required to take the test–which had previously been only officers at a lower rank than Captain. Now all officers including the higher ranks will be required to take and pass the test.
The matter was tabled until all Law Board members could be at the meeting. Only six were present Monday, with one member having to leave early.
One matter the group acted on was when to consider the RCPD Director’s contract. In previous years the Director was evaluated in January, but counsel Mike Gillespie explained there had been concerns as that’s when the board’s membership transitions. so the group agreed to move the evaluation to December. Board member Karen McCulloh noted another good reason for the change to December, with changes in state law that move the local elections from the spring to the fall.
The Riley County Police Community Advisory Board provided an update to Law Enforcement Agency Law Board members Monday, with Advisory Board Chair Corey Leavell telling the group things had been quiet in recent weeks. However Leavell admitted to concerns about changes involving concealed and open carry laws to take effect in a few weeks.
Law Board member Usha Reddi also indicated concerns about the changes–but spoke highly of a program presented recently by RCPD officials that helps to clarify the issue. Reddi also expressed worries regarding the recent state legislature’s change in tax laws with a big impact on local governments’ budgets.
