Vehicles and people occupied much of the Riley County Law Enforcement Agency Law Board meeting Monday, with several questions regarding the purchase of six replacement vehicles for the Riley County Police Department. After considerable discussion, the group agreed to the purchase but to hold off on other suggested replacements for now.
Board Member Wynn Butler asked for more tweaking, although admitted a jail van that commanding officers won’t even take out of town for fear it will break down needs replacing. Butler concurred with Law Board Chair Robert Boyd that the purchases could be spread out.
RCPD Director Brad Schoen indicated the vehicles involved definitely qualify for replacement, with continued maintenance costs. And Schoen predicted if only two or three vehicles are replaced a year, within two or three years there would be a whole lot of cars falling apart.
Captain Jeff Hooper made the presentation for the vehicles listed as qualifying for replacement or needing immediate consideration, although Captain Tim Hegarty had been in charge of that area the year before, saying they tried to stretch that dollar but it was a case of “pay me now or pay me later”…At least one member of the Riley County Law Enforcement Agency Law Board expressed support for the purchase of six replacement vehicles during Monday’s meeting. Karen McCulloh saying there was a lot of information in front of them but she was looking at high maintenance costs listed on the current vehicles.
Again, despite several questions and considerable discussion, the group finally decided to go with the six replacement vehicles, but to delay on further purchases at this time.
The group also considered but tabled a recommendation from Assistant Director John Doehling regarding shift differential pay for those who work less desirable and demanding hours such as overnights and weekends. While correctional staff currently receive such compensation, it was suggested the compensation be given to other police officers and dispatchers who work difficult shifts.
However others wanted to see it broken down with comparisons to other agencies and how they handle it–there were also questions raised about whether investigators should be added who are frequently called back to work at unexpected hours.
Another subject received favorable remarks though Monday, involving Physical Capacity Profiling. Chair Robert Boyd was pleased with what he saw in that respect, with a quick agreement by Captain Jeff Hooper. Board member Wynn Butler was supportive also.
Law Board members also heard law board videos should soon be available online–perhaps by next month.
