HomeMy WebLinkAbout19G - PARK RANGER UPDATEREQUEST FOR
COUNCIL ACTION
CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATE:
AUGUST 4, 2015
TITLE:
PARK RANGER PROGRAM UPDATE
{STRATEGIC PLAN NO. 1, 1}
Cr b9CM/rt2as
CITY MANAGER
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Receive and file.
DISCUSSION
CLERK OF COUNCIL USE ONLY:
APPROVED
❑ As Recommended
❑ As Amended
❑ Ordinance on 1" Reading
❑ Ordinance on 2nd Reading
❑ Implementing Resolution
❑ Set Public Hearing For
CONTINUED TO
FILE NUMBER
The Police Department assumed responsibility for the Park Ranger Program on April 18, 2015.
During this time, the department has focused on developing the newly adopted program,
patrolling the parks, and building relationships with stakeholders. Park Rangers are meeting with
Parks and Rec supervisors and staff and providing training on key issues such as the preferred
process for reporting incidents, safety awareness, and the importance of reporting incidents in a
timely manner. Park Rangers are also attending Neighborhood Association meetings, and
attending City park events.
On June 24, 2015 the Police Department hired its first part-time Park Ranger, Claire Baltodano.
Ranger Baltodano is a graduate of Golden West police academy, is fluent in Spanish, and
possesses an AA degree from Golden West College. Ranger Baltodano also served in the
United States Navy and was honorably discharged in 2013. Ranger Baltodano is progressing
through her Park Ranger training program, and upon completion of the training program, she will
resume regular Park Ranger duties.
The program is currently staffed with one full -time Park Liaison Officer (40 hours), a 20 hour part-
time Park Ranger, and 40 hours of police officer overtime, for a total of 100 hours per week. Due
to POST requirements, the City Attorney's Office determined that the one existing PT Park
Ranger is unable to legally carry a firearm on duty. The Police Department has been assisting
this Park Ranger to achieve POST recertification.
There are currently two remaining part-time Park Ranger vacancies. To date, the Personnel
Services Department has received 169 applications for the Park Ranger positions. 38 applicants
possessed the minimum qualifications required by the job description. Of the 38 applicants that
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Park Ranger Program Update
August 4, 2015
Page 2
met the minimum qualifications, 27 have failed a testing component or withdrew from the
process. Eleven applicants remain in various stages of the hiring process (2 are in backgrounds
and 3 recently passed the oral interview). Six applicants will be contacted for oral interviews
tentatively scheduled the week of August 10, 2015. Police Department Human Resources is
working closely with City Personnel Services to get the two remaining Park Ranger positions
filled as soon as possible.
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 impact associated with this item.
a/! �;-_
Carlos Rojas
Chief of Police
Santa Ana Police Department
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