Post Talks With PBA, Heights OKs Police Promotion Procedures

Talks between the governing body and the PBA Local 102 did not result in any changes to a set of proposed procedures for promotions within the Hasbrouck Heights Police Department which were challenged by the union members at a meeting earlier this month.

No one came forward during the continued public hearing Tuesday night which picked up from the March 12 hearing when the council agreed to push off a decision on the proposed promotion ordinance.  According to Mayor Rose Heck the procedures would create a fair process for which to grant promotions.

The new rules were approved by a vote of 4 to 1.

Councilman Christian Semenecz was the sole no vote. He stated his reason for voting against it is because he believes a written exam should be included among the requirements for promotions. Councilman Justin DiPisa had excused himself from the room prior to the vote.

Heck stated that all questions and concerns brought forth by the PBA and their attorney D. John McAusland were addressed at a lengthy meeting with the police committee and Thomas Hanrahan, the attorney the borough had hired to consult while drafting the proposed procedures.

This special meeting took place about a week after a group of PBA members and their attorney came forward stating they felt the proposed rules were not fair and sought to have an open discussion.

The PBA members had said they had not been made aware of the proposed procedures. They said they had only learned about what was proposed from a legal advertisment printed in the weekly newspaper.

The ordinance sets procedures for how promotions would be granted for the positions of lieutenant, sergeant and captain.

The review process for the different rankings would take into consideration sick leave history, departmental responsibiliies, community service, completed education, military service, seniority. An oral exam would be conducted as part of the process. The reviewing committee would consist of the mayor, police committee and police chief.

See related story:

Heights PBA Members Protest Proposed Police Promotions Procedure

What do you think of rules for promotions? Take our poll by clicking here.

'Like' Hasbrouck Heights Patch on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.