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implementation of a functional tracking system with an early warning component must be
considered with the anticipated growth.
The establishment a Professional Standards Unit under the direction of a sergeant to manage
department-wide essential support services such as use-of-force management is essential to
maintain high standards of ethics and professionalism in the department.
Recommendations:
CPSM recommends that the two related policy statements (300.5 and 300.5.1) be combined
to clarify that documenting and reporting of incidents of force are governed by the same
criteria.
Policy should be revised to include a requirement that an officer observing a use of force
under any circumstance be required to report the observed use to a supervisor.
CPSM recommends that policy language regarding supervisory response to use-of-force
incidents be clarified with a positive requirement to respond to all force incidents, and that
language such as “when a supervisor is able to” or “in the event a supervisor is unable to
respond” be eliminated.
Critical Incident Review Board (CIRB) policy must be revised to reflect the board’s true
intended scope of authority and responsibility.
CPSM recommends the Executive Information Services use-of-force module be
implemented as soon as possible or a suitable replacement be implemented as soon as
possible.
Recruitment and Background Investigations
The law enforcement profession always faces the challenge of renewing its ranks. For nearly every
agency, this is an ongoing effort. However, for some time and especially more recently, finding
qualified applicants who have the desire and ability to meet selection process and academy training
requirements has become a more challenging proposition, adding to a growing shortage of law
enforcement officers nationwide. However, Morgan Hill Police Department (MHPD) has enjoyed a
successful recruitment period over the last five years, while many agencies struggle to cope with
this national problem.
MHPD reports its success has been supported by the city of Morgan Hill’s rebound from the
recession that has outpaced many cities in the region. The level of police officer salary and benefits
enjoyed by MHPD personnel and the quality of life amenities offered by Morgan Hill has brought
very attractive, qualified candidates to the city. MHPD currently has one opening and is actively
recruiting.
The Special Operations Captain is responsible for the recruitment, background, and hiring process.
He is assisted by the administrative sergeant and administrative assistant. MHPD has processed
well over 100 applicants in the last three years. Lateral applicants have been targeted from
primarily local agencies, as have new applicants from local college law enforcement academies.