|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Should an agency be held accountable to provide performance evaluations for Reserve Officers? The standards in subchapter 16.3, Reserves, do not mention annual performance evaluations. Chapter 35, Performance Evaluation, refers to “employees” and “entry-level probationary employees.” There is no CALEA glossary definition of “employee” and Webster’s Dictionary defines “employee” as “a person employed by another for salary of wages.” Most reserve officers volunteer their time and are not salaried or paid for their services. Some state laws create situations where a person has law enforcement authority, is permitted to carry a firearm, and operate under police agency control, yet are declared non-employees. Because these persons have weapons, uniforms, and act as officers under the control of the agency the Commission recognizes these persons as “part-time sworn officers” and opposed to “auxiliaries” or exempted positions. As such, reserve and other special category officers should receive performance evaluations in accordance with Chapter 35, Performance Evaluations. The form or instrument used to conduct the evaluation need not be the same as that used for a full-time sworn officer. This is particularly true when there are limitations placed on the duties and responsibilities of “reserve officers” compared to “full-time or part-time sworn officers,” or when there are issues of compensation linked to the evaluation form. The performance evaluation should be job related and relevant to any associated compensation issues. Performance evaluations are considered essential to the good order and management of the law enforcement agency. The fact that most standards in Chapter 35 have mandatory levels of compliance bears this out. Even officers with limited arrest authority should be included in this important personnel process because they provide essential services for the agency. Agency expectations are best expressed through the performance evaluation system. Additionally, special classification officers must have use of force training commensurate with their duties and assignments.
|
|
|
