Emergency services reorganizing

BY AUDREY ADADE, Reporter
02/14/2008

The Fairfield Police Department has undergone a comprehensive study of its organization, leadership and management, conducted by Blackburn Strategies, Inc., a consultant hired by the town of Fairfield in July 2007.

The police department has not had an outside firm assess the department in several years.

"I found the consultant's study very helpful," Chief David Peck said. "We have not had an outside firm come to the police department in a number of years. As a relatively new chief, I felt it important to have an audit at the police department. I agreed with everything in the consultant's study."

The study evaluated the police department in the following four areas: mission, goals, objectives; organization; leadership, management and supervision; and public and governmental accountability. Blackburn Strategies offered a several recommendations to the Fairfield Police Department.

"It will be a blueprint for the future to serve the department and community better," Peck said.

The evaluation included the review of the department's mission statement, as well as a look at the office of the chief.

Blackburn Strategies, according to their study, recommended two new units to assist the chief in his executive functions: the Office of Professional Standards and the Office of Public Affairs.

Also, a Departmental Advisory Group and a Citizen's Advisory Group would be added to the chief's office.

The proposed Office of Professional Standards would assist Chief Peck with the development of departmental policies and procedures.

The office of Public Affairs would provide public information and community outreach services, include media and community relations.

The proposed function of the Departmental Advisory Group would be to identify departmental problems and provide solutions.

Blackburn Strategies also recommended that the police department create a deputy chief of police position. The deputy chief of police would direct a proposed Field Services Bureau, which contains the Patrol, Investigations and Special Services divisions. The deputy chief of police would also act as the chief in the chief's absence.

"We will be able to serve the community in a more effective manner with a deputy chief," Peck said. "Field operational functions will be under one commanding officer, which will make it easier for community to deal with the field services bureau and all operational units. The deputy chief overseas that."

"The first goal is the deputy chief position," he said. "The consultant's main recommendations are: to create a deputy chief position, to merge the support service and patrol divisions, to create the office of professional services and professional affairs."

"Afterward, we will conduct strategic planning to put the recommendations into place," Peck said. "Overall, the study is fluid and provides a blueprint for the future."

According to the study, The implementation of the consultant's recommendations will not require too many changes in the number of staff at the police department.

"It is very feasible; and we are able to do it with the personnel we have and are budgeted for," Peck said. "Naturally, there a few concerned individuals. I have assured everyone at the police department it is just a realignment of the command center. No one will lose their ranking."

The only staff change that would be made, according to the study, is the proposed inclusion of a civilian computer systems or networking technician in order to "shift responsibilities from sworn members of the department."

"The only additional staff required will be a civilian IT position," Peck said.

The changes will take approximately one to two years to implement.

"If we get the endorsement from the commission, then the deputy chief position will be created," Peck said. "After that we will be able to start the other initiatives. It will probably take a year to two years to put into place. Strategic planning process, will ultimately involve putting together a five-year plan."

The police commission to approve the study conducted by the consultant on Wednesday.

"I have to credit Mr. Blackburn he was thorough," Peck said. "The professional development and mentoring programs and initiatives suggested will serve the community and the police department. It will ensure that we have developed future leaders of the organization, who are to take over command positions in the police department."

First Selectman Ken Flatto said he thought the decision to use the consultant was "proactive."

"Some of the recommendations were very promising," Flatto said. "It will enhance the community. Chief Peck and I are enthusiast for community policing, and I hope it will encourage responsiveness and visibility in the community."

The Fairfield Fire Department is in the process of undergoing internal reorganization, but Fire Chief Richard Felner said that the process was in its infancy.

Felner confirmed that a reorganization was taking place and said that further details would be released in March.

The reorganization plan will go before the Board of Finance on March 6.


©Fairfield Minuteman 2008