Police reorganization OK'd

By: Audrey Adade, News Reporter
02/21/2008

The Fairfield Police Commission unanimously approved the recommendations for reorganization of the Fairfield Police Department last week, recommendations set forth by Blackburn Strategies, Inc., a consultant hired by the Town of Fairfield in July 2007.

The Fairfield Police Department has undergone a comprehensive study of its organization, leadership and management, conducted by Blackburn Strategies, Inc.

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

"We are on the right track," Fairfield Police Department Chief David Peck said. "We have received positive reactions. We are not feeling any opposition. There is some concern about change, but it is all positive change."

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 several recommendations to the Fairfield Police Department.

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.

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.

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.

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

"It will not happen overnight," Peck said.

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.

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."

"There is enough money in the budget to pay for the position," Peck said. "No additional money will be added to the budget."

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