Tumwater commission adopts deputy police chief exam plan with multi-panel interviews

The Tumwater Civil Service Commission on June 12 approved an exam plan for the deputy police chief position that sets minimum qualifications, an assessment process and eligibility rules. The plan designates the deputy chief as a nonrepresented position, requires a high school diploma or GED and at least three years of experience as a police sergeant or equivalent, and lists preferred qualifications including related college coursework and experience implementing community policing principles. Under the plan, candidates deemed qualified by Human Resources and the police chief will be invited to an assessment that can include an oral-board element. Michelle Sutherland, the commission’s secretary/examiner, described the oral boards as three panels weighed equally: a police operations panel made up of department staff, a community panel of key community members, and a peer/director panel of 3–4 peers or department directors from the city. Candidates who score at least 70% would be placed on an eligibility list. During discussion, an attendee identified as Jay explained how civil service rules affect the process: "By civil service rules, I have the choice of the top 7," Jay said, noting the commission typically advances 3–5 candidates to an assessment but that rules make the top seven eligible for interview. Chair Blake Chard suggested citing the governing rule in the exam plan language to clarify the apparent discrepancy. Pat Schneider moved to accept the deputy police chief exam plan; Wendy Mowdy seconded and the commission approved the plan on a voice vote. The commission’s adoption formalizes the assessment structure and the minimum thresholds for placing candidates on an eligibility list; Human Resources and the police department will apply the plan as they screen and invite candidates.