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Lacey police report modest applicant flow and faster backgrounds using 'Guardian' software
Summary
Lacey Police staff reported 26 police officer applications in Q4 2024, with several disqualifications and withdrawals; staff said a background-management program called Guardian has shortened background times by three to six weeks.
City of Lacey police leadership reported to the Civil Service Commission on Feb. 3 that recruiting activity in the fourth quarter of 2024 produced 22 entry-level and four lateral police officer applications and that a background-management tool called Guardian has accelerated processing.
In the report, Deputy Chief Robert Hollis said 26 total applications were received for the quarter: four disqualified at the application phase, five disqualified at the oral board, four disqualified during the Guardian (background) phase and two disqualified at interview. Seven entry-level applicants withdrew and three entry-level applicants remain in process. "As we're going through the process, we have 1 lateral level officer on the eligibility list. We have nobody in the background process," Hollis said.
Hollis described Guardian as an electronic software package used for reference verification, credit checks and background records management. He said switching from mailed contacts to electronic communication has "probably shaved at least a minimum of 3 weeks but up to 6 weeks off the background process."
Commissioners asked whether there are current vacancies; Hollis said there is one vacant position, and that the department maintains active eligibility lists and accepts applications continuously to fill openings. Commissioners and staff described the department's hiring pipeline: applicants check the City on multi-agency written tests, candidates are ranked on combined written and oral scores, and hiring draws from the top three candidates when a position opens.
Separately, commissioners and attendees praised a recent swearing-in and promotion ceremony. Commissioner Madeleine White and others said the event showcased workforce diversity and departmental morale. "I saw what we have today, it just...I always felt that organizations do a better job of serving the people they serve if they look more like the people they serve," White said.
No formal actions were taken on the report.
