Struthers committee reviews switching police civil-service test to National Testing Network

The Struthers City Council Police & Fire Committee heard a presentation about replacing the city’s current civil‑service police testing process with the National Testing Network, a commercial provider that offers nationwide, proctored online exams and related screening services.

Committee chair Mister Beyas opened the discussion and turned the floor over to Chief Parati to describe the option. Chief Parati said the city has used Clancy and Associates for roughly 15 years and that recent tests produced very few applicants. “Over the past, I would say, 5 or 6 tests, we’ve had 3 people,” he said, arguing that the National Testing Network would “open it up to anywhere in the nation” and allow applicants to take proctored exams online or at brick‑and‑mortar sites and share results with multiple departments.

The committee discussed operational details. Chief Parati said the network also offers background and some psychological screening. He proposed allowing current academy cadets to take the test and said a passed civil‑service result could be valid for a limited period; one committee member suggested a six‑month window for hiring. The transcript records Chief Parati saying the online testing is proctored strictly, including webcam checks, and that “they watch you the whole time.”

Council members flagged the need to amend the city’s ordinance governing civil‑service testing before the new method could be adopted. Mister Beyas said Mr. Lasco wants the ordinance changed to permit the new testing approach, and the committee scheduled a session with the Civil Service Commission: the commission will meet on February 5 to review and explain the proposal.

Committee members also discussed costs. Chief Parati cited prior local test costs near $800 and said participation in the National Testing Network for a year would cost about $425, describing it as a cost savings while offering wider reach. Members stressed the change should not reduce hiring standards; the transcript records a speaker saying, “in no way, shape, or form will this lower our standards.”

The committee did not take a formal vote. Members directed staff to draft proposed ordinance language and to bring the Civil Service Commission into the discussion on February 5 for further explanation. No implementation timeline was set during the meeting.

Ending: Committee members agreed to continue work with the Civil Service Commission and city staff to draft ordinance language and return with precise implementation steps, time limits for test validity and any required administrative changes.