El Mirage approves $10,760 RICO-funded police training program to address retention

The El Mirage Common Council voted Sept. 16 to approve an agreement with Know Your Talents (KYT) to provide employee engagement training to the El Mirage Police Department (EMPD) at a first‑year cost of $10,760, using federal RICO funds already held by the city.

Police leadership said the department has experienced a wave of retirements and a smaller applicant pool, producing a workforce with comparatively less experience; the KYT program, which uses the PDP ProScan behavioral assessment and Team Impact workshops, was presented as a tool to improve communication, morale and retention.

"By understanding how these styles lead to conflict, it better enables us to avoid those professional conflicts that convolute or interrupt the normal operations of our department," Assistant Chief Mason and Chief Marzaca said in their presentation to council.

Command staff who piloted the program told the council the assessment and workshop produced profiles and a team matrix that highlighted complementary strengths and potential conflict points. The city seeks to certify a staff member to administer ProScan so the tool can be used for job modeling and future interventions.

Council discussion emphasized support for leadership development. Vice Mayor Parsons moved approval; Council Member Winston seconded. The motion carried with all council members voting in favor.

City staff said RICO funds were the intended funding source and that council approval was required because the expenditure exceeded the threshold for administrative action.