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Council committees back contract with WCA for police psychological evaluations; ICE interactions addressed
Summary
The council reviewed a professional-services contract with WCA Public Safety Assessments for psychological evaluations, fitness-for-duty and PTSD evaluations for police hires; the committee recommended moving Resolution 1 of 2026 to the legislative session and discussed whether the city maintains any formal ICE agreements.
Deputy Chief Kenneth Young and Commissioner Thomas Carter briefed council on Resolution 1 of 2026, a professional-services agreement to obtain psychological testing and assessment from WCA Public Safety Assessments for the police bureau’s hiring and fitness-for-duty needs.
Carter said WCA will perform post-offer psychological evaluations for candidates, fitness-for-duty assessments, wellness visits and post-traumatic stress disorder evaluations following critical incidents. The contract mirrors services used in recent years; modest rate increases were noted (for example, fitness-for-duty services previously $250 and now $300). Staff said much of the testing can be conducted locally rather than requiring travel to an out-of-area provider.
Council members asked about pricing structure and whether the service is used by other bureaus; Deputy Chief Young clarified that the presented contract is for police needs (fire department uses other arrangements). Councilwoman Green then raised residents’ concerns about ICE operations in the city; Commissioner Carter said the city previously had a formal agreement in the early 2000s but currently does not partner with ICE on ride‑alongs or joint operations and emphasized the department’s obligation to preserve public safety when federal agents are present.
Council recommended moving Resolution 1 to the legislative agenda for a recorded vote and invited staff to work on any clarifying notes about pricing and scope.
What happens next: The contract will be listed on the legislative session agenda for a recorded vote. Council indicated an interest in clearer public communication about ICE interactions and the department’s current practice.
