Civil Service Commission tables certification of Police Sergeant test results pending rules review

The Lancaster Civil Service Commission on Feb. 17, 2026, tabled action on certifying Police Sergeant test results after a review by city public-safety officials and commission members raised questions about the evaluation process.

Acting Police Deputy Chief Chris Caton and Police Lt. Brian Underwood joined Commissioner Robert C. Wolfinger and Assistant Law Director Mitch Harden in reviewing testing and interview materials for the Sergeant vacancy. "Commissioner Wolfinger reviewed spreadsheets used to evaluate the testing process," the minutes state. Assistant Law Director Mitch Harden suggested "that a portion of the 'Rules and Regulations of the Lancaster Civil Service Commission' needs to be reviewed to provide additional clarity to the testing process."

Commissioner Michael Crites moved to table certification of the Police Sergeant test results; Chairperson Karen Rotkis seconded the motion, which passed by a unanimous vote. The minutes record the motion as: "Commissioner Crites made a motion to Table the request to certify the Police Sergeant test results, seconded by Commissioner Rotkis. Motion was passed by a unanimous vote."

The commission did not certify the list or take further action at the Feb. 17 meeting. No timetable for resuming certification was specified in the record; the item will reappear on a future agenda once staff and counsel have had an opportunity to review the Commission's Rules and Regulations and the evaluation materials.

Earlier in the meeting the commission approved the minutes from its Jan. 21, 2026, meeting; Commissioner Michael Crites moved to approve and Commissioner Robert C. Wolfinger seconded, with the motion carried unanimously.