Civil Service Commission certifies lists for police chief testing and promotional positions

The Davenport City Civil Service Commission certified candidate lists for multiple hiring and promotional items at its June meeting, including the certification list for testing for chief of police and promotional lists for firefighter engineer and a natural-resources equipment operator in Public Works.

Civil Service Administrator (S6) outlined the multi-step screening process for the chief of police certification: an education/experience matrix used on a pass/fail basis, virtual interviews (pass/fail), and multi-panel interviews (pass/fail). ‘‘We had 18 applicants. 8 of those were qualified, and were included in the matrix review. 1 candidate withdrew... 3 of those candidates passed the interview the multi panel interview and are on the list to be certified today,’’ the administrator said.

Staff reviewed minimum qualifications for the chief-of-police testing list: a bachelor’s degree in public administration, criminal justice, political science or a related field (or equivalent), 15 years of law enforcement experience with a minimum of five years of command-staff experience (or equivalent), residency in Davenport City within a time period prescribed by city rules, and completion of background and medical preemployment requirements. The administrator said the certification list being presented included three candidates who passed all steps.

For the firefighter engineer promotional list, staff described the scoring: a written exam weighted at 30% and a practical weighted at 70%. Fourteen applicants were eligible for the promotion process; one did not show for the written exam and two scored below 70%, leaving 11 candidates who passed the written and practical. Civil service rules limit promotional lists to 10 individuals, so staff said the lowest-scoring candidate was excluded from the final certified list.

Regarding the natural resources equipment operator in Public Works (sewer division), staff said there were six applicants; five passed the practical and were invited to interview, and four candidates were placed on the promotional list to be certified. Commissioner (S2) noted it was unusual that an internal promotion candidate did not appear for an interview; staff said they could not explain the reason.

A motion to approve the certification lists as presented was made, seconded and approved by voice vote. The administrator said the certified lists will be forwarded to the hiring departments for the next steps in recruitment or promotion.