Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Hiring topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Police Jury panel updates hiring policy to add periodic background checks and drug-testing rules
Summary
Committee approved changes to Policy No. 200 to require pre-hire and periodic background checks (every five years and for parish vehicle operators), expand drug-testing rules and accept background checks performed at no charge by the District Attorney’s office.
The Policy and Procedures Committee on June 3 approved revisions to Policy No. 200 (Hiring Process) to strengthen background check and drug-testing procedures. Dr. Ken Ward, Parish Administrator, said the proposed changes add post-hire background checks every five years and require checks for staff who operate parish vehicles, while maintaining pre-hire screenings.
Dr. Ward told the committee that "the District Attorney’s office has agreed to perform all background checks at no charge to the parish, which typically cost $23.00 per employee." Committee members discussed the rationale: insurance requirements for departments that interact with minors (Parks and Recreation, Library) and instances where applicants withheld information discovered after hire.
Ms. Pam Glorioso asked about how the Library Director is selected and whether the Library Board's authority needs to be clarified in the policy; Parish Attorney Patrick Jackson explained that state statutes give the police jury authority to appoint boards it creates and described the typical composition for a Library Board of Control, noting that the jury still approves the library budget annually. Committee members approved the policy changes unanimously.
