Sunday, January 03, 1999

Officers speak out on department changes

CEDAR FALLS – In a Guest Opinion written in Sunday’s (Dec.27) Courier, Cedar Falls Councilperson Barbara Brown illustrated in writing a number of positive accomplishments of the current administration of the (Cedar Falls) Public Safety Department. A number of points brought up by Ms. Brown have been the subject of conversations in the halls of the Police Division this week, and we would like to discuss them at this time.

Ms Brown argued that Director Jay Kohl is responsible for the changes that have occurred within the Police Division. Her very first point in the comment was that there " … are now more police officers assigned to patrol duties…" We believe this to be inaccurate, as on Sept. 23, 1997, the Police Division had 42 sworn officers with 32 assigned to the Patrol Unit. As of Dec. 28, 1998, the Division has 42 sworn officers and 32 assigned to the Patrol Unit. As one can see, there has been no increase.

The changes (and savings) in overtime can be attributed to the 12-hour schedule, which the Police Division instituted last year. This idea originally came from Capt. Dean Williams and was supported by then-Chief Michael Reifsteck.

One reason for the change in schedule was to put more officers on duty at critical times and to save overtime costs. The union and city administrators negotiated the schedule change over two years ago.

It is true Director Kohl has saved additional overtime costs. One means by which Director Kohl is saving on overtime is by not recalling an officer if one calls in sick. In addition, the past practice of staffing at a minimum shift strength has been eliminated. Due to this, there have been occasions when only three officers have been on duty for times on shifts. We believe that this places officers on duty, and the public, in a potentially precarious position.

Prior to October 1998, the Investigation Unit consisted of seven full-time officers. Following the "staffing improvements" made in the fall of 1998, this number has been reduced to five full-time officers. Due to the increasing caseloads which the investigators carry, it is feared that a number of investigations will go without due attention.

A community Service Officer (CSO) currently staffs the front desk at the Police Station. While the positions offer college students a positive working experience, the CSO’s lack the knowledge and experience necessary to assist the public with many questions and situations which arise. Officers are frequently called upon to assist CSOs with desk duties. This is in sharp contrast to Ms. Brown’s statement that CSO’s can "… perform administrative tasks…"

As of this time, the Police Division has in fact trained 17 Reserve Officers – but – only 11 are currently on board. Out of this number, several are failing to meet their minimum required "riding" time. In the past, Deputy Director Richard Ahlstrom has stated that Reservists are every bit as capable of performing duties as a sworn officer. We hope that the citizens of our city do not believe this to be true.

Members of our Police Association are thankful for the opportunity to inform the public of what we see as inaccuracies in Councilperson Brown’s comment. Unlike members of our city government, individual officers do not have the luxury of expressing their views on public matters in a forum such as this. We have truly learned from Officer (David) Bonds experience.

THE CEDAR FALLS POLICE ASSOCIATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS

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Sunday, January 31, 1999

Firefighters’ concerns rooted in safety issues

Council Member Barbara Brown’s Dec. 27 Courier guest opinion highlighted some accomplishments of the Cedar Falls Fire and Police Departments. Cedar Falls firefighters thank Ms. Brown for listing our achievements, however, most members of the fire department feel some statements were misleading or inaccurate.

Inaccuracies aside, we respect Ms. Brown’s First Amendment right to say what she wishes and suggest she not be held accountable under the city’s recent truth ordinance. In return, we hope Ms. Brown and her colleagues show city employees the same respect and not repeat the injustices that have befallen Police Officer Dave Bond for expressing his opinion.

Firefighters agree with Council Member Stan Smith’s statement in his Dec. 30 letter to the editor, "I see nothing in the list of accomplishments that could not have been accomplished without the extra layer of management over the police and fire."

We would like to thank the Police Protective Association, former Police Captain Mike Lashbrook and citizens for their letters since we share similar concerns. We also would like to thank Council Member Mike Havenstrite. If not for his perseverance in replacing department firefighters, we feel we would have fewer firefighters to respond to alarms.

Cedar Falls firefighters feel a few city officials have an advantage to advertise their views with a huge media machine. With their own cable channel 15, Currents Magazine, radio show, council meetings and other media avenues, firefighters feel these outlets have been used to portray some negative images of the rank-and-file.

It is not our intent to address Mrs. Brown’s comments. While firefighters have a number of issues, we will focus on three negative images we feel a few city administrators have tried to portray of us. The following will discuss these images, which have added tension and frustration within Public Safety.

Firefighters are not resistant to change, we embrace it. Change in the fire service is inevitable. Tactics, operations and equipment are evolving constantly, benefiting firefighters by providing better safety for ourselves and citizens.

But in the emergency service, where lives could be at stake, change should not be done for change’s sake. Change should be based on experience, common sense, and proven principles. Change should not occur because of anger, vindictiveness or to justify one’s salary or position.

Firefighters are not upset over the loss of overtime. We work 24-hour days and 53-hour work weeks. Often, overtime meant working 48 or 72 hours straight without going home. This was difficult for the employee and their families.

It’s not about overtime, it’s about staffing.

Cedar Falls has one of the lowest number of paid firefighters per capita in Iowa. Before 1998, a minimum staffing standard was seven firefighters per shift. This standard, supported by the previous public safety director and current city officials, ensured compliance with federal and state OSHA regulations of two firefighters inside a burning structure and two firefighters outside (2-in/2-out).

This allows us to use our quick, aggressive interior attack style of firefighting which attempts to contain the fire to where it starts. This has been very successful through the years, keeping small fires from becoming large fires. Extinguishing fires quickly minimizes property loss while ensuring our own safety.

Because of no minimum staffing standard, we may not be able to meet OSHA requirements. We may not be able to use our quick attack style of firefighting and this may further increase property loss. In turn, larger fires could pose a greater risk to the community.

We want you to know that management determines staffing levels. When a city official says they support no minimum staffing, in our opinion they’re saying they can accept a lower standard of firefighting. Can you?

Expressing our concerns has caused some city officials to label us "whiners." It appears obvious they do not want employees speaking on city decisions and policies in public. With "gag" orders, truth ordinances and employee suspension, it would be easy to remain silent.

Firefighters and police felt it was important to begin a pro-active strategy of speaking out on city decisions we feel adversely affect our departments and community. Unfortunately, our participation has also initiated a series of city directives that we feel are intended to intimidate city employees. This method of speaking publicly has promoted awareness among citizens about our concerns and we would again like to thank the citizens who have spoken in our behalf.

Cedar Falls firefighters save lives and property. Our families, friends, neighbors, even those who criticize us, all receive the same professional service. It’s our job and we are proud of it. We inspect buildings; teach your children in school; respond to accidents, rescue and medical emergencies. We train every day to stay ready for the time when you need us.

By Cedar Falls Fire Protective Association

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