BNPD to expand officer probation periods

The Benton Civil Service Commission has voted to extend the probationary period for new police officers from one year to two years at the request of Chief Scotty Hodges.

“State law allows the police to do no less than one year, but no more than a two year probationary period,” Hodges said.

The purpose of the probationary period is to observe and evaluate the work of probationary employees.

“Once that person has been retained past that probationary period is the equivalent to a permanent appointment and so then they are civil service protected,” Hodges said.

Guidelines also state that department heads are only to retain those employees who meet acceptable standards of work during their probationary period.

“There is so much training that is involved in that first year that their first seven and maybe even eight months is nothing but training,” Hodges said. “That gives us four to five months to evaluate their performance and see if they’re up to standard and it’s really just not enough time.”

“It’s just giving the chief more time to evaluate them,” said commission member Judy Pridgen. “Once they get on their own, they act differently.”

Hodges said he believes that extending the probationary period for uniformed officers will only benefit the department.

“I don’t see any disadvantage whatsoever,” Hodges said.

The commission voted unanimously to approve the changes.

Hodges also took the time to brief the commission on the hiring process for BNPD.

According to Hodges, the number of applicants interested in joining the BNPD has been rising.

“We had a really good turnout for our applicant testing,” Hodges said. “We had 103 apps, which is a big number compared to yhe last couple of years.”

Hodges said of 103 applicants, there are 23 currently in the background check phase. The oral boards will be held next week. He is looking to fill seven positions with the department.

“The academy doesn’t start until September,” Hodges said.

The Arkansas Commission on Law Enforcement Standards and Training is responsible for the basic training of officers. Although there are four academies in the state, all hold their training in the same month.

Hodges said he believes it would be more beneficial if the basic training sessions, which last 13 weeks, were staggered throughout the year rather than all locations holding them at the same time.

“I’m really not going to be able to hire until August,” Hodges said.

Hodges added that he does not want to put officers on the street without the academy training. The only exception would be if a chosen applicant was already certified.

“If they are certified, that would be different and I would hire them immediately and get them in the process,” Hodges said. “If they have not been to the academy then they won’t be hired until August.”

Hodges attributes the new compensation plan recently passed by the Benton City Council for the jump in applicants.