New personnel policy approved for FCPD public relations officer
The Forrest City City Council’s Personnel Policy Committee this week approved a policy and job description for a police public relations position within the city’s police department.
Police Chief Deon Lee explained the position had been proven to help other departments in the state with citizens in the communities he researched.
Human resource officer Glynis Lynch told the committee that the position would be a part-time position at $14 an hour and that the policy was modeled after the one in Camden.
"This isn't a certified officer?" asked councilman Danny Capps.
"No, the way this position was used was as a liaison between the police department, businesses and the public," explained Forrest City Mayor Cedric Williams.
Committee member Chris Oswalt asked what sort of training would be required for the position.
"They would have training such as use of force training," explained Lee. "And would be around for those sorts of training so they'd be able to explain why an officer did what they did."
Lowry Astin asked if serious complaints would go through the liaison.
"Anything that might turn into a criminal or where pay would come into effect would still come to the head of the department," explained Lee.
Capps asked what equipment the officer would be issued to which Lee replied only a radio.
Oswalt asked if the department would be looking for employees to help the non-English speaking members of the community.
"In the past we have had a liaison for that as well," said Lee.
Council member Louise Fields asked if Lee had come up with the position on his own or if it was suggested to, to which Lee replied it was through visiting with other police departments he took ideas of what they have and what worked to help develop the city position.
"Is this something we've had before?" asked Fields.
"Not since I've been here," replied Lee.
"Is one of the aspects of the job is to start a neighborhood watch?" asked Capps, to which Lee replied the officer would play a role in that.
"Will we furnish a vehicle?" asked Capps.
"No sir," replied Lee. When put to vote, the committee voted to recommend to the full council that the position policy be approved. During the full council meeting the policy was approved unanimously with only Jason Evansingston not in attendance.