passed ordinance

*Authorize a Letter of Agreement between the Portland Police Association and the Portland Police Bureau to allow the rehire of retired members

public safety
labor
ordinance

Department: Human Resources Police
Introduced by: Former Mayor Ted Wheeler
Status: Passed

Impact statement

Purpose & background

The Police Bureau (PPB) has been facing a major police officer staffing shortage for over half a decade. In an attempt to retrain qualified talent for our agency, the police bureau created a program several years ago aimed at rehiring retired Portland police officers. The collective bargaining agreement between PPB and the Portland Police Association (PPA) allows, under Article 65.4.2.4, for “a [participant retired police officer to] return to duty the day after retirement,” but “there can be no break in service except as specifically provided for in Option C [under the retire-rehire program].” Unfortunately, that option has since expired. Specific qualified candidates were found that did meet the criteria of Option B under the retire-rehire program; in order to hire those officers back, a one-time, non-precedent setting exception was negotiated by PPA and PPB. The draft Letter of Agreement is a result of that concord.

Financial impacts

The PPB has sufficient funding in its on-going budget appropriations to accommodate the police officer retire-rehire program.

Community impacts

Having a larger and more robust staffing allows PPB more options to complete its mission of reducing crime and the fear of crime by working with all citizens to preserve life, maintain human rights, protect property, and promote individual responsibility and community commitment.

▸ Full text (the legislation as adopted)

The City of Portland ordains: Section 1. The Council finds: The Portland Police Bureau (PPB) has been facing a major police officer staffing shortage for over half a decade. The PPB has been proactive in its recruitment and retainment efforts, creating a program to rehire qualified retired police officers. The Bureau has identified specific qualified candidates to participate in the retire-rehire program. The Police Bureau’s labor agreement with the Portland Police Association (PPA) provides, through Article 65 "Recruitment and Retention Incentives," for the rehire of retired police officers. Specifically, Article 65.4.2.4 allows for the rehire of retired police officers, provided that the “…participating employee must return to duty the day after retirement; there can be no break in service.” This Letter of Agreement will allow PPA and PPB to make a one-time, non-precedent setting exception to allow the Police Bureau to hire specific officers who have had a break in service. NOW, THEREFORE, the Council directs: The Director of the Bureau of Human Resources (or designee) is authorized to enter into a Letter of Agreement with the Portland Police Association in a form similar to the Letter of Agreement attached as Exhibit A. Section 2. The Council declares an emergency exists because a delay in executing the amendment may deprive the City of the benefits of more qualified police officers being available for patrol duties; therefore, this Ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage by Council.

Tally

4 yea 0 nay 1 other