Title
Addition of one Courthouse Police Officer to the staffing table.
Body
Recommended Action: Approve the addition of 1.0 FTE Courthouse Police Officer, grade 120, to the Courthouse Police staffing table effective as of the date of approval of this agenda item.
As a result of changes in floor and courtroom assignments made by the District Court, the Chief Judge of the 18th Judicial District has requested one additional Courthouse Police Officer to be stationed on a regular basis on the 6th floor, west area, where Domestic hearings and Court Trustee hearings are held. This would ensure the safety and security of Judges, Hearing Officers, Court Trustee employees, and litigants in these contentious cases. The movement to this area was necessitated by consolidation of the Court Trustee’s Office from outlying buildings to the Courthouse, and the Small Claims Court moving from the Historic Courthouse to the Main Courthouse, which required domestic cases to be split between the 4th floor and the 6th floor of the main courthouse. Courthouse Police currently and historically have had one officer stationed on the 4th floor as available to keep the domestic dockets from erupting in violence. That officer must be pulled down to the lobby on many occasions to assist with perimeter screening when staffing levels drop to a level that requires such movement. The staffing of the external perimeter of the building and screening is the greatest priority for Courthouse Police, above all others.
With the installation of gun lockers in the lobby of the Courthouse and a partial shift of the traffic pattern of the lobby due to the fast pass program, there is a need to position one officer at the front lobby of the Courthouse near the area the gun lockers will be installed as well as the employee/fast pass lane during peak rush foot traffic to the Courthouse. After consulting with the Chief Judge, and explaining the need to cover the rush period in the lobby, he advised it would be acceptable for the officer who is covering the sixth floor to cover the lobby during those rush periods or during temporary officer shortages. This will allow a better use of resources and adequate coverage for both areas.
Alternatives: Deny the request
Financial Considerations: Courthouse Police does not have sufficient budget authority available for this position; additional budget authority of $26,460 is requested as a transfer from the Operating Reserve to pay for the salary and benefits for 2017. If approved, the position will be added to the Division's 2018 budget.
Legal Considerations: This action is authorized by K.S.A. 19-101. A simple majority is required.
Policy Considerations: