[Adopted 5-10-2016 by Ord. No. 04-2016]
Borough Council hereby vacates any current rules and regulations
of the Civil Service Commission and removes all current members in
order to reconstitute the Board pursuant to the terms of this article
and the newly adopted rules and regulations of the Civil Service Commission.
Borough Council hereby adopts the following as the rules and
regulations of the Civil Service Commission, consistent with the provisions
for same set forth in the Borough Code.
A.
APPLICANT
APPOINTING AUTHORITY
BOROUGH MANAGER
BOROUGH SECRETARY
CERTIFICATION
CHAIRPERSON
CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION
COMMISSIONER
ELIGIBLE
ELIGIBLE LIST
EXAMINATION
EXTERNAL CANDIDATE
FURLOUGH LIST
GOVERNING BODY
INTERNAL CANDIDATE
MAYOR
MUNICIPAL COUNCIL, BOROUGH COUNCIL or COUNCIL
POLICE OFFICER
PROBATIONER
PROMOTION
REASSIGNMENT
REDUCTION IN RANK
REMOVAL
SUSPENSION
Terms defined. As used in this article, the following terms shall
have the meanings indicated:
Any individual who applies in writing to the Commission in
response to a legally advertised notice of vacancy and/or examination
for any position in the Police Department.
Council of the Borough of Verona, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania.
The Manager of the Borough of Verona.
The Secretary of the Borough of Verona.
The submission to the appointing authority pursuant to its
request of three names taken from the eligible list developed by the
Civil Service Commission.
The Chairperson of the Civil Service Commission of the Borough
of Verona.
The Civil Service Commission of the Borough of Verona appointed
by the Council, pursuant to the Pennsylvania Borough Code.[1] to serve the execution of this article and other functions
as Council may prescribe.
An individual appointed by the Borough of Verona to serve
as a member of the Civil Service Commission.
A person whose name is recorded on a current eligible list
or furlough list.
The list of names of persons who have passed all examinations
for a particular position in the Police Department.
The series of tests given to candidates to determine their
qualifications for a position in the Police Department.
Individual not currently employed by the Borough of Verona
who is an applicant or candidate for a posted position.
The list of persons who were laid off from positions in the
Police Department because of a reduction in the number of officers
in the Police Department.
The Council of the Borough of Verona, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania.
Individual currently employed by the Borough of Verona who
is a candidate for a promotional posted position.
The Mayor of the Borough of Verona.
The Council of the Borough of Verona.
For purposes of the rules and regulations, a police officer
is a sworn full-time law enforcement position in the Borough of Verona
Police Department.
A police officer in the Police Department who has been appointed
from an eligible list, but who has not yet completed the probationary
period.
The act or fact of being raised in position or rank.
A change to a different position which may result in a change
in salary.
A change to a lesser position or rank where the employee
fulfilled all of the requirements of these rules and regulations for
both the prior and current position and/or rank. However, a decrease
in salary without a change to a different position or rank shall not
necessarily constitute a reduction in rank.
The permanent separation of a police officer from the Police
Department.
The temporary separation without pay of a police officer
from the Police Department.
[1]
Editor's Note: See 8 Pa.C.S.A. § 101 et seq.
B.
Gender. For the purpose of these rules and regulations, all terms
which are set forth in the masculine gender shall be construed to
refer equally to the feminine gender and vice versa.
A.
Civil Service Commission.
(1)
The Commission shall consist of three Commissioners who shall be
qualified electors of the Borough of Verona and who shall be appointed
by the Borough Council initially to serve for terms of two, four,
and six years, and as terms thereafter expire shall be appointed for
terms of six years. All appointments or reappointments after the initial
term shall be for a term of six years. Terms shall end on December
31 of the last year of the initial term and any term thereafter.
(2)
Borough Council may appoint no more than three qualified electors
of the Borough to serve as alternate members of the Commission. The
term of office of the alternate members shall be six years, terminating
on December 31 of the sixth year of appointment. When seated pursuant
to these rules and regulations, an alternate shall be entitled to
participate in all proceedings and discussions of the Commission to
the same and full extent as provided by law for Commissioners, including
specifically the right to cast a vote as a voting member during the
proceedings, and shall have all the powers and duties set forth in
these rules and regulations and as otherwise provided by law. Alternates
shall hold no other office in the Borough. An alternate may participate
in any proceeding or discussion of the Commission but shall not be
entitled to vote as a member of the Commission unless designated as
a voting alternate member pursuant to these rules and regulations.
(3)
Any vacancy occurring in the Commission for any reason whatsoever
shall be filled by Council for the unexpired term within the period
of 30 days after such vacancy occurs.
(4)
Each member of the Commission, including alternate members, before
entering upon the discharge of the duties of office, shall take the
following oath: "I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support,
obey and defend the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution
of this Commonwealth and that I will discharge the duties of my office
with fidelity."
(5)
The Civil Service Commission shall receive no compensation.
(6)
The Borough Council, by a majority vote, has the absolute right to
remove, without cause and at any time, any member of the Commission.
B.
Offices incompatible with Civil Service Commissioner. No Commissioner
shall at the same time hold an elective, appointed, or employment
office under the United States Government, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
or any political subdivision of the commonwealth; except one member
of the Commission may be a member of Council of the Borough.
C.
Organization of Commission: quorum.
(1)
The Commission shall have three members and up to three alternate
members and upon appointment shall organize within 10 days of its
appointment and shall elect one of its members as its Chairperson,
one of its members as its Vice-Chairperson and one of its members
as the Secretary.
(2)
The Commission shall thereafter meet and organize on the first Monday
of February of each even-numbered year.
(3)
Three members of the Commission shall constitute a quorum and no
action of the Commission shall be valid unless it shall have the concurrence
of at least two members.
(4)
In the event a member of the Commission is unavailable to attend
a meeting, an alternate member may attend and participate as a regular
member.
D.
Duties of Chairperson. The Chairperson, or in his or her absence,
the Vice-Chairperson, shall preside at all meetings and hearings of
the Commission, decide all points of order or procedure and perform
any duties required by law or by the within rules and regulations.
E.
Duties of the secretary. The Secretary shall carry on, at the discretion
of the Commission, all official correspondence of the Commission,
send out all notices required by law and by these rules and regulations,
keep a record of each examination or other official action of the
Commission, and perform all other duties required by law or by these
rules and regulations.
F.
Meetings. Except for the biennial organization meeting, all meetings
shall be held either at the call of the Chairperson or at the call
of two members of the Commission. Unless all members shall waive the
requirement, a minimum of 24 hours' written notice of each meeting
shall be given each member. Except when otherwise provided in these
rules or by Pennsylvania law, meetings shall be open to the public
unless a public meeting would breach the normal confidentiality of
employee data. All Rules or Regulations of the Commission shall be
adopted at a public meeting following the regulations of the Pennsylvania
Sunshine Act.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: See 65 Pa.C.S.A. § 701 et seq.
G.
Clerks and supplies.
(1)
The governing body shall furnish the Commission with supplies and
clerical assistance as may be necessary for the Commission to fulfill
its duties.
(2)
The Commission may retain counsel, and any other consultants or experts,
including physicians and psychiatrists, as are necessary, with prior
written notice to the Borough of Verona of its intention to do so.
(3)
The elected and appointed officials of the Borough of Verona shall
assist the Commission with all reasonable and appropriate efforts
including compensation for any counsel or experts retained by the
Commission.
H.
Rules and regulations.
(1)
The Commission shall have the power to prescribe, amend, revise,
void, replace, or enforce the rules and regulations for carrying into
effect references to the Borough Code for any reason by action of
a majority of the Commission at any properly convened meeting of the
Commission.
(2)
Before any changes to these rules and regulations become effective,
the Municipal Council must approve and adopt them by a public vote.
(3)
These rules and regulations, and any amendments thereto, shall be
made available to the public for distribution and inspection.
I.
Minutes and records.
(1)
The Commission shall keep minutes of its proceedings and records
of examinations and other official action.
(2)
All records of the Commission shall be preserved and disposed of
according to Retention and Disposition schedule for Records of Pennsylvania
Municipalities issued by the Local Government Records Committee under
the authority of the Municipal Records Act, 1968 P.L. 961, No. 428,
53 P.S. § 9001.[2]
[2]
Editor's Note: 53 P.S. §§ 9001 to 9010
were repealed by 1996, Dec. 19, P.L. 1158, No. 177, § 2(a).
See now 53 Pa.C.S.A. § 1381 et seq.
(3)
The Secretary, or in his absence, the Vice-Chairman, shall keep minutes
of its proceedings showing the vote of each member upon each question.
(4)
If the member is absent or fails to vote, the Secretary, or in his
absence, the Vice-Chairman, shall indicate that fact in the minutes.
(5)
A copy of all minutes and records shall be filed with the Borough
Secretary and such copies shall be maintained within the physical
confines of the Verona Municipal Building.
J.
Investigations.
K.
Subpoenas.
(2)
The fees of witnesses for attendance and travel shall be the same
as for witnesses appearing in the courts and shall be paid from appropriations
for the incidental expense of the Commission.
(3)
All officers in public service and employees of the Borough of Verona
shall attend and testify at a duly called Civil Service Commission
meeting when required to do so by the Commission.
(4)
If any person shall refuse or neglect to obey any subpoena issued
by the Commission, upon conviction of such refusal or neglect in a
summary proceeding, that person may be sentenced to pay a fine not
to exceed $100 and in default of the payment of such fine and cost
may be imprisoned not to exceed 30 days.
(5)
If any person shall refuse or neglect to obey any subpoena, the Commission
may apply by petition to the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County
or other court of competent jurisdiction for its subpoena, requiring
the attendance of such persons before the Commission or the court
to testify and to produce any records and papers necessary, and in
default thereof shall be held in contempt of court.
L.
Annual report.
(1)
The Commission shall make an annual report by January 15 to the Municipal
Council.
(2)
The Commission's annual report shall contain a brief summary
of its work during the prior year and a full accounting for any expenditure
of public monies.
(3)
The annual report shall be available for public inspection.
M.
Biennial review and report.
(1)
The Commission shall, after its biennial reorganization meeting,
meet to review, in their entirety, the civil service rules and regulations
in effect at that time.
(2)
Upon completion of the review, the Commission may submit a report
to Council with its recommendations for possible updates and modifications
to the rules and regulations.
(3)
If the Commission recommends no changes to the rules and regulations,
then the report will indicate as such.
A.
Nondiscrimination policy.
(1)
The Borough of Verona is an equal opportunity employer.
(2)
It is the Borough of Verona's and the Commission's policy
to grant equal employment opportunities to qualified persons without
regard to race, religion, gender, age, marital status, national origin,
or non-job-related disability.
(3)
The Borough of Verona and the Commission will provide equal opportunities
in employment and promotion.
B.
Public notice.
(1)
The Commission shall conspicuously post, in the Borough of Verona
municipal building, an announcement of the hiring or promotional testing
and set forth the time and place of every examination, together with
the information as to the type of position to be filled, the requirements
for that position, where applications may be obtained and the deadline
for filing those applications.
(2)
At least two weeks prior to the close of the application period,
publication of the notice shall occur in at least one newspaper circulating
generally in the Borough of Verona.
C.
Full-time civil service positions.
(1)
The Council of the Borough of Verona authorizes and recognizes the
following full-time civil service positions within the Municipal Police
Department which may from time to time be held by a qualified officer,
however, nothing contained herein requires the Borough to maintain
such position:
D.
Application availability.
(1)
Application forms shall be available to all interested persons in
the office of the Borough Council, and from such other offices and
officers that the Commission, from time to time, may choose to designate.
(2)
Application forms may be mailed to a potential applicant upon written,
e-mail or telephone request. However, the Commission assumes no responsibility
for missed filing deadlines due to a delay in mail delivery.
E.
Recording and filing applications.
(1)
Applications for positions in the Police Department shall be received
at the Borough of Verona municipal building only after an examination
has been properly advertised and before the expiration of the deadline
for receiving applications which must be set forth in the public advertisement.
(2)
The Borough Council or other designated person, such as the Mayor,
will receive applications.
(3)
The Borough Council or other designated person shall record the receipt
of all applications and provide each applicant with notice of the
time and place for the first portion of the testing process, the written
examination.
(4)
Any application containing material errors or omissions may, at the
discretion of the Commission, be returned to the applicant for correction
prior to the deadline for filing applications after which no new applications
or amended applications will be accepted.
A.
Eligibility for examination.
(1)
In order to be eligible for participation in any examination for
any full-time civil service position, within the Police Department,
an applicant must submit a completed application form to the Commission
before the expiration of the deadline stated by the Commission for
that specific examination.
(2)
The applicant must make an oath or affirmation that the application
is completed truthfully, and the applicant is subject to the penalties
of 18 Pa.C.S.A. § 4904 relating to falsification of information
to authorities.
(3)
At the time of filing of an application, each applicant shall pay
a nonrefundable fee in the amount of $50. Said application fee shall
be used exclusively for the purpose of defraying the costs of the
Borough in conducting and administering the examination process. Said
application fee may be increased, from time to time, by ordinance
of municipal Council, based upon the increased costs of administering
and conducting the examination process.
B.
Age and driver's license requirements. All applicants for the
Police Department must have reached their 21st birthday and maintain
a valid Pennsylvania driver's license before the deadline for
submitting completed applications.
C.
General qualifications - all applicants.
(1)
Every applicant for a position in the Police Department shall possess
a diploma from an accredited high school or graduate equivalency diploma.
In addition, every applicant must be a United States citizen, be physically
and mentally fit to perform the full duties of a police officer, be
certified as police officer as stated in Act 120, Municipal Police
Officers' Education and Training Program, must have been a full-time
police officer for a minimum of one year, or two years as a part-time
police officer prior to appointment, and possess a valid motor vehicle
operator's license issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
(2)
Borough Council may, from time to time, include additional minimum
qualifications by resolution prior to or in conjunction with commissioning
an examination.
D.
Rejection of an applicant. The Commission may refuse to examine, or, if examined, may refuse to certify as eligible after examination, any applicant who is found to lack any of the minimum qualifications for examination prescribed in these rules and regulations for the particular position for which the applicant has applied. In addition, the Commission may refuse to certify any applicant who is physically or mentally unfit to perform the full duties of the position applied for, or who is a habitual substance abuser, who is guilty of any crime involving moral turpitude, or of infamous or notoriously disgraced conduct as defined by Pennsylvania Crime Code Subchapter B and Chapter 59, or who has been dismissed from public service for delinquency or misconduct in office, or has been convicted of a serious misdemeanor or a felony, or who is affiliated with any group whose policies or activities are subversive to the forms of government set forth in the constitutions and laws of the United States and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
E.
Hearing for disqualified applicants. Any applicant who believes that
he or she is aggrieved by the actions of the Commission, in refusing
to examine or to certify him or her as eligible after examination,
may request a hearing before the Commission. Within 10 days after
such request, the Commission shall designate a time and place for
the hearing. The applicant or aggrieved party must make his or her
request for a hearing in writing within 10 calendar days of the date
when the party knew or should have known of the Commission's
action which is being challenged. The decision of the Commission shall
be final.
A.
General examination requirements for the position of police officer.
(1)
The examination for police officer will consist of a written and
oral examination. The written and oral will be graded on a 100-point
scale with the written examination representing 50% of the final score
and the oral examination representing 50% of the final score. In addition,
each applicant will undergo a physical fitness test and a background
investigation. These tests and investigation will be graded on a pass/fail
basis for every applicant. After an applicant has been extended an
offer of employment, final appointment shall be contingent upon the
applicant passing a physical, which will include a drug screening
procedure, and a psychological examination.
B.
Appointment of examiners. The Commission shall appoint a written
examination administrator, an oral examination board, a polygraph
examiner, a physical fitness examiner, a medical examiner and a psychological
examiner to conduct the appropriate examination(s) as required by
these rules and regulations.
C.
Written examination. The written examination shall be graded on a
100-point scale, and an applicant must score 70% or higher in order
to continue in the application process. Applicants scoring less than
70% shall be rejected. Within 30 days after the administration of
the written examination, all applicants shall be given written notice
of their test results and passing applicants shall be scheduled for
an oral examination appointment.
D.
Oral examination. Every applicant who scored 70% or higher in the
written examination shall be given an oral examination which will
be graded on a 100-point scale with a score of 70% or higher necessary
for passing. The oral examination shall involve questioning applicants
on how they would handle situations relevant to police work. Within
30 days after the applicants' oral examination, they shall be
informed of the score in their oral examination and total overall
score, and each passing applicant shall be informed of the date for
physical fitness testing.
E.
Oral examination board.
(1)
The Civil Service Commission shall, before the oral examination process
begins, appoint the members of the Oral Examination Board.
(2)
The Oral Examination Board shall consist of three appointed members.
(3)
No member of the Borough of Verona Council or Verona Civil Service
Commission shall be a member of the Oral Examination Board. The following
individuals may be members of the Oral Examination Board:
(a)
The Chief of Police or Officer in Charge of the Borough of Verona
Police Department;
(b)
A resident(s) of Borough of Verona;
(c)
A member(s) of the Pennsylvania State Police;
(d)
A representative(s) from bona fide testing agency which conducts
interviews for police officers; or
(e)
An instructor(s) who teaches law enforcement classes at a university,
college, technical school, or other certified police officer training
academy.
(4)
The Civil Service Commission shall, before the oral examination process
begins, submit the names of the Oral Examination Board appointees
to the Borough Council.
(5)
Council shall, before the oral examination process begins, have the
right to strike any and all Oral Examination Board appointees who
are not in compliance with the criteria set forth herein to be a member
of the Oral Examination Board. If no strike is offered after seven
days of notification by the Commission, then no appointee shall be
rejected.
F.
Veterans preference points. Pursuant to the Veterans' Preference
Act,[1] any applicant for the position of patrol officer who qualifies as a "soldier" under this Act shall receive an additional 10 points on top of his or her total score if that applicant had received passing scores under Subsections A, C and D.
[1]
Editor's Note: See 51 Pa.C.S.A. § 7101 et seq.
G.
Physical fitness testing. An applicant for the position of police
officer shall be required to successfully pass a physical agility
examination which shall substantially consist of the following or
such other physical fitness test which meets the MOPETC entrance application
requirements:
(1)
Stretcher carry. Applicants will be paired off and required to carry
a stretcher with a simulated patient weighing approximately 200 pounds,
over a distance of 100 feet. Those applicants failing on the first
attempt will be allowed to retake the exercise with a person who has
successfully completed the exercise.
(2)
Body drag. An applicant is required to remove a simulated motor vehicle
operator weighing approximately 200 pounds from behind the steering
wheel of a motor vehicle and drag the simulated operator to a point
50 feet from the motor vehicle.
(3)
Quarter-mile run. An applicant is required to run a distance of one-quarter
mile on a premeasured course in less than 110 seconds.
(4)
Window climb. An applicant is required to climb through six-foot-high
level window without assistance onto a three-foot level platform on
the other side of the window, and then to the ground. Applicants must
then circle around a marker 20 feet beyond the window and return up
the three-foot-high platform and out the window onto the ground below.
(5)
Situps. An applicant is required when laying from a supine back position,
with straight legs, hands touching shoulders and crossed on the chest
come to an upright sitting position, 90°, 15 times in a sixty-second
time period.
(6)
Pushups. An applicant is required to complete 15 pushups in a forty-second
time period. The applicant will start by supporting his/her body by
positioning the hands and feet in front of him/her, and applicant
will lower the body as a unit with shoulders, hips and legs in the
same plane to a point one to two inches from the floor and return
to the front support position.
(7)
Motor vehicle push. An applicant is required to push an average-sized
motor vehicle a distance of 25 feet on a premeasured flat course.
A.
Creation of eligibility list.
(1)
At the completion of the examination requirements set forth in § 46-18, the Commission shall rank all passing applicants on a list with the applicant receiving the highest score at the top of the list and the applicant receiving the lowest passing score at the bottom of the list. Applicants who qualify for veterans' preference points shall have those points added to their passing score prior to being ranked on the eligibility list. In the case of tied scores, the tie will be broken by giving preference to the applicant who submitted a final completed application first. If both tied applicants submitted their complete application on the same day, then the applicants shall be ranked in alphabetical order by surname.
(2)
The eligibility list shall be valid for one year from the date the
Commission ranks all passing applicants, assigns veterans preference
points and formally adopts the eligibility list. The Commission may
at its sole discretion, or by a vote of the majority of Council at
a duly authorized Council meeting, extend the list for an additional
year. The Commission may, at its sole discretion, void an eligibility
list at any time for any reason.
B.
Appointment.
(1)
Furloughed officers shall be given first consideration for reemployment,
prior to any other hiring procedure and shall be reinstated in the
order of their seniority.
(2)
Borough Council may fill any vacancy in an existing position in the
Police Department which occurs as a result of retirement, resignation,
disability or death, by the reappointment or reinstatement of a former
employee of the Police Department who had previously complied with
the civil service provisions of the Borough. As stated, those officers
considered for reinstatement must have previously complied with the
provisions of the Verona Borough civil service requirements and reappointment
is subject to the recertification requirements prescribed by the Municipal
Police Officer's Education and Training Commission.
(3)
Except for physical and psychological examinations, no other testing
shall be required for furloughed, rehired or reappointed employees.
(4)
If no furlough list exists, or if positions remain to be filled after
all of the officers on the furlough list are offered reemployment,
every full-time civil service position shall be filled only in the
following manner:
(a)
The Borough Council shall notify the Commission of any vacancy
which is to be filled and shall request the certification of three
names from the list of those eligible who have received the highest
total scores on the civil service testing.
(b)
If three names are not available, then the Commission shall
certify the next highest name(s) remaining on the list.
(c)
The Borough Council shall make an appointment from one of the
three names certified with reference to the merits and fitness of
the candidates.
(d)
However, for initial appointment to the position of police officer,
when any applicant on the certified list is a veteran, that applicant
shall be selected.
(5)
The Borough Council may object to one or more of the persons certified for the reasons set forth in § 46-17D of these rules and regulations.
(6)
If the candidate to whom the Borough Council objects fails to timely exercise the rights to appeal under § 46-17E or if the Commission declines to uphold the appeal, the Commission shall strike the name of that candidate from the eligibility list and certify the next highest name for inclusion on the list of three candidates for each name stricken off.
(7)
In the case that there is more than one vacancy to be filled, the
Commission shall certify, from the eligible list, a number of the
highest ranked candidates equal to the number of vacancies to be filled,
plus the next two highest ranked candidates. This provision will provide
that the last appointment will always be made from the remaining three
names certified.
C.
Appointment of chief of police and assistant chief of police.
(1)
The position of Chief of Police and Assistant Chief of Police in
the Borough of Verona need not be civil service positions and shall
not be filled as such unless otherwise explicitly appointed by the
Borough Council.
(2)
The Borough Council may appoint a Chief of Police and/or Assistant
Chief of Police outside of the civil service system. The individuals
appointed may be so appointed without civil service status.
(3)
In the case of a vacancy in the office of Chief of Police and/or
Assistant Chief of Police, the Borough Council has full discretion
in selecting the individual to fill the position of Chief of Police
and/or Assistant Chief of Police.
(4)
A Chief or Assistant Chief appointed without civil service status
has no right to appeal a termination to the Civil Service Commission.
D.
Background investigation.
(1)
The Commission shall request the Chief of Police or other designated
person to conduct a background investigation of applicants who have
passed the written, oral and physical components of the examination
and who remain one of the top three scores including ties. In the
event of more than one vacancy to be filled, a number of the highest
ranked candidates equal to the number of vacancies to be filled, plus
the next two highest ranked candidates, shall also undergo the background
investigation.
(2)
The background investigation shall include:
(a)
Interviews with the applicant's family, acquaintances,
current and former employers, current and former neighbors, references
and current and former teachers and school officials;
(b)
Checking the applicant's credit history;
(c)
Checking the applicant's criminal record for criminal convictions;
and
(d)
Checking the applicant's driver's license record and
history.
(3)
The applicant may be interviewed directly when the information collected
during the background investigation requires clarification or explanation.
(4)
After the background investigation is completed, the Chief or other designated person shall make a written recommendation to the Commission on whether the applicant is appropriate for consideration for appointment as a full-time civil service police officer. Appropriateness of the applicant shall be based on the criteria set forth in § 46-17D of these rules and regulations.
(5)
If the recommendation is to disqualify an applicant, then a detailed
written explanation of the reasons for disqualification must be included.
(6)
The Commission shall make the final determination on whether the
information collected during the background investigation warrants
rejection of the candidate.
(7)
Within 30 days after the Commission considers the recommendation,
all applicants shall be given written notice indicating whether they
have passed the background investigation.
E.
Polygraph examination.
(1)
Every application for the position of full-time civil service police
officer shall fill out a personal data questionnaire and may, at the
discretion of the Civil Service Commission, be required to undergo
a polygraph examination.
(2)
If a polygraph examination is required, the Commission shall furnish
the polygraph examiner with forms upon which the examiner shall state
whether any of the applicant's responses to questions from the
applicant's personal data questionnaire are deceptive.
(3)
The top three candidates from the Civil Service Commissions certified
eligibility list shall undergo a polygraph test. In the event of more
than one vacancy to be filled, a number of the highest ranked candidates
equal to the number of vacancies to be filled, plus the next two highest
ranked candidates, shall also undergo the polygraph test.
(4)
The report on each examination shall be submitted to the Commission
within five days after the date of the examination.
(5)
The examiner shall ask questions based on the information contained
in the personal data questionnaire.
(6)
Before administering the test, the examiner shall ask each applicant
whether there is any more information related to the personal data
questionnaire that the applicant would like to provide.
(7)
After administering the test the examiner shall again ask the applicant,
if deception is indicated, whether there is any information which
the applicant is withholding.
(8)
If the examiner shall deem any of the applicant's responses
to be deceptive, the examiner must tell the applicant immediately
and give the applicant an opportunity to explain, deny or admit the
deception. If the applicant denies being deceptive or if the explanation
is found unsatisfactory by the examiner, the applicant will be given
the opportunity to retake the test with a second examiner. Notice
of the opportunity to retest shall be given in writing to the applicant.
The second examiner will not have access to the results of the first
test prior to readministering the polygraph. If the second examiner
finds no deception, the applicant will be considered as having passed
the polygraph examination. If the second examiner also finds the applicant
deceptive, the applicant will be considered as having failed the examination.
F.
Physical and psychological examinations.
(1)
After the Borough Council selects a candidate from the certified
list for appointment to the vacant position, that candidate at the
Commission's discretion may be required to submit to a physical
examination and a psychological examination by the appropriate medical
experts.
(2)
If the candidate successfully passes both the physical and psychological
examinations, then that candidate shall be appointed to the vacant
position in the Police Department for which the application was submitted.
(3)
The appointment shall be contingent upon successfully passing both
the physical and psychological examinations.
(4)
Failure to pass either examination shall result in the candidate
being rejected from consideration.
G.
Probationary period.
(1)
Every successful applicant to the position of patrol officer or to
a promotional position with the Police Department shall serve a twelve-month
probationary period.
(2)
For newly hired police officers, the one-year probationary period
shall not commence until after the officer has received a certification
number.
(3)
During the probationary period, a newly hired officer may only be dismissed for cause for the reasons set forth in § 46-21A.
(4)
A promoted officer, during probation, may be returned to a prior rank only for cause for the reasons set forth in § 46-21A. However, at the end of the twelve-month probationary period, if the conduct of the probationer has not been satisfactory to the Borough Council, the probationer shall be notified in writing that the appointment will not be permanent.
(5)
At that time, a newly hired officer's employment shall end,
and a promoted officer shall return to a previous rank.
(6)
Any officer who is not informed in writing that his or her performance
has been unsatisfactory shall receive a permanent appointment to the
new position.
(7)
Any probationer, who is notified in writing that his or her appointment
will not be made permanent, has no right of appeal under these rules
and regulations.
H.
Provisional appointments.
(1)
Whenever there are urgent reasons for the filling of a vacancy in
any position in the Police Department and there are no names on the
eligible list for such appointment, the Borough Council may nominate
a person to the Commission for noncompetitive examination, and such
nominee may be certified by the Commission as qualified after such
noncompetitive examination, and may be appointed provisionally to
fill such vacancy provided that nothing within this section shall
prevent the appointment, without examination, of the persons temporarily
as police officers in cases of riot or other emergency.
(2)
In the event of a provisional appointment, it shall thereupon become
the duty of the Commission, within three weeks, to schedule a competitive
examination and certify a list of those eligible and then a regular
appointment shall be made from the name or names submitted by the
Commission.
A.
General qualifications for corporal, sergeant, lieutenant and captain:
(1)
All applicants for a promotional position, except the Chief and Assistant
Chief, who have not received a formal written reprimand for one year
prior to the deadline for submitting their name to the list of eligibles
wishing to be tested for the vacant position, and have not been suspended
at any time three years prior to the deadline for submitting their
name to a list. Any formal written reprimand or suspension to which
the applicant has timely appealed pursuant to the grievance procedure
or these rules and regulations shall be disregarded unless the appeal
is resolved prior to creation of the eligibility list.
(2)
All applicants for promotion shall have continuous prior service
with the Verona Police Department as follows:
(a)
An applicant for the position of Corporal shall have at least
two years' service with the Department;
(b)
An applicant for the position of Sergeant shall be a Corporal
and have had at least one year of experience in that rank within this
Department;
(c)
An applicant for the position of Lieutenant shall be Sergeant
and have had at least one year of experience in that rank within this
Department; and
(d)
An applicant for the position of Captain shall be Lieutenant
and have had at least one year of experience in that rank within this
Department.
B.
Rejection of applicants for promotion. The Commission may refuse
to examine, or if examined, refuse to certify as eligible after examination,
any applicant who is found to lack any of the minimum qualifications
prescribed in these rules and regulations for the particular position
for which the applicant has applied.
C.
Hearing for disqualified applicants. Rejected or disqualified applicants for promotion have the same rights of appeal as stated in § 46-17E of these rules and regulations.
D.
General examination requirements for the positions of Corporal, Sergeant,
Lieutenant and Captain. The examination for the positions of Corporal,
Sergeant, Lieutenant and Captain shall include a written and oral
examination which will be graded on a 100-point scale, with the written
examination representing 70% and the oral examination representing
30% of the final score. After an applicant has been extended an offer
of promotion, Borough Council may make the offer of promotion contingent
upon the applicant passing a psychological examination.
E.
F.
Veterans' preference points for promotion. Veterans' preference points are awarded to those who qualify for the initial appointment to patrol officer as set forth in § 46-18F and candidates for promotion shall receive no additional preference for promotions.
G.
Creation of promotion eligibility lists. At the conclusion of the
examination requirements the Commission shall rank all passing applicants
on a list with the applicant receiving the highest score at the top
of the list and the applicant receiving the lowest at the bottom of
the list. The eligibility list should be valid for one year from the
date the Commission ranks all passing applicants and formally adopts
the eligibility list. The Borough Council in its discretion may extend
the list for an additional year or may void the eligibility list at
any time for any reason.
H.
Promotion appointment.
(1)
The Borough Council will determine if a vacancy exists in the ranks
and whether the vacancy should be filled. In the event that Council
chooses to fill the vacancy, then the Commission shall certify three
names from the list of eligibles.
(2)
If three names are not available, then the Commission shall certify
the name(s) remaining on the list.
(3)
Borough Council shall make an appointment from one of the three names
certified with consideration to the merits and fitness of each candidate.
(4)
Borough Council may object to one or more of the persons certified for reasons set forth in § 46-17D of these rules and regulations. If the candidate to whom the Council objects fails to timely exercise the rights of appeal under § 46-17E, or if the Commission declines to uphold the appeal, the Commission shall strike the name of the candidate from the eligibility list and certify the next highest name for inclusion on the list of three candidates for each name stricken off.
A.
Grounds for disciplinary action.
(1)
Except as may be specifically set forth in these rules and regulations,
no person appointed to a full-time civil service position in the Police
Department may be suspended without pay or removed and no person promoted
in rank, pursuant to these rules and regulations, may be reduced in
rank except for the following reasons:
(a)
Physical or mental disability affecting the officer's ability
to continue in service, in which case the officer shall receive an
honorable discharge from service;
(b)
Neglect or violation of any official duty;
(c)
Violation of any law of this commonwealth, which provides that
such violation constitutes a misdemeanor or felony;
(d)
Inefficiency, neglect, intemperance, disobedience of orders
or conduct unbecoming an officer;
(e)
Intoxication while on duty; or
(f)
Engaging or participating in or conducting of any political
or election campaign other than the officer's exercise of the
right of suffrage while on duty.
(2)
No officer shall be removed for reasons of religious beliefs or practices,
racial or ethnic background, sexual orientation or political affiliations.
(3)
A statement of any charges made against any officer employed by the
Borough of Verona shall be furnished to the officer within five days
after the Borough Council has adopted those charges.
B.
Furloughs.
(1)
If for any reason, it shall be deemed necessary by the Borough of
Verona to reduce the number of full-time police officers in the Department,
then the Borough Council shall apply the following procedure:
(a)
Such reduction shall be accomplished by furloughing in numerical
order commencing with the person last appointed, including probationers,
until such reduction shall have been accomplished.
(b)
In the event that Council decides to increase the Police Department,
the furloughed officers shall be reinstated in order of their seniority
in the Department.
(c)
In order to be reinstated, a furloughed officer must accept
reinstatement in writing within 30 days of receiving notice of the
opening.
(d)
These reductions in force provisions are not applicable to the
Chief of Police or Assistant Chief of Police.
C.
Notice of suspension, removal or reduction in rank.
(1)
Whenever a full-time civil service police officer is suspended, removed
or reduced in rank, the specific charges warranting such actions shall
be stated in writing by the Borough Council or its designated agent.
(2)
Charges against an officer shall be stated clearly and in sufficient
detail to enable the officer to understand the charges and to allow
the officer an opportunity to respond to those charges.
(4)
Within five days after the Borough Council has imposed the disciplinary
action, a written statement of the charges shall be delivered to the
officer either by personal service or by certified and regular mail.
(5)
The charges shall notify the officer of the right to appeal under § 46-21D of these rules and regulations.
(6)
A copy of the statement of charges shall also be served upon the
members of the Civil Service Commission.
D.
Hearings on suspension, removal and reduction in rank.
(1)
A full-time civil service officer who has been suspended, removed
or reduced in rank may appeal the decision of the Borough Council
to the Civil Service Commission.
(2)
A written notice requesting a hearing shall be sent to the Council
of the Civil Service Commission at:
|
Civil Service Commission
Borough of Verona
736 East Railroad Avenue
Verona, PA 15147
|
(3)
This request shall be received by the Commission within 10 days after
the officer received notice of the discipline.
(4)
The officer may make written answers to any charges filed no later
than the date fixed for the hearing.
(5)
Failure of the officer to provide written answers to any of the charges
shall not be deemed an admission of guilt or wrongdoing by the officer.
(6)
The Commission shall schedule a hearing within 10 days from the officer's
written request for a hearing unless continued by the Commission for
cause at the request of the Commission, the Borough Council or the
officer.
(7)
At any such hearing, the officer against whom the charges have been
made may be present and may be represented by counsel, may call witnesses
and present testimony and documentation in defense.
(8)
The Borough may be represented by counsel, call witnesses and present
evidence as is necessary to support the charges.
(9)
A stenographic record of all testimony shall be taken at every hearing
and preserved by the Commission.
(10)
In the event the charges are dismissed, the record shall be
sealed and not be available for public inspection.
(11)
In conducting the hearing, the Commission's standard of
review shall be to determine whether sufficient evidence has been
presented to support the statutory reason for disciplinary action.
(12)
If the Commission finds that sufficient evidence has been introduced
to support the charge, the Commission shall not modify the penalty
imposed by the Borough Council unless it finds that the penalty imposed
was arbitrary, discriminatory or an abuse of the Council's discretion.
(13)
In considering the appropriateness of the discipline, the Commission
shall not substitute its judgment for that of Borough Council.
(14)
The Commission may request post-hearing briefs, and shall issue
a written decision containing specific findings of fact and conclusions
of law within 60 days of receipt of the hearing transcript.
E.
Notice of hearing. Notice of the date, time and place for each hearing
shall be given in the following manner:
(1)
By either personal service or by registered mail to each person making
charges and to the person accused; and
(2)
By mailing a notice to all other parties who have an interest in
the hearing; provided, however, that any failure to give the notice
required by this subsection shall not invalidate any action taken
by the Commission.
F.
Hearing procedure.
(1)
All testimony shall be given under oath administered by the Chairperson,
or in absence of the Chair, the Vice-Chairperson.
(3)
The hearing shall be closed to the public so long as permitted by
law unless the person accused, when making written demand for a hearing,
requests that such hearing be open to the public.
(4)
The rules of evidence now in force in the Court of Common Pleas of
Allegheny County, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, shall be the rules
of evidence for the Commission; provided, however, that the rules,
with regard to hearsay evidence, shall be relaxed and liberally construed.
All rulings on evidence shall be made by the presiding Chairperson,
or in his absence, the Vice-Chairperson at the hearing, subject to
objection by other members of the Commission. In the event of such
objection, the Commission shall adjourn, vote in private on the objection,
and return with a public ruling. The Commission may designate its
Solicitor to preside over hearings and rule on objections.
(5)
Parties to hearing before the Board shall be as follows:
(a)
Appellant: the parties sought to be suspended, removed or demoted,
who requested a hearing and his counsel.
(b)
Commission: the Commission, individually or collectively, shall
have the rights of a party and all hearings and may appear by counsel.
(c)
Suspender: Borough Council of the Borough of Verona.
(d)
Counsel: Counsel is defined as an attorney at law who is admitted
to practice before the Supreme Court of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
(6)
Rights of the parties:
(a)
All parties shall have the right to request the Commission issue
subpoenas to compel the attendance of witness or other evidence.
(b)
All parties shall have the right to remain silent, to testify,
examine witnesses, cross-examine witnesses of other parties, and to
offer documentary or other non-oral evidence.
(c)
The Commission shall have the rights of a party with regard
to calling of witnesses and the right to cross-examine witnesses of
other parties.
(7)
Procedural rules:
(a)
Appellant shall file with the Commission, in writing, his/her
"demand" for a hearing. The demand for a hearing shall consist of
the following parts:
(b)
The demand shall be served on the Borough Council or his/her
designee, who, for the purpose of accepting service, shall be the
agent of the Commission. The appellant shall have the right to public
hearing and shall notify, in writing, the Commission of the intent
to exercise such right. Failure to give notice will be deemed as a
waiver of such right and the hearing shall be closed, open only to
the parties and their counsel. The hearing shall be conducted as follows:
[1]
The Presiding Chairman shall call the hearing to order.
[2]
The suspension notice, charges and the answer, if any, shall
be read into the record by the Council of the Commission or other
designated person.
[3]
All witnesses shall testify under oath. The oath shall be given
by the Presiding Chairperson or designated official.
[4]
The suspender may make an opening statement.
[5]
The suspender may present witnesses and evidence.
[6]
The appellant may move for dismissal of the suspension and charges
and may argue and rebuttal.
[7]
The Commission shall rule on the motion to dismiss.
[8]
The appellant may make an opening statement.
[9]
The appellant may present witnesses and evidence.
[11]
All parties shall have the right to cross-examine at the conclusion
of testimony under act examination. Redirect examination and re-cross-examination
shall be permitted.
[13]
A stenographic and/or tape record shall be made of all hearings.
(8)
Decision of the Civil Service Commission. The Commission shall issue
its decision approved by at least two members of the Commission. The
written decision shall include all findings of fact and conclusions
of law. If, during the hearing, opposing facts are presented, the
Commission shall include its decision as to the correct facts.
(9)
If the Commission sustains the charges, the officer against whom
disciplinary action was taken may file an appeal with the Court of
Common Pleas within 30 days from the date of entry by the Commission
of its final order.
(10)
In the event that the Commission fails to uphold the charges,
then the person sought to be suspended, removed or demoted shall be
reinstated with full pay for the period of the suspension, removal
or demotion, and no charges related to the suspension, removal or
reduction in rank shall be officially recorded in the officer's
record.
G.
Adoption of legislative changes to the Borough Code. It is the intention
of the Borough of Verona to adopt the various legislative changes
set forth in the civil service provisions of the Borough Code including
but not limited to Sections 1181, 1181(a.l), 1183(a), 1184(a), 1186,
1188, 1189(a-f) and the Borough of Verona does hereby adopt those
changes and incorporates same into its rules and regulations. To the
extent that the Borough of Verona's rules and regulations are
deemed to be in conflict with the civil service provisions of the
Borough Code, the Borough Code provisions shall apply.
A.
If any sentence, clause, section or part of this article is for any
reason found to be unconstitutional, illegal or invalid, such unconstitutionality,
illegality or invalidity shall not affect or impair any of the remaining
provisions, sentences, clauses, sections or parts of this article.
It is hereby declared as the intent of the Council of the Borough
of Verona that this article would have been adopted had such unconstitutional,
illegal or invalid sentence, clause, section or part thereof not been
included herein.
B.
Any ordinance or part of any ordinance in conflict herewith is hereby
repealed to the extent of that conflict.
