Okaloosa County BOCC — December 31, 2012 — Action Item Printout

BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS AGENDA REQUEST DATE: December 4, 2012 TO: Honorable Chairman and Members of the Board FROM: Greg Donovan SUBJECT: Airport Police Accreditation and Reserve Officer Program DEPARTMENT: Airport BCC DISTRICT: All STATEMENT OF ISSUE: The Airports Department is seeking BCC concurrence with admission of the airport police division into the state accreditation program and for the department to establish a reserve airport police officer program. BACKGROUND: Establishment of the airport police division for Okaloosa County's three airports occurred seven months ago. During this period, Standard Operating Procedures, policies and law enforcement specific protocols have been established. Procedural structure has been applied to "real world" emergencies that have entailed medical situations, criminal activities requiring arrest, investigations, and other public safety responsibilities. In an effort to continue professional development, further proficiency levels, and formalize best practices learned from other law enforcement agencies, airport staff is requesting permission to enter into the state accreditation program, specifically through the Commission for Florida Accreditation (CFA). The goal is to obtain this designation within one year. The program would require hiring a temporary full-time employee to serve as accreditation manager. The cost is expected to be +/- $40,000.00 and would be funded by the airport's operational budget. The BCC is also asked to approve the establishment of a reserve airport police officer program. With coordination from HR, a total of ten sworn law enforcement officers would be recruited, trained, and would serve as a scheduling back-up for full-time personnel. This personnel augmentation would be utilized during emergencies, weather events, and for schedule coverage during training. Initial training and equipment expenses would be between $1,500 to $2,500 per reserve officer. The standard hourly rate of an airport police officer of $14.13 per hour would be applicable when a reserve officer is on-duty. Attached are white papers on both initiatives. OPTIONS: Approve, reject, table. RECOMMENDATIONS: Airport staff recommends approval to enter into the CFA program and authorization to establish a reserve airport police officer program. RECOMMENDED BY: APPROVED BY: James D. Curry, County Administrator