FeedsPolice promotions OK’d despite objections
Promotions were approved in the Van Buren Township Public Safety Department last week, despite the objections of some members of the board of trustees.
The restructuring proposal was approved 4 to 3 last week by the trustees, although some trustees said they had problems with pension requirements, double promotions and union issues.
“I’m concerned with the cost of public safety,” said Trustee Phil Hart. “I like the idea of promotions from within, but have a problem with double promotions. I’m also opposed to the fact that there’s no command under Director Jerry Champagne.”
“I think the proposal has a lot of merit, but I do have concerns,” said Trustee Jeff Jahr. “The structure presented I have problems with. I think there might need to be someone in management under the director and minor modifications, I think the proposal is acceptable. I don’t think they’ve really thought through the promotions and at this stage I’m reluctant to support it.”
The restructuring will promote the current police lieutenant—Ken Brooks—to the rank of captain. Sgt. Greg Laurain was named captain for support services, which consists of the detective division, school resources offices division, records bureau and the traffic services unit.
Sgt. Dennis Brooks and Ernie Thornsbury were promoted to lieutenant in the patrol division, as well.
Champagne said the police organizational design should focus on the level of authority or positions holding formal power within the organization. The development of a good organizational structure results in increased efficiency and effectiveness. This new structure sets in place a clear line of authority opposed to the flat organization already in place, he said.
It also provides a cost savings for the department, too.
“It’s less costly because less people were promoted than the original plan, overtime costs were cut and there’s no additional funding needed,” Champagne said.
“This doesn’t dramatically change the composition of the police department and it doesn’t require the hiring of additional personnel,” he added. “The goal is to establish a sound leadership chain of command while developing future leaders of the department.”
The current structure of the police department consists of two sergeants on each shift: a sergeant in charge of support services and one in charge of the traffic services section.
Township Supervisor Cindy King said there have been great strides made in the police department, but there’s still more that needs to be achieved.
“Director Champagne has worked hard to develop the department and the people in it,” she said. “We have a flat organization back there. A chain of command is critical for public safety. I think it’s a great improvement that can set the department on a level of professionalism we haven’t seen in a long time.”
Others agreed, particularly when it came to promotions within the department, along with the anticipated cost savings.
“As a business person well read in profit and non-profit organizations, if you take any good organization and study that, they consistently promote from within to make it great,” said Bob Thorne, member of the township public safety commission.
“I have faith and support and will give that fully to the director,” said Trustee Walter Rochowiak.
Union issues and double promotions also caused concern. Champagne is a non-union member, while the rest of the staff are union members, he said.
“If we went non-union we would have to go outside for people to promote instead of inside, which would be more money and cause morale issues within the department,” Champagne said. “As for the double promotions, that was caused in part because the organization hadn’t been developed over the years. These people are more than qualified to do the job and they do it well.”
