COUNCIL TO VOTE ON POLICE PACT.Byline: Sonia Giordani Daily News Staff Writer The Simi Valley Simi Valley (sē`mē, sĭm`ē), city (1990 pop. 100,217), Ventura co., SW Calif. in an oil, fruit, and farm region; laid out 1887, inc. 1969. Police Department's disciplinary procedure disciplinary procedure A sanction, or restriction of the right to practice medicine, imposed on a professional is expected to change when the City Council votes Monday on a proposed contract already approved by the police officers union. The three-year contract hammered out by the union and the City Manager's Office includes provisions to allow two council members to review disciplinary cases and decide whether officers should be demoted or fired. ``Discipline is something we live with every day,'' said Sgt. Fred James, president of the Simi Valley Police Officers Association. ``But in these cases, it can mean the end to a person's career.'' Under the current system, a hearing officer recommends demotion de·mote tr.v. de·mot·ed, de·mot·ing, de·motes To reduce in grade, rank, or status. [de- + (pro)mote. or termination for an officer whose conduct or actions are in question. The officer can appeal the recommendation to the City Manager's Office, but the process can be expensive and time-consuming. ``People were feeling they were not getting a fair shake fair shake n. Informal A fair chance, as at achieving success. ,'' James said. The changes would allow two City Council members to conduct the appeal hearing with the city manager. Additionally, the council would have to reimburse a portion of the legal expenses incurred by the officer, which James said should encourage the appeal panel to consider the evidence carefully and expeditiously ex·pe·di·tious adj. Acting or done with speed and efficiency. See Synonyms at fast1. ex . ``From the city's perspective, this agreement meets the goal we have to be responsible in the appeal process and gives the POA greater comfort in the decision,'' said Laura Herron, assistant city manager. Negotiations between the city and the union reached a stalemate in late June, largely over the issue of disciplinary procedure, Herron said. Representatives of the agencies met July 24 to work out details of the disciplinary process, as well as improvements in compensation and benefits. The union has unanimously approved the contract. If accepted by the council, it will take effect immediately, with a retroactive Having reference to things that happened in the past, prior to the occurrence of the act in question. A retroactive or retrospective law is one that takes away or impairs vested rights acquired under existing laws, creates new obligations, imposes new duties, or attaches a start day of July 21, Herron said. ``I think the City Council feels this is a fair agreement,'' said Councilman Bill Davis For the artist, animator, creative director, see . For the baseball player, see .
In addition to the revised disciplinary procedure, the agreement calls for a $218,000 increase in funds to the Police Department this year. The 2.23 percent increase would augment payments to about 30 employees who work as detectives and motor officers, and increase pension and holiday benefits to all officers. Funding for the second and third years would be based on a survey of 12 other police agencies in Ventura and Los Angeles Los Angeles (lôs ăn`jələs, lŏs, ăn`jəlēz'), city (1990 pop. 3,485,398), seat of Los Angeles co., S Calif.; inc. 1850. counties, used to provide pay rates to Simi Valley officers comparable to those for officers in surrounding communities. |
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