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TO: Mayor Richard C. Irvin
FROM: Commander Steve Stemmet
DATE: March 17, 2022
SUBJECT:
Resolution ratifying payments in the amount of $12,952.40 and approving estimated payments in the amount of $52,952 to Richland Community College for police recruit training, lodging, and meals in 2022.
PURPOSE:
Approval of payments required to send police recruits through the Macon County Law Enforcement Training Center, a partnership with Richland Community College and the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board. This includes wearables (uniforms/PT Set), OC Spray training, classroom/online training, lodging, and meals.
BACKGROUND:
Prior to 2020, the State of Illinois would reimburse the police officer basic academy training from state funds directly to the academy. In January 2020, cities across Illinois were informed training would have to be paid for by the cities, with the possibility of future reimbursement by the state. This reimbursement could be in full or partial payment, depending on state funds. Prior to 2020, the City typically paid $330 per recruit, which covered wearables and OC Spray training, while the State covered the remaining balance.
In 2022, the current cost per recruit, including room and board, wearables, and OC Spray training are approximately $6,619.
DISCUSSION:
The primary purpose of the police academy is to prepare new officers for a career in law enforcement. The Academy provides basic training for recruits to become certified Illinois law enforcement officers. To become certified, recruits must attend and successfully complete a 560-hour (14 week) comprehensive training course. The police department has been using the Macon County Law Enforcement Training Center for approximately three years. Other academies have failed to meet our standards or have been unable to grant us the number of slots needed to train our recruits annually.
Ratification is requested for the first recruit academy of 2022 in the total amount of...
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