SBPD personnel receive "bumping" notices
The Sun has obtained a copy of a Feb. 10 letter that was sent to several SBPD detectives and sergeants that gives personnel the option of accepting either a demotion or unemployment.
The letter begins as follows:
"The General Fund deficit projected for the balance of this year and Fiscal Year 2009-2010 is being addressed through a comprehensive strategic budget plan. The plan recommends many actions, including expenditure cuts, revenue enhancements, the sale of City-owned property, employee wage concessions and, regrettably, a reduction in the workforce. Unfortunately, your position is one of those identified for layoff in the Police Department."
The copy of the letter we received is addressed to a detective whose name has been blacked out. The letter informs the detective that he or she has the option of accepting demotion to a police officer job with the right to be promoted back to detective within two years if a vacancy at that level develops.
The recipient's other choice is to leave SBPD and be placed on a reemployment list with eligibility to be rehired as a detective within two years.
Layoffs would be effective as of March 13.
Newsroom colleague Stacia Glenn has learned that 7 sergeants and 15 detectives received the bumping notices. SBPD currently employs 47 detectives and 46 sergeants.
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Andrew Edwards. E-mail Andrew here.
Un-friggin believable, that's all I have to say about that! Why not start the "bumping process" at the top. Seems it would save more money to eliminate the "fat at the top".
I totally agree with "rather not say" we are way too top heavy. For example, When I started as an Officer, the watch commander's office was staffed by one Sgt. we did not need to have a " Lead Sgt " that earns right around what a Lt. makes , the office is also now staffed by a Lt. The lead Sgt position was created just a few years ago and having Leutenants staff the watch commander's office also started just a few years ago.
This department seems "top heavy" from everything I've heard. I'd rather have officers on the street. Just the opinion of a taxpayer.
Of course we're top heavy!! This organization is about sucking up all the cream at the top. No administration in department history has spent more time and money fattening the top cops than Billdts.