Sturtevant to Hire Four Part-Time Officers Now, One Full-Time in 2013

Our partners Mount Pleasant/Sturtevant Patch are reporting that two officers have resigned from the Sturtevant Police Department, and Chief Sean Marschke Tuesday night presented a solution to trustees that saves the village time and money.

Carolyn Weiher, a five-year veteran of the department, resigned her full-time position to take a job closer to home in Kenosha. Ben Mieloszyk has been with Sturtevant in a part-time capacity for two years, and he resigned to take a job in neighboring Mount Pleasant.

But recognizing that the village budget remains tight, Marschke proposed hiring four part-time officers instead of just replacing Weiher.

“We have a significant hole in our staffing when we’re busy with the end of summer and vacations,” he told board members. “Hiring four part-time officers gives us the additional staffing we need with the flexibility to only fill in as necessary.”

Because part-time officers are only paid when and if they’re on duty and their hourly wage is less than that of a full-time staff officer, the village will see some savings. Additionally, part-time officers do not get benefits, another cost savings.

Marschke is also looking to 2013 and beyond. Because Sturtevant will need another full-time officer, getting some part-time staffing now gives the chief the opportunity to evaluate the officers for who would make the best new addition come January.

Trustee Jayme Hoffman, head of the Public Safety and Health Committee, said he liked the idea.

“This gives us the chance to get good people on board, get them familiar with the village and the department for when we’re ready to hire full time,” he said.

Looking at 2014, the chief said there might be the opportunity to hire another full-time officer because the village’s tax incremental financing district (TID) – most of which is the Renaissance Business Park – will close.

“We might find we need additional services and our tax base will expand to possibly justify the cost at that time,” he stated.

Candidates, Marschke said, will already have the necessary training and law enforcement certification.

“Many of the applications we’ve received are from Milwaukee County Sheriff Deputies who were laid off,” he said in answer to a question from Trustee Chris Wright. “They need to keep working to keep their certification so this is a win-win for everyone.”

Adding part-time officers to the department’s roster does not violate any of the Wisconsin Professional Police Association rules or its contract with Sturtevant, Village Clerk/Interim Administrator Mary Cole assured the board.

Trustees on Tuesday will approve a resolution authorizing the four part-time positions. The Police Commission is expected to hire two of the officers by the end of the month and two more shortly after that.

For more news from Mount Pleasant and Sturtevant visit them at Mount Pleasant Patch

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