CONA backs chief's police plan

ST. PETERSBURG -- To the surprise of almost no one, the city's main neighborhood organization dropped its suggestion that the St. Petersburg Police Department merge with the sheriff's office if officials don't seek a management study of the department.

At its Wednesday night membership meeting, the Council of Neighborhood Associations voted overwhelmingly to support police chief Chuck Harmon's recommendations for recruiting and retaining officers -- provided an outside study of the department is undertaken and that management training is given to officers ranked sergeant and higher.

There was virtually no support for a sheriff's office merger, and the idea was stricken from the CONA resolution backing Harmon.

CONA's action was nearly a moot issue. Less than 24 hours later, the City Council narrowly voted to accept Harmon's proposals.

The chief's proposals included allowing officers who live outside the city to take home cruisers; shift changes to allow shorter work weeks; more pay for special-duty officers; fast-tracking pay and training for experienced officers who join the force; and deferred retirements for eligible officers.

The department has been undergoing an accreditation assessment by state and national agencies. But there has so far been no word on whether officials will seek another management study.

Harmon said earlier this month department supervisors already get constant training and the department has had numerous reviews.

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