Expert: Dick Rogers - 11/11/2004

Question
I live in a very small town which right now only has a police cheif and a sgt. police officer. We have a Mayor and 5 city council members our city financial adviser is volunteer but is also our city judge. He has taken it upon hisself to do a job evaluation on the police cheif and the Sgt. his review was based solely on hear say and things that where rumored from back in March and April of this year when he wasnt even involved with the city. My Question is who are these officers boss? I thought the Mayor was. Wouldn't the Cheif do the job evaluation of the officer under him? Its sad enough that we had 7 officers in January and now they are saying we don't even need the two we have, but in the same breathe they complain that the crime and drugs have gotten almost out of control and they don't want the officers working over 40 hours but they still want 24 hour protection.......... Any advise on if the job evaluations are legal and ethical?        Thank You


Answer
Michelle, it seems me that the situation in your small town is getting out of control.  From what you have described, the job of evaluating the Sgt. would fall to the Chief.  The financial advisor/judge seems to be grabbing responsibilities that are not clearly outlined (surely there must be a job description, including responsibilities, for the financial advisor and for the Chief) and could result in serious breakdowns in performance.  I think it is time for the citizens of you small town to get together and attend a city council meeting to get this matter cleared up.  If you are concerned then surely most other people are too.  This way the council will realize that the people are fed up with the way things are.  Hope this helps.