County Changes Police Promotions Exam as Federal Review Looms
New interview process aims to make the Baltimore County police more responsible, accountable for selecting its leaders.
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Baltimore County Police Chief Jim Johnson threw out a more than three-decades old promotions policy just days before a class of sergeants was to take standardized oral interviews to become lieutenants.
The change comes amid a looming U.S. Department of Justice inquiry into the county's hiring and promotions practices within the police and fire departments.
The change involves who interviews prospective candidates for promotion. Until now, interviews had been conducted by outside law enforcement personnel. Now, those interviews will be conducted by officials who work for Baltimore County.
"I have not determined the motivation of the administration as to why this change was instituted," said Cole Weston, president of the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 4. "As far as the Department of Justice inquiry is concerned, if the county is doing this because of that then it appears they are doing this on their own."
A county police spokeswoman acknowledged that Department of Justice officials met with the county earlier this year. The change in the promotion interview process last week had more to do with Johnson's desire to make the department responsible for the selection of its leaders, she said.
"The chief has told me he has felt for a long time that it did not make sense to cede choosing our leaders to other law enforcement agencies," said Elise Armacost, a police spokeswoman.
"We don't even know what (the Department of Justice's) concerns are at this point," Armacost said. "Nonetheless, the continued diversification of our work force is a major goal for Baltimore County public safety."
The change in who gives the standardized interviews preceded an announcement Wednesday that the county Office of Human Resources plans to review the promotional processes for the county corrections, fire, police and sheriff departments.
Additional promotional exams will not be given until that summer review is completed over the summer.
The department currently uses a written test and a standardized oral interview to determine promotions.
For more than 30 years, the department has used a three-member panel composed of police officers from other agencies to conduct and score those interviews. It was the same process that Johnson himself navigated as he was promoted through ranks to colonel before then-County Executive Jim Smith appointed him police chief in 2007.
The use of sworn personnel from outside the county removed concerns of interview bias that could help or hinder any particular candidate's promotional opportunities, according to Weston.
Baltimore County continues to send its officers to assist other agencies with their own promotional interview processes.
"Everyone thought that was the most fair and impartial way to conduct the process," Weston said.
Armacost said the chief has harbored concerns about the process and contemplated changes since he was named chief.
The change Johnson instituted last week, days before the sergeants sat for their interviews, was to use a five-member panel comprised of four sworn county police personnel—one white female, two black males and one white male—and one black female civilian member—state Del. Adrienne Jones, who also works in the county's Human Resources office.
"Chief Johnson and the County Executive both believe that the quality of public safety is enhanced when our public safety agencies reflect the communities they protect," Armacost wrote in response to a follow up question.
Jones was the head of the county Office of Minority Affairs before County Executive Kevin Kamenetz named her deputy director of the county Office of Human Resources.
Kamenetz charged Jones at the time of her appointment with improving the county's recruitment of minorities.
"Like the sworn members of the oral exam board, (Jones) is a professional of the highest integrity. We know without question that she and the other panelists take this responsibility extremely seriously and will make sound decisions based on the qualifications of the candidates," Armacost wrote.
The panel does not, in the end, make the final decisions on promotions but scores each candidate based on benchmark answers, Armacost said.
"The oral test and the scoring process remain unchanged," she said.
Armacost pointed out that the department uses an internal interview process when selecting candidates for specialized units within the police department.
"It's a panel of internal personnel that makes those decisions and it's always worked well," Armacost said. "There's no reason why this shouldn't work well for promotional candidates."
Johnson said other departments also use an internal panel for their promotional interviews, Armacost said. The chief was unable to provide the names of some of those departments in follow-up interviews with Armacost.
The new policy raises concerns about bias for Weston.
"There are always concerns about relationships in terms of supervisors or that someone was an officer's training officer or even just heard something good or bad about an officer interviewing," Weston said of the change. "I don't see how this can be avoided."
This article has been corrected to note that Adrienne Jones is the only black female member of the new police department oral promotions examination board.
More from the web
- Baltimore County Police Independent Consultant to Review All Public Safety Promotional Processes
Red Dolphin
9:57 pm on Wednesday, May 9, 2012
just make all the ethnic backgound info anonymous and the results will then be fair anfd objective (wont change who scores higher though ) then no more crying foul whe they odnt see "their kind" we need more white guys in the NBA by the way
opbilly
8:22 am on Friday, May 11, 2012
these are oral interviews with the candidate sitting right in front of you! the only way to do that would be to tape the interviews and play them without a picture. but that obviously wouldnt accomplish the mission!
Justice
11:05 pm on Saturday, May 12, 2012
There was nothing fair and objective unless you were on the light side of life. I think they called it the good ole' boy practice? It's been a long time coming.. but many more miles to go? .......... It appears some readers find it difficult for change because it has been embedded so deep within and some diseases there is no cure or should I state you can't teach an ole' dog new tricks? Words of wisdom say a prayer it may lighten up the dark side of things.....................
Justice
Chris
8:29 am on Thursday, May 10, 2012
The oral interview portion of the process has always been fertile ground for tinkering with the outcome of the promotional process; whether for minority reasons or otherwise. It is hard to remove the "human factor" in the process.
The revamping of the process should be aimed at making it fair for everyone, not just a small minority group. It appears as though the County is more concerned about the outcome as opposed to developing a fair process for ALL.
As a County resident, the last thing I want in a public safety officer is for someone to be moved up the chain of command without being the best person for the job as opposed to the best ethnicity.
RARE MARYLAND INDEPENDENT
8:56 am on Thursday, May 10, 2012
Mr, Johnnson. Thank you for being more concerned about your job than the protection of the citizens of Baltimore County.
Continue to lower the bar!
fred
12:17 pm on Thursday, May 10, 2012
maybe the county can get its own towing scheme.
Tree
9:45 am on Thursday, May 10, 2012
"The change Johnson instituted last week, days before the sergeants sat for their interviews, was to use a five-member panel comprised of four sworn county police personnel—a black female, one white female, two black males and one white male—and one civilian member—state Del. Adrienne Jones, who also works in the county's Human Resources office."
So we have 4 blacks and 2 whites but thats not racist? I bet it would be if it were the other way around..
Michael
11:53 am on Thursday, May 10, 2012
Take the race component out of it. How does a five-member panel have SIX people on it? Is this a mistake in the article or our government not being able to do simple math?
Lablover
10:17 am on Thursday, May 10, 2012
Rare Maryland Independent, You hit the nail on the head! Chief Johnson is just a puppet of Fred Homan! He does not stand up for what is right when he should. His primary concern is the huge DROP he'll receive when he retires. He knows the hiring standards have been changed to hire more minorities, whether they meet the minimum standards or not. Hiring minorities is wonder and welcomed but lowering the standards is just plain wrong!
John L.
12:43 pm on Thursday, May 10, 2012
Welcome back 'BIAS'. If the internal interview works so well why was it abolished in favor of the interview panel of outside agencies decades ago? This smells to high heaven...It is a shame there is so much politics in the Dept. now and it is very painful to see. The Dept. seems to be going backwards. :(
Mary S
4:21 pm on Thursday, May 10, 2012
I think the word FAIR needs to be removed. There is nothing fair about promoting people because of there race. Maybe Johnson should review his policy that says INTEGRITY, FAIRNESS and SERVICE. Your integrity is in question, fairness is thrown out the window and service to the citizens is compromised if you don't promote people who deserve it. The only reason the interview process was changed is so people who can't do the job can get promoted. I guess if you are not qualified you can throw (the card)..this is getting ridiculous , I'm waiting for the day someone files the reverse discrimination suit against the county and gets a big pay out. And how about the minority officers that get promoted on their own merritt and work hard to obtain goals. How are they going to feel their whole career knowing people are looking at them thinking they only got promoted because..............don't even think for a minute that you are doing the right thing chief Johnson, because your not and you should be ashamed of what you are doing........
Red Dolphin
5:03 pm on Thursday, May 10, 2012
gee here I was waitng to be ridiculed for promoting objectivity ,,,,,,,,,, seems like all I see on this blog is those who want just that.......... to hire and promote based on merit.no other factor........ not gender, not religion,not race, nor should I dare say sexual persuasion......... is it true men make more money ? ( for the same job description ( in the white house LOL!)
Red Dolphin
5:07 pm on Thursday, May 10, 2012
My dad worked hard as an attorney for years.......... was passed over for the postion of commissioner at " Workmens Comp" due to Affirmative action,,,,,,,,,sound objective to you ? oh and you ask any lawyer in town, that was my dad's field of expertise,,,,,,,,,, and he wasnt even white! ( he was FBI............... Full Blooded Italian) yuk yuk yuk
Buzz Beeler
5:46 pm on Thursday, May 10, 2012
The Justice Department is looking at minority hiring issues not promotional ones.
Just look at the city police and all of the issues they have had. You get what you pay for.
I think the county has bent over backwards to hire minorities, but you have to have guidelines and standards. Take the best of all races.
Chris
8:20 am on Friday, May 11, 2012
@ Buzz, The Justice Dept. has been at the PSB for over a month evaluating past minority promotional practices. They were summoned there at the behest of the Blue Guardians' President Orlando Lilly.
RARE MARYLAND INDEPENDENT
6:04 pm on Thursday, May 10, 2012
Leadership - the Chief has felt for a long time the process needed to be changed. He was appointed chief in 2007. So he has felt this way for 5 years, is our top law enforcement officer (for the county), yet did nothing until an investigation is looming.
What kind of leadership is this? If the process was wrong originally, why was it not changed years ago? Is this not one of the big cornerstones of his job - finding and attracting the best people to serve and protect the people of Baltimore County?
"The continued diversification of our work force is a major goal..."
Exactly what priority does the protection and safety of Baltimore County residents fall under this regime? Obviously below diversification of the work force.
Also, this would be the third job for Delegate Jones - is her other county job a part time job? She obviously has time for this - so should the county be paying full time benefits for a part time job if that is the case?
Eastsider
6:14 pm on Thursday, May 10, 2012
Please explain how these tests are racially prejudiced? Everyone is on the same playing field when wanting to promote.
How to promote:
1. File application for promotion by a certain closed date.
2. Gather all study materials
3. Take time out of your life and your families to study (All giving the same allotted study time)
4. Show up on test day prepared.
5. Pass the written test. (This is where dedication to study comes into play. Same test giving to everyone.)
6. Continue to study for interview (more dedication)
7. Go to interview. All asked the same questions and candidates must hit pre determined bench marks to pass the interview.
Sounds fair and balanced to me. These guys and gals had to be smart enough to make it into the force and complete the academy. In my opinion NO FAIL PLAY HERE just a bunch of whiners who won’t dedicate their self to get promoted and the system has bowed to them. AGAIN
Red Dolphin
6:14 pm on Thursday, May 10, 2012
fred
12:17 pm on Thursday, May 10, 2012
maybe the county can get its own towing scheme
thats funny ,Fred....... or maybe we need to get a county officer to get into an altercation behind a bar and shoot a US Marine ? (for grabbing his g/f's buttocks) find one guilty of heroin distribution.............. all of they above refers to the illustrious Baltimore citie's finest
colin mckay
6:15 pm on Thursday, May 10, 2012
The first post by Red Dolphin seems to be the way to go. What a shame in this day and age.
Red Dolphin
9:44 pm on Thursday, May 10, 2012
thanks...........there are some slick talkers out there/but any well educated person (in logical thinking) can " shoot down " their claims..........and point out their hypocrisy,,,,,,, for example . did you ever notice when its to their advantage to being classified as a group and not individuals then thats ok, but when it's not to their advantage then its not ok ? ( total denial that their community has a problem in single parenting . crime, domestic violence, school drop out rate, etc etc.
Justice
11:54 pm on Saturday, May 12, 2012
The shame began when the first boats floated from Europe and landed on this continent....then the raping began.. of life, land, and a Native people. A better life they say for who? Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness....equality.... yes, it is a shame in this day and age that hundreds of years have passed and the mindset remains the same.... It must be a little genetics coupled with learned behavior? History has a way of repeating itself that is, if people can't remember?
Justice
Red Dolphin
9:48 pm on Thursday, May 10, 2012
we have been brain washed to appease,,,,,,,,,,out of guilt of what happened 200years ago............. was just recently there was trhe issue of "america needs to apologize"
and then the reparation......... is that the word? evry body gets paid for what happened 200 years ago,,,,,,,,,,,, can I go to court and sue on behalf of my ancestors that came here in the 1800's?
Justice
12:25 am on Sunday, May 13, 2012
I don't think you want to take it there? To court that is. Maybe you would get sued for what your ancestors did? (FBI).... To be honest, America's history isn't so rich and humane when it came to people of color.. but then again, it was a certain color who plundered the riches. They should start giving back what was stolen 200 years ago? Ancestors were good with that................. It is where at all began.. Are you a product of it on behalf of your ancestors?
Justice
Red Dolphin
9:58 pm on Thursday, May 10, 2012
Eric Holder, now theres an objective man........... dropped charges of voter intimidation. will not even give a warnng to the NB Panthers for putting out a bounty........ and im hearng "oh they dont represent us " "dont give them any publicity" nice try but thats just ignoring the problem.......... its gonna get worse they are not going away in fact they will be more bold now that they know they wont be pursued in any legal way.
RARE MARYLAND INDEPENDENT
10:12 pm on Thursday, May 10, 2012
Who is the racist here? We have one group that wants the best candidate, regardless of the skin color, and we have another group - that does not believe certain minorities cannot compete on the same playing field as everyone else and wants to create more special rules. It would be like me competing in a 100 meter dash against Carl Lewis, but since I am slow, I get to start at the 50 meter mark and I somehow win. Yet I am not the winner - I know it, Carl Lewis knows it - and everybody involved knows it. I would be embarrassed to compete this way. Let me lose, but give me the chance to compete!
opbilly
8:27 am on Friday, May 11, 2012
this adrienne jones is the same person who is supposed to be responsible for getting bill toohey fired so they could get mcculloughs face on the screen. he(mccullough) is supposed to be getting groomed to take emmett burns' spot when he retires. im sure she will be impartial! what a joke! this place is getting to be a laughing stock and im getting embarrassed to be associated with it
moe green
8:42 am on Friday, May 11, 2012
the politically correct county government will not be happy until all fire and police positions are occupied by blacks and females. regardless if they can do the job.
adrienne jones is a racist. jim johnson is a shill for kevin kamentz. baltimore county is going the way of the city that bleeds and breeds, baltiomre city
Buzz Beeler
11:47 am on Friday, May 11, 2012
Chris, I stand corrected. Thanks.
If the Justice Department takes as long to investigate this issue as they are in the ADA one, it could take years. On the other hand what role will politics play in this investigation?
Red Dolphin
10:24 pm on Friday, May 11, 2012
just like the Ft Hood Gihad terrorist, still not going to trial yet .oh I forgot thats not terrorism to shoot and kill a dozen or so soldiers and yell alah akbar! thats work place violence............. and "fast and furious: is going blow up in Eric Holders face,
dont prosecute the new Black panthers for there racists acts, but comne to Baltimore to find out why more blacks arent on the force.........
Justice
1:15 am on Sunday, May 13, 2012
Who lets the terrorists in?. Good ole' America but then again, it started several hundred years ago. Only difference they just landed on the shores they weren't invited. Today, they take planes and are invited. Were the streets any better with organized crime? Could we call them terrorist in their own right? No, because we would call them Americans. Tell me what is the difference? How many innocent people were riddled with bullet holes? We all know.... then they glamorize it... Look this terrorist had served in the military at least ten years. Before the incident, he was probably labeled a good ole' American boy.
If there is blame to be placed I think we have to look outside any one individual. Keep on keeping the boarders open and let everyone keep coming in. You haven't seen anything yet...
Justice
Red Dolphin
10:30 pm on Friday, May 11, 2012
you callthe tlak shows and say " oh the New Black pathers dont represent us " and "dont give then any publicity" yet you dont speak out against them . why?
surely you dont condone putting out bounties on peoples lives do you? or wielding battons and physically threatening white voters in Phily? yo odnt speak out against them yet you say they dont represent you. who do they represent then? who does represent you . Al Sharpton?
Red Dolphin
12:09 am on Sunday, May 13, 2012
Commentor "Justice" proves my point,still lookng backwards hundreds of years.......... still going backwards
Eastsider
6:35 am on Sunday, May 13, 2012
Justice or anyone on here,
Please explain to me what needs to change with the hiring and promotional testing? What will make it easier for people of color to get hired and promoted?
DARRELL HAMMERBACKER
8:19 am on Sunday, May 13, 2012
The Justice Department? How credable are they?Eric Holder?Fast and Furious ,Black Panther intimidation at Philidelphia Polling spots!! It should be called the NO JUSTICE DEPARTMENT
Escariot
10:21 am on Sunday, May 13, 2012
The justice department is so biased it is ridiculous. The investigation in sheriff Arpaio, is among the most ever in 54 years from the justice department. They are also suing contractors that build section 8 housing for not putting section 8 housing in the most expensive property tax district in the section of new york state. For those that do not know, these same people in the Clinton administration were fined over 17 million dollars for judges for bringing frivolous discrimination lawsuits. Those in new york are suing back, as well as Arpaio and others. This gang of racists is attempting to implement social and racial justice by intimidation and threat of suit. How many of you watching the solicitor general fail miserably in supreme court arguments? Take these racial activists to court where almost every case they lose, and a lot result in fines. By the way, why is the same county police department not charging hate crimes for the pizza place assault? I forgot, the Holder mantra is to not charge minorities with crimes, such as the new black panther voter intimidation and bounty.
Escariot
10:26 am on Sunday, May 13, 2012
As an afterthought to that, did not the Connecticut fire fighters win a supreme court case that threw out the notion of throwing out standard tests because they do not discriminate? Almost all of these ridiculous cases end in losses and overturns for the justice department.
RARE MARYLAND INDEPENDENT
12:18 pm on Sunday, May 13, 2012
The good news about this is that this is going on all over the country. It will not help us here in Maryland - they would elect Charles Manson if he were a Democrat. But, hopefully it will help in those swing states. Perhaps we can return to a country where personal responsibility and the desire to improve and raise the bar is the new norm, instead of being a victim - and lowering the bar. Your color does not hinder you - your ability to speak and read, your dress and manner in which you act does.
Escariot
1:16 pm on Sunday, May 13, 2012
I could not agree more. And by the way, I am also a registered independent.
RARE MARYLAND INDEPENDENT
3:59 pm on Sunday, May 13, 2012
Amazing what is going on - the question that we just will not know is how this plays out in swing states. Today's Sunpaper. Front page article about St. Patrick's Day violence Downtown. Second article about a person with a College Degree unable to find employment. This issue is going on and should be front and center for discussion. I am sure these types of articles are in Virginia, Ohio, Pennsylvania and those states that will decide the Presidential Election.
What does the Sun decide to run on the Editorial Page - Obama and same sex marriage. Do you believe those working Americans in those swing states are reading, watching, etc. and thinking - We need a President interested in putting us to work, not Plato?
Will be interesting to see how this plays out. Concerned because the next generation's future hinges in the balance.
Justice
1:09 am on Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Did any of you ever walk this life with a different color face besides w....? You may see things somewhat different? I think it's called walking in someone else shoes only thing you can't get out of your own. Same song and dance but only to your tunes. Did anyone tell you there is much grey material in between?
Justice
Escariot
9:12 pm on Sunday, May 13, 2012
Look at the fact that a texas prison inmate won 10 counties in west virginia and 40 percent of the primary vote running against Jimmy Obama.
Eastsider
8:32 am on Monday, May 14, 2012
What is funny nothing but excuses from people who think that there’s a problem but solution from them to make it a fair and balanced test?
Momofmany
9:17 am on Monday, May 14, 2012
Why not take a look at the "best practices" in police departments throughout the US. How about bringing in the industry standards group such as CLEA and IACP and have them advise on "best practices"? Why not start with a firm foundation such as academic credentials and then change the process to include modern HR practices such as assessment centers with verifiable job relatedness that can quanitatively measure performance and predict success. These processes are "colorblind" and pre-establish benchmarks as indicators of performance. They are also conducted by "third party" assessors who assume liability for any challenges. There has to be a better way. Longterm it begins with quality recruitment and long term retention strategies. But with all of the expertise in HR and the PD I am confident that they already know this?
Hendo
10:31 pm on Monday, May 14, 2012
The County PD is already certified by CALEA.
Red Dolphin
6:09 am on Wednesday, May 16, 2012
"walk in another man's shoes" ? sure I can see it from their perspective.. you cant be objective , you're claiming that not being white is a disadvantage "same song and dance but it to your tunes" you say ,You want separate "tunes" that is you want different standards ? we've already lowered the standards for your "tunes" its called " affirmative action " I dont know how old you are ,Justice,,,,,,,,,,are you familiar with affirmative action ? you see, blacks can score much lower in entrance exams for colleges, and other government jobs,,,, whereas a white person scoring slighty higher will be denied , is that what you call fair ? a " level playing field "? ...... you are implying that a white person cannot be objective about a black person when it comes to evaluating performance,,,,,,,,, this is not so,,,,,,,, it's the same ole song and dance alright,, excuses excuses
areal investigator
8:05 pm on Wednesday, May 16, 2012
a real investigator!
It is amazing how one sentence written by the author of this article sent so many into a panic. It's called touching a nerve.. The author wrote one sentence about a looming Department of Justice investigation and then all the fish in the pond took the bait. This article was about changing the interview process of a test. Nowhere in this article does it say anything about lowering standards or making a change because minorities need help (in fact there are several minorities who have been successful in the old system). But soooo many people believe any change is negative. Maybe that's not the case. Maybe there is something in the system that needs to be fixed or if not fixed re-evaluted, which could render better results. Does General Motors or Microsoft ask Chrysler and Apple to send a group of their employees to help them promote? The Answer is "Noooooo". Maybe Johnson does trust his in-house people to make sound decisions. But because everyone wants Johnson to be villianized, its easy to make this negative. Or is the real problem with the panel of in-house people? Because if that's the issue you are barking up the same tree as those people who need to see the President's birth certificate. Why would anyone allow an unvalidated process to continue? Its like knowing your food is laced with poison and continuing to eat it anyway. The bottom line is, things are changing in Baltimore County! Whether you like it or not. And some of you call yourselves police
Escariot
7:46 am on Thursday, May 17, 2012
I think the supreme court answered that question when it ruled the Connecticut firefighters promotions were both valid and non-biased. Part of the problem resides with the fact that Eric Holder's justice department has conducted more of these inquiries and lawsuits than in the last 54 years of the justice department, and he has been on the losing side of almost all of his suits. Ask Indiana about their voter id laws and his lost cause there. Look at the wonderful results we have received from our "affirmative action" president that had neither the experience nor the capabilities to lead this great country after only a miniscule time in the senate.
I mean it
12:17 pm on Monday, May 21, 2012
Why would anyone allow an unvalidated process to continue?
...Unvalidated processes continue all the time; it's the reason we have Equal Protection lawsuits at all. A large part of the problem is with the panel of in-house people, and just because "the government's doing it" does not make it legal. If the new process requires that one white female, two black males, one white male, and Adrienne Jones comprise those panels, then it looks, sounds, and smells like a quota. While it's too early to tell what the exact repercussions will be as far as who will be appointed and not appointed to that panel, there's at least an argument that those very requirements could constitute an Equal Protection violation. So, no, I don't think I'm barking up the wrong tree by voicing a constitutional challenge to a government policy. There are plenty of examples of the government acting inappropriately, and their actions by their very nature are held to a higher standard than those of private companies such as Microsoft and Chrysler and Apple. Things are changing in Baltimore County, and whether or not I like them, I demand that they be legal.
Maybe Johnson does trust his own supervisors to make unbiased decisions about people they work with or hear about on a regular basis, but there's no question that the change is a diversity initiative when he explicitly says that he believes the quality of public service is enhanced when the agencies reflect the communities they protect.