Report details financial problems with Sunnyside police operations

SUNNYSIDE, Wash. — They may not discuss it tonight, but city officials here definitely are digesting some eyebrow-raising ideas for the Sunnyside Police Department.

A consultant's review of the department, released late last week, labels several structure and management techniques as inefficient and unsustainable. Among other suggestions, the report recommends drastically cutting back on overtime, eliminating the position of deputy chief in favor of two commanders and improving security at the jail.

The non-binding $50,000 survey, written by Austin, Texas-based MGT of America, was commissioned by the council in September after city financial officials pointed out skyrocketing costs. The consulting team included two former assistant police chiefs.

Since April 2010, the police department's budget and workforce has grown 20 percent, the report said. That includes the hiring of nine new officers and a crime analyst, as well as the formation of a gang unit, to combat increased gang violence. The report called the intensity of suppression unsustainable in the long run.

The consultants leveled their strongest criticisms, however, for overtime, accusing supervisors of not scheduling to avoid it.

"Clearly, little attention is paid to the policy that overtime is to be avoided," it reads.

The department had spent $232,000 on overtime in the first seven months of last year.

Deputy Mayor Don Vlieger, one of the strongest advocates for bolstering police the past few years, said the review contains some good suggestions after a cursory reading.

However, Vlieger said he does not plan to bring up the report at tonight's regular meeting though other council members may. Mayor Mike Farmer will be absent.

The meeting is at 6:30 p.m. in the Sunnyside Law and Justice Center, 401 Homer St.

— Ross Courtney