JPD sergeant exam faces civil service hearing
A hearing on whether part of the Jackson Police Department’s recent sergeant exam was corrupted will be conducted next week by the city’s Civil Service Commission.
During a commission meeting last month, attorneys for several officers alleged the private testing company and JPD officials unfairly prevented them from completing the three-step testing process.
One of the attorneys, Dale Danks Jr., also alluded to possible cheating and conflicts of interest, stating he would show that during the hearing.
“We’re going to take testimony from individuals about how they have been affected and lay that down by our rules and regulations and see if any have been violated,” said the Rev. Horace Buckley Sr., commission chairman.
The commission then will determine if the department may continue its promotions process.
About 180 officers attempted the exam, vying for 25 open sergeant positions. For officers, the tests offer not only a chance at a promotion, but a pay raise. According to figures previously offered by JPD, a patrolman makes between $28,887 to $34,672 annually while sergeants make $40,541to $48,871.
Clarion-Ledger
7/3/9
