508-4 probationary officer review panel

Probationary Officer Review Panel (PORP)

• Every police officer must serve at least a six-month probationary period to the satisfaction of the Board of Police Commissioners and the Chief of Police prior to promotion to permanent rank.
• The Chief may extend this period for up to an additional six months.

PORP Composition

• The Panel consists of:
  • Chairperson: Patrol Bureau Executive Officer who votes only in a tie on findings and recommendations.
  • Coordinator: Patrol Division Assistant Division Commander (ADC) appointed by the Patrol Bureau Executive Officer.
  • One ADC from each of the six patrol divisions as designated by the Division Commander.
  • The Patrol Bureau Commander may temporarily replace the chairperson due to an extended absence, extenuating circumstances, etc.
  • The Executive Officer to the Chief of Police.
  • The Training Unit Commander.

PORP Review Process

• The panel will be convened toward completion of the probationary police officer's final phase of training in the Field Training and Evaluation Program (break-in period).
• The panel's discretion includes:
  • Discussing officer's performance problems.
  • Developing training criteria.
  • Resolving concerns pertaining to program success.
  • Recommending amending the FTO manual.
• Any member whose input is beneficial to the review of a probationary officer's performance or training may be called to appear before the panel.

Recommendations and Evaluation

• The panel will provide, in writing, through the Patrol Bureau Commander, to the Chief of Police:
  • Specific recommendations addressing developmental needs and evaluation of each probationary officer.
  • Notification of extension of probationary officer's break-in period when it appears additional close supervision is necessary.
  • Findings as to job performance level classified as either:
    • Acceptable Performance – meeting or exceeding level expected of an officer with similar training and experience.
    • Unacceptable Performance – not at the level expected of officer with similar training and experience.
• Prior to the completion of the probationary period, one of the following recommendations for final determination will be forwarded to the Chief of Police:
  • Promotion to permanent rank of police officer.
  • Extension of probation up to an additional six months (to include additional training).
  • Termination.