REPORT TO CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION
SUBJECT
Title
Action to Extend Probationary Period of a Public Safety Dispatcher II
Report
ACTION AND AUTHORITY
The Police Department is requesting to extend the probationary period for an employee based on the authority of the Civil Service Rule 4.20(b), “Regular classified employees may have their probationary period extended by the Commission for reasons of sickness or absence.”
DISCUSSION
A Public Safety Dispatcher II (Employee No. 08748), was hired on December 9, 2024. This position is subject to a 18-month probationary period that was originally scheduled to end on June 9, 2026. The employee was placed on leave beginning on approximately November 18, 2025 and is scheduled to be on leave through August 31, 2026, which interrupts the continuous 18-month probationary period cycle. Due to their placement on leave, the Department will not have adequate time to assess the entirety of the employee’s performance of the full duties of a Public Safety Dispatcher II. The Department is requesting an extension of the probationary period by approximately nine (9) months and two (2) weeks or equivalent to the amount of time the employee is placed on leave in their current classification, so they may complete any required training and the entire 18-month probationary period.
The original end date of the employee’s probationary period is June 9, 2026; the new probation end date is proposed to be on or approximately March 23, 2027. If the employee is placed back on leave, the Human Resources Department may extend the probationary period to reflect the additional time placed on leave. This will allow for a complete 18-month probationary period during which the employee is on full duty to conduct the proper assessments required during probationary status.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The action being considered does not constitute a “project” within the meaning of the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15378(b)(5) in that it is a governmental organizational or administrative activity that will not result in direct or indirect changes in the environment.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no additional cost to the City other than administrative staff time.
PUBLIC CONTACT
Public contact was made by posting the Civil Service Commission agenda on the City’s official-notice bulletin board outside City Hall Council Chambers. A complete agenda packet is available on the City’s website and in the City Clerk’s Office at least 72 hours prior to a Regular Meeting and 24 hours prior to a Special Meeting. A hard copy of any agenda report may be requested by contacting the City Clerk’s Office at (408) 615-2220, email clerk@santaclaraca.gov or at the public information desk at any City of Santa Clara public library.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Approve the extension of the probationary period for a Public Safety Dispatcher II (Employee No. 08748) with a new probation end date of March 23, 2027, or an extension equivalent to the amount of time the employee is on leave, whichever is longer.
Staff
Reviewed by: Ashley Lancaster, Acting Assistant Director of Human Resources
Approved by: Marco Mercado, Acting Director of Human Resources