City of Bellingham Civil Service Commission

The police department's request to restore the Evidence and Identification Supervisor position represents a recognition that the 2013 elimination of this role may have created gaps in supervision of highly technical police functions. HR staff member Amelia explained that the department has found they need someone with specific expertise in evidence management and identification services to appropriately supervise these critical functions. The evidence and identification unit handles crucial police department operations including evidence s…

**HR Staff (Amelia):** Recommended approval of both classification specifications, emphasizing that the police department has identified a specific operational need for dedicated supervision of the evidence and identification unit given its highly technical nature. **Civil Service Commissioner…

**Amelia, on the need for the supervisor position:** "The Department has found that they need somebody with the expertise specifically in this area to be able to appropriately supervise these functions." **Amelia, on the…

The Civil Service Classification Plan now includes the Evidence and Identification Supervisor position for the first time since July 2013. The Evidence and Identification Officer classification has been upd…

## Meeting Overview The Bellingham Civil Service Commission met on February 12, 2025, to consider requests from the Police Department to restore and revise job classifications related to evidence and identification functions. The meeting was brief, focused on two classification specifications that had been modified during a 2013 department restructuring. ## Key Terms and Concepts **Classification Specification:** A formal document that defines the duties, qualifications, and requirements for a specific job position within city government. Civil Service Commissions must approve these specifications to ensure they meet merit-based hiring standards. **Civil Service Classification Plan:** The comprehensive list of all job classifications available within city government, organized by department and function. Adding or removing positions from this plan requires Commission approval. **Evidence and Identification Unit:** A specialized section within the police department responsible for collecting, processing, cataloging, and maintaining physical evidence from criminal cases, as well as identification services like fingerprinting. **Department Restructure:** A reorganization of how a department operates, including changes to staffing levels, reporting relationships, and job functions. The 2013 restructure eliminated the supervisor position that is now being restored. **Merit-Based Hiring:** The Civil Service system's requirement that government jobs be filled based on qualifications and competency rather than political connections or favoritism. **Eligibility Rosters:** Lists of candidates who have passed civil service examinations and are eligible for appointment to specific positions. **Supervisory Position:** A job classification that includes responsibility for overseeing other employees, typically requiring additional qualifications and carrying higher pay grades. ## Key People at This Meeting | Name | Role / Affiliation | |---|---| | Julie Mellick | Civil Service Commissioner (participating remotely) | | Amelia | City staff member presenting the classification requests | | Unnamed Commissioner | Commission Chair (conducting the meeting) | ## Background Co…