Probation

[IllinoisFF3]

Absent anything in a local CBA is there a probationary period for promotions to LT. or Capt. in Illinois? I'm referring to full time civil service positions.

[IllinoisFF3]

Anyone know??? I've found nothing in state law about it.

[IllinoisFF3]

No one knows????

[pfd132]

I'll respond to ya! I have never heard of officer probation. Our department does not have probabtion for officers. Place on the promotional exam, postion opens, and as far as I know thats it.

[rifd0906]

Our new Lt.'s and Capt.'s are subject to a 6-month review, but I'm not sure where it is written or what the requirements for passing such would be. Time for a little research I guess. We did just have 2 new officers go through theirs.

[BScott]

Any and all officer (i.e. those officers within the scope of the act) "probation" is in direct violation of the Fire Department Promotion Act. (50 ILCS 742/).

The act can be found at: http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs3.asp?ActID=2457&ChapAct=50%A0ILCS%A0742/&ChapterID=11&ChapterName=LOCAL+GOVERNMENT&ActName=Fire+Department+Promot ion+Act.

(The only probation allowed by law is defined by IL Public Act 094-0135)

If probation for officers was allowed, it would allow Chiefs to bypass the provisions of the promotion act by promoting an officer he/she may not prefer then simply demote them during the probationary period to select the officer candidate they originally wanted.

[rifd0906]

I don't see in reading where it specifies anything regarding a probation. Just as in any other job, there has to be an evaluation period. Talk about a gray area.......Hopefully we don't have any officers who don't deserve a position. But then again, there are always gonna be guys who get a promotion and not do a good job. Where's the happy medium?

[IllinoisFF3]

Thanks BSCOTT and all for the responses. I was pretty sure it was not ok pursuent to the promotion act to have a probationary period.