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CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO - REQUEST FOR COUNCIL Af�
From: Councilman Rikke Van Johnson Subject: "Ban the Box"
Sixth Ward
Dept. Council Office
Date: February 27, 2007
MCC Date: March 5, 2007
Synopsis of Previous Council Action:
Recommended Motion:
To refer this item to the Council Personnel Committee for further discussion
and recommendations.
Signature
Contact Person: Councilman Rikke Van Johnson Phone: 5378
Supporting Data Attached: Ward:
FUNDING REQUIREMENTS: Amount:
Source: (Acct. No.)
(Acct. Description)
Finance:
Council Notes:
Agenda Item No. � ql
CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO - REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION
STAFF REPORT
BAN THE BOX
In February of 2007, the City of Los Angeles joined a growing number of cities nationwide
to address the "Ban the Box" issue - which seeks to remove the criminal history question
from the initial employment application. I am requesting that the City of San Bernardino
begin to investigate the merits of such a program. Several cities have found the criminal
history question, which is among the first questions on the City's application, to create an
unnecessary barrier to employment, thereby eliminating qualified employees from the
applicant pool. The proposal would delay that question until later in the process when an
employee has had the opportunity to present a more accurate picture of his or her abilities.
Any convictions would still, of course, have to be answered and addressed prior to any
offer of employment.
Due to the complexities of implementing this type of plan, I am recommending that the
item be referred to the Personnel Committee for further discussion and recommendation.
This will allow the Committee to gain the necessary input from staff and others in order to
fully evaluate the feasibility and impacts of the plan. They will also have the opportunity
to ensure that such a plan does not impede the City's ability to protect the interests of the
citizens and employees alike.
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Refer to the Council Personnel Committee to address the removal of the criminal history
question from the City of San Bernardino employment application.
To assist the Committee in formulating a recommendation, the Human Resources
Department and the City Manager's Office shall provide relevant information to the
Committee including the feasibility of implementing this policy, impacts of the shift,
proposed process for ensuring public safety, and a recommendation in support or in
opposition to the change.
Upon consideration of the staff report, the Committee shall, with the assistance of the
appropriate departments, report back to the full Council within 120 days.
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