Company Profile
Company Overview
BACKGROUND:
The Vail Police Department was established in 1966. During the first few years of operation, Police officers were notified of calls for service by a tall lamp that was turned on by locals in the Village area. Back then, it was not unusual for a Vail Police officer to be the only cop on duty after midnight in the entire county.
Police Chief Dwight Henninger has been with the town since January 2002 after serving with the Laguna Beach Police Department in California as Captain. Chief Henninger oversees 31 sworn peace officers and 32 support personnel. This includes two division commanders, one communications center manager, five sergeants, three detectives, 19 patrol officers, five code enforcement officers, one records manager, four records technicians, one executive assistant and 18 emergency services dispatchers.
Vail Police Department jurisdiction includes all of the Town of Vail, from approximately mile marker 172 to 182 on I-70, and all developed areas in the valley with the exception of the Marriott Streamside Condominiums, Creekside Condominiums and the Black Bear Inn.
VISION
To be the best resort police department in the country.
MISSION STATEMENT
To provide a sense of safety and security through high quality police service.
VALUES
Integrity: I will never betray my office, character or the public trust.
Teamwork: I will actively collaborate with others to accomplish the task.
Ownership: I will take responsibility for what needs to be done and hold myself and others accountable.
Excellence: I will strive to do the best job possible.
GUIDING PHILOSOPHIES
Community Policing is an organizational philosophy that promotes community, government and police partnerships, proactive problem-solving and community engagement to address the causes of crime, fear of crime and other quality of life issues.
Problem Oriented Policing (POP) emphasizes the S.A.R.A. model (Scanning, Analysis, Response, Assessment) for addressing the underlying conditions that create crime and cause other problems of concern to the community. POP offers a more effective strategy by addressing the underlying conditions that prompt calls for police service. Oftentimes many calls for service are related and, if grouped together, disclose a pattern of activity or behavior that presents a more accurate picture of the condition that prompted the call for service in the first place. POP recognizes the expertise of Vail's police employees and allows them to use their expertise to study problems and develop creative solutions.
High Performance Work Teams: Line level employees are usually those who know best what is happening on the streets of Vail. Vail's team structure and patrol schedule further contribute to line level employees having current and in depth information from which to make sound operational decisions. Having operational decisions made by line level employees instead of by administrators, results in more effective and timely decisions, less meetings of supervisors and gives the employees greater ownership in the operations of the department. Seven Police Department work teams are empowered to make operational decisions that move the Police Department toward accomplishing its organizational vision, mission, purpose and values.
Continuous Improvement: The Police Department is committed to providing the highest quality of police service to its residents, businesses and guests. It is committed to improving service delivery on an ongoing basis, resulting in a safer community.
Benefits
Vacation & Holiday Pay - Employees are eligible for eleven paid holidays and two weeks vacation during the first year (based on a 40 hour workweek.) We have combined the vacation and holiday hours into one account since many
employees must work holidays.
0-3 years of service 6.46 hours/pay period 4.2 weeks/year
3-6 years of service 8.00 hours/pay period 5.2 weeks/year
6 + years of service 9.54 hours/pay period 6.2 weeks/year
In addition, non-exempt employees are paid double time for all hours worked on TOV (Town of Vail) designated holidays.
Sick Leave - Employees working 40 hours per week earn eight (8) hours sick leave per month.
Pension Plan - The TOV pays all contributions to this retirement pension beginning the first day of employment.
Employee vesting in this plan is 20% per year (5 years for 100% vesting). TOV contributions as follows:
First year of service 11.15% of base salary
After completing 1 year of service 16.15% of base salary
Note: The TOV and its employees do not make retirement contributions to the Federal Social Security System.
457 Deferred Compensation - This is a pre-tax voluntary retirement savings plan for each employee.
Health Insurance - The Town of Vail offers a choice of three health insurance plans after a 30 day waiting period.
Flexible Spending Account - allows employees to pay for eligible expenses with pre-tax dollars.
Life Insurance – 2 ½ times annual salary
Accidental Death & Dismemberment
Survivors Income Insurance
Short-term & Long-term Disability Insurance
Optional Insurance (All paid by the employee)
Supplemental Life Insurance Cancer/Intensive Care/Accident Insurance Supplemental Vision Insurance
Recreation Passes – Free GOLF, TENNIS, and ICE SKATING
Wellness Benefit – Payment towards ski pass, athletic club, or cash (value based on years of service.)
Housing Assistance Programs – Programs are available to assist with rental and affordable home purchase.
Employee Assistance Program
Fire and Police Pension Association - Sworn police and fire positions include the following:
Pre-retirement Death/Disability 457 Deferred Compensation Group retirement benefits
Benefits are subject to eligibility requirements and are subject to change. Contact Human Resources for details.
All benefits are outlined in detail in the HR Manual or Summary Plan Descriptions.