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Sarasota News Leader January 17, 2014 Page 51 CHANGES ON THE INTAKE SIDE DiPino is also making changes on the recruitment side of her department. Instead of waiting for an opening and then advertising to fill it, she wants to build a list of qualified candidates to which she can refer when positions become available. "It usually takes six to 10 people to get one good individual," she told the panel. "We need active recruitment with an open process." She noted an unusual aspect about Florida police departments. "Florida is a unique state because you can go through the [police] academy without being sponsored by a specific department," she said. DiPino added that the Sarasota Police Department recently had taken landmark action in putting up the funds for a candidate to attend the academy. "We paid the tuition, salary and benefits for that time period in the academy," she said. "We just graduated an individual — for the first time. We did not do that in the past." The Sarasota Police Department towers over neighboring buildings on Adams Lane in downtown Sarasota. Photo by Norman Schimmel Normally, candidates must find the time and money to attend the academy on their own. "We want to attract and hire a diverse police force," she said. "At the end of this year, we Berkel is a former city commissioner and will need five or more officers. And more next mayor who has remained active in Sarasota affairs long after he left his office in City Hall. year. We need a succession plan." He also sits on the Parks, Recreation and CHANGES ON THE INSIDE Environmental Protection Board. Another change comes to the Independent Police Advisory Panel itself at its next meeting. Chairman Elmer Berkel is stepping down after the first three years of the board's existence. "I announced I will not continue beyond the end of my three-year term," he said. "I'm turning 80 and we need some younger blood in here." One of his final acts on the Independent Police Advisory Panel has been shepherding through a revision of its enabling ordinance. The changes will give the board wider latitude regarding subjects it can investigate and areas where it can recommend changes. The group serves in an advisory capacity to the police chief, city manager and City Commission. %