TO: Board of Supervisors
FROM: Amanda Gibbs, Chief Probation Officer
REPORT BY: Ferlyn Buenafe, Probation Administrative Manager
SUBJECT: Agreement with Ryan Dunnigan, Psychologist
RECOMMENDATION
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Approve and authorize Agreement No. 240248B with Dr. Ryan Dunnigan, for a maximum of $18,000 annually for the term January 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025, with the provision of two automatic annual renewals, to provide mandated pre-employment psychological and arming evaluation services, return to duty/fitness psychological evaluations, and individual post-incident debriefing sessions. (Fiscal Impact: $18,000; General Fund 1000, Division 1420; Not Budgeted; Mandatory)
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BACKGROUND
Probation conducts psychological screening examinations for sworn personnel candidates as a required step in the peace officer selection process. Dr. Dunnigan would conduct psychological screening examinations at the County’s request. The screening examinations consist of the following components: 1) extensive psychological testing of the candidate; 2) clinical interview; 3) review of candidate’s history and psycho-social history; 4) psychological suitability; and 5) thorough written report to Probation with a summary of the result for each evaluation.
Each report includes a discussion of background issues, emotional or mental condition that may adversely affect the candidate's exercise of the job duties and that of an officer in consideration to be armed. In addition, Dr. Dunnigan would perform Fitness-for-Duty evaluations and post-incident debriefing sessions or return-to-work sessions. The debriefing sessions follow any critical incident or concerning event Probation feels could necessitate the need for a follow-up counseling session and provide recommendations, concerns, and feedback to support resiliency and wellbeing of the individual.
Dr. Dunnigan is a licensed Clinical-Forensic Psychologist specializing in Policy and Public Safety Psychology. He has expertise in both clinical and forensic evaluations, as well as in the assessment of normal personality characteristics, skills, and abilities relevant to personnel selection. He bases his work and findings on established scientific research, protocols, and evidence-based practices. In addition to being a Public Safety Psychologist, Dr. Dunnigan is also a retired Police Sergeant. He worked in the Bay Area and served as a Crisis and Hostage Negotiations Team Leader, Criminal and Homicide Investigator, and Mental Health Officer.
Dr. Dunnigan is listed on the California Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) Psychological Evaluator List and is and remains current on all continuing education requirements. He meets the criteria specified in section 1031(f) of the California Government Code and conducts psychological evaluations for police, fire departments, military and government personnel, and private clients throughout California
Probation’s current psychological provider has been delayed in conducting these screening due to the number of referrals made by other agencies delaying the timeline for new hires to start employment. This vendor will assist the department to receive timely psychological evaluation results.
FISCAL & STRATEGIC PLAN IMPACT
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Is there a Fiscal Impact? |
Yes |
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Is it currently budgeted? |
No |
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Where is it budgeted? |
It will be expensed to Probation (1420000). Although this service is not budgeted, the Department has cost savings from anticipated unused Professional Services contracts. |
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Is it Mandatory or Discretionary? |
Mandatory |
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Is the general fund affected? |
Yes |
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Future fiscal impact: |
The Agreement has an automatic annual renewal for two additional years with a contract maximum of $18,000 annually. This will be budgeted in Probation (1420000) accordingly in future fiscal years. |
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Consequences if not approved: |
Probation does not have a back-up Psychologist to perform preemployment psychological assessments in the event the current provider is not able to provide service in a timely manner, delaying the hiring of a candidate. |
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATION: The proposed action is not a project as defined by 14 California Code of Regulations 15378 (State CEQA Guidelines) and therefore CEQA is not applicable.