EASTON, Pa. — Easton City Council has approved a resolution that will bump up the salary for a new police position and establish a fresh internship opportunity in local government.
In a measure presented Wednesday by Councilman Peter Melan, Easton Police Department’s community advocate position was approved for an $8,000 increase, raising the annual salary to $55,000.
In addition, Melan’s resolution established a general intern position in city government that will pay $15 an hour.
- Easton City Council approved a pay bump for a new community advocate position for the police department
- Council also established a new intern position that, to stay competitive, will pay students $15 an hour
- The board unanimously passed the combined measure, presented by Councilman Peter Melan
According to Melan, the community advocate post was the result of the police department approaching council several months ago.
The job description says the position is focused on providing “information, referrals, support and advocacy for crime victims, witnesses and significant others involved in the justice system,” essentially bridging the gap between the department and the community they serve.
In essence, the community advocate would help anyone affected by crime from the get-go, providing care at the scene of a crime and just about every step of the way beyond that.
Intern position a 'win-win' for city
Melan noted administrators likely requested the increase to draw more candidates to the intensive position.
“My assumption would be that they just weren't getting a lot of candidates, and they probably did some kind of adjustment to attract more people,” Melan said.
The intern position will be set in the Bureau of Human Resources, though the intern could serve in different departments throughout his or her time.
Requirements for applicants include the individual pursuing an undergraduate degree, with a minimum of two years of college or trade school education; a basic proficiency in computer applications and internet-based research; and a willingness and flexibility to do “whatever it takes” for “whoever needs it” to foster the growth and success of the city, as per the job description.
Year-round opportunities
Councilman Roger Ruggles questioned one element of the position — that it would only run during summer and fall semesters, excluding spring.
“I mean, I think this is a great thing for the city to do, is to provide opportunities for students to come and experience city government," Ruggles said.
"And I mean, I think we should… whenever we can get one, I think it would be a good thing to get. So I would be in favor of adding [the] spring semester in there.”
Ruggles also noted the hours listed — 25 to 35 a week — were “probably a little high,” especially when school is in session.
"They get some incentive, they get some compensation, they get some experience, they get some real-world interaction with government, and we get somebody who we can kind of help mold them, help them get some experience and really, hopefully get them more involved with the public sector."Easton Councilman Peter Melan
Available hours were amended to range from 15 to 35 per week, letting interns serving during the less intensive summer semesters work longer weeks.
Melan described the internship as a “win-win” for both students and the city government.
“They get some incentive, they get some compensation, they get some experience, they get some real-world interaction with government, and we get somebody who we can kind of help mold them, help them get some experience and really, hopefully get them more involved with the public sector,” he said.
Both changes were passed by the board, with the overall resolution clearing a vote unanimously.
