Ogden police out with 'blue flu'

OGDEN — Multiple cases of "blue flu" came over the Ogden Police Department Friday, and the "disease" may last through the weekend among officers sickened by City Council approval of a pay-for-performance plan.

"In excess of 90 percent of those normally scheduled to work called in sick," Ogden Assistant Police Chief Randy Watt said Friday of the 158-member department.

The Utah Highway Patrol, South Ogden police, Roy police and the Weber County Sheriff's Office all agreed to help cover Ogden's jurisdiction throughout the weekend. In addition, all Ogden police lieutenants are helping to cover shifts.

"We'll work 12-hour days if that's what we need to do," Watt said.

He said the important message for Ogden residents is "their safety is not affected."

Any "life-saving issues" will not be affected by the blue flu, Watt said. Minor crimes, such as trespassing, noise violations or petty theft, however, may meet with a delayed response.

"Residents may be inconvenienced by someone not readily available. It may be Tuesday or Wednesday before (officers) get there," he said.

Several serious accidents and at least one aggravated robbery took place in Ogden Friday. But Watt said all incidents were handled without a delay, thanks to the help from other agencies.

Most of the rank-and-file officers, those sergeant or below, failed to show up for work Friday. The group is upset with the Ogden City Council's approval Tuesday of the new pay plan.

Under the plan, all city employees except police and firefighters will receive a 5 percent pay increase if they score a 3, on a scale of 0 to 5, in their annual performance evaluations. Police and firefighters, however, must score a rare 4.5 on the scale to get the same pay raise, said Ogden Police Sgt. Troy Arrowsmith, who also is president of the Ogden Police Benefit Association.

Arrowsmith described morale among the officers as very low. He said the officers hope council members will reconsider their budget and realize "we're people, too."

The sick-out was anticipated by at least one city official.

"I can understand their frustration. I don't condone their action. I hope they'll make their point, and we'll get on with work," chief administrative officer John Patterson said to KSL. He said officers received a 7 percent increase last year and negotiations were under way for a raise this year.