Countywide : Firefighters’ Tests to Be Studied for Bias

In the wake of allegations of sexism and racism at the Ventura County Fire Department, Chief George Lund said Friday that he has asked an industrial psychologist to study the department’s testing process to see if it discriminates against women and minorities.

Lund, who spoke at an afternoon press conference, also said he will continue efforts to educate all employees about the problems in the department.

A private consultant commissioned by the county Board of Supervisors has found that women and minorities feel they have been subjected to harassment and discrimination on the job.

In a preliminary report, the firm of Kenneth Hawkins & Associates said employees expressed a concern that women and minorities in the department have been passed over for promotion, treated rudely and harassed. Some of the employees said they believed the department fails to adequately train and test its employees for promotions.

“This administration is committed to improving the working conditions for everyone in the organization,” Lund said. “We will be able to see within a matter of months and years what we have accomplished. . . . Things are going to get better.”