Chapter 14 - Citzens Board / PIU

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following situations would not be considered a 'significant administrative investigation'?

An officer violating the constitutional rights of a citizen.

An officer using excessive force during an arrest.

An officer repeatedly making inappropriate comments to a coworker. (correct)

An officer abusing their law enforcement authority during a traffic stop.

Who has the ultimate decision-making power regarding disciplinary action for an officer?

The Citizens Advisory Action Board (CAAB).

The Sheriff. (correct)

The Assistant Chief for the Internal Affairs Section.

The County Judge.

How many members are there on the Citizens Advisory Action Board (CAAB)?

Five.

Twelve.

Ten. (correct)

Seven.

What happens if the CAAB's recommendation for disciplinary action differs from the Sheriff's decision?

The Sheriff can discuss the CAAB's recommendation in a closed session. (B) Signup and view all the answers

According to the content, who appoints the Chair of the CAAB?

The Bexar County Commissioners Court. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the Bexar County Sheriff's Office policy detailed in this document?

To establish a process for presenting investigations to the Citizens Advisory Action Board (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which type of investigation is defined as non-criminal in nature and may lead to disciplinary action?

Administrative Investigation (D) Signup and view all the answers

What role does the Citizens Advisory Action Board play in the Bexar County Sheriff's Office policy?

They provide recommendations after reviewing significant administrative investigations (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA)?

A legal contract negotiated between an employer and a union representing employees (D) Signup and view all the answers

How does the Bexar County Sheriff's Office ensure accountability for its employees?

By maintaining a relationship of trust and confidence with the community (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the protocol when a complainant is intoxicated?

The complainant is directed to return the next day. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What happens when a complaint is filed alleging innocence in a traffic citation or arrest charge?

The complaint is referred to the Courts for a ruling. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary responsibility of the Professional Standards and Integrity Division?

To receive and investigate complaints against personnel. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following actions is taken when a serious nature complaint is received?

A sworn statement will be taken by Professional Standards. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following situations does the Professional Standards and Integrity Division investigate?

Allegations of misconduct by personnel. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Who has access to the files logged in the IAPro System?

Division Administrators or Captains upon request. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What action is taken if a deputy injures or kills a citizen?

Direct monitoring by the Professional Standards and Integrity Division. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Under what condition will a complainant receive information about perjury statutes before giving a sworn statement?

Before taking a sworn statement from any complainant. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which type of investigation is NOT under the responsibility of the Professional Standards and Integrity Division?

Internal audits of public relations strategies. (B) Signup and view all the answers

In what circumstance may an investigation by the Professional Standards and Integrity Division be assigned to CID?

In case of a suspected criminal matter. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Bexar County Sheriff's Office Policy Manual - 14A

Original Date & Effective Date: September 29, 2023
Chapter Number: Fourteen, Appendix A
Subject: Citizens Advisory Action Board
Distribution: All Sheriff's Employees
Supersedes: New Appendix
Approved by: Javier Salazar, Bexar County Sheriff
Reevaluation Date: September 29, 2024
Pages: 9
Policy (14A.01): Bexar County Sheriff's Office (BCSO) is responsible for its employees' behavior and accountable for citizen complaints. Maintaining a positive relationship with the community through transparency is essential.
Purpose (14A.02): Establishing a process for handling administrative investigations of sworn personnel misconduct, presenting them to the Citizens Advisory Action Board (CAAB) for review and recommendations.
Definitions (14A.03):
- Administrative Investigation: Non-criminal investigation by Internal Affairs that may lead to disciplinary action or termination.
- Administrative Review: Internal Affairs review to determine if an administrative or criminal investigation is needed.
- Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA): A contract between an employer and employee union covering wages, hours, discipline, and employment conditions.
- Minor Misconduct: Minor deviations from BCSO policies, procedures, responsibilities, and expectations.
Citizens Advisory Action Board (CAAB) (14A.04-14A.13):
- Purpose (14A.05): Assuring fair, impartial, and objective review of complaints against sworn personnel, transparent law enforcement, and building community trust.
- Recommendations: Independent recommendations for discipline or training; considered by the Sheriff.
- Authority (14A.06): CAAB is authorized to review significant administrative investigations. Reviews are advisory to the Sheriff, who has final decision-making authority. CAAB cannot conduct investigations independently. They review complaints, investigations, and provide recommendations. The CAAB has no power to approve or disapprove processes, procedures, or rules developed for the CAAB.
- Composition (14A.07): 10 appointees, 2 each by County Commissioners, and 2 by County Judge, appointed by the Commissioners Court. Criteria for appointments include no involvement in prior civil actions against the Sheriff's Office.
- Training (14A.08): Members receive 24 hours training including orientation, ride-along, and continuing education provided by Internal Affairs.
- Meetings & Location (14A.09): Regular meetings in Bexar County Human Resources or an approved county facility. A quorum of 6 CAAB members is required. A liaison with the Internal Affairs Commander facilitates investigation access. Notifications of meetings, agendas, and schedules are provided to all relevant parties.
- Sheriff's Administrative Report to the CAAB (14A.11): The Sheriff provides a quarterly report to the CAAB on formal complaints, including date, location, nature of the allegations, and disposition. The Sheriff's designated investigator provides detail, findings, conclusions, and recommended actions. Reports are available to the CAAB, complainant, and respondent deputy.
- CAAB's duties (14A.10): Developing rules and processes for investigations brought before the board in a fair and open manner. Rules are in line with the CBA. Acceptance of inputs from those involved in the investigation. Limit on public input to factual details and not general commentary, opinions, or similar aspects.
- Community Forum (14A.13): Annual community forums to discuss and address BCSO policies, procedures, and community trust.
- Confidential Information (14A.12): Access to confidential information for investigation needs only. Protection of privacy and confidential information. Members cannot copy or remove confidential documents. Information reviewed during proceedings must comply with applicable privacy laws, state and federal laws. Confidential investigative documents cannot be released to the public until the investigation is completely closed and final.

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Description

Test your knowledge on significant administrative investigations and their processes. This quiz covers topics such as decision-making authority regarding disciplinary action and the role of the Citizens Advisory Action Board. Understand the dynamics of administrative oversight and accountability.