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Questions and Answers
What is a key factor in determining whether a new employee becomes a regular full-time employee?
What is a key factor in determining whether a new employee becomes a regular full-time employee?
Which of the following responsibilities does the BCSO have towards its employees?
Which of the following responsibilities does the BCSO have towards its employees?
During the probationary period, what benefits start to accumulate for an employee?
During the probationary period, what benefits start to accumulate for an employee?
What is one duty of an employee towards the BCSO?
What is one duty of an employee towards the BCSO?
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What attitude should BCSO employees maintain towards the public?
What attitude should BCSO employees maintain towards the public?
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What must an employee do before taking time off during regular duty hours for personal reasons?
What must an employee do before taking time off during regular duty hours for personal reasons?
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What is true regarding BCSO employees' off-duty status?
What is true regarding BCSO employees' off-duty status?
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What is the normal workweek duration for BCSO employees?
What is the normal workweek duration for BCSO employees?
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When are BCSO employees paid for their work?
When are BCSO employees paid for their work?
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What must Deputy Sheriffs do when planning to be absent from Bexar County for over 48 hours?
What must Deputy Sheriffs do when planning to be absent from Bexar County for over 48 hours?
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What is expected of employees regarding their conduct while representing the BCSO?
What is expected of employees regarding their conduct while representing the BCSO?
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What action is the BCSO entitled to take concerning employment during the probationary period?
What action is the BCSO entitled to take concerning employment during the probationary period?
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How should employees handle confidential information at the BCSO?
How should employees handle confidential information at the BCSO?
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What should an employee do if they cannot report to work on a scheduled day?
What should an employee do if they cannot report to work on a scheduled day?
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What is a key factor for employees being considered for promotion within the BCSO?
What is a key factor for employees being considered for promotion within the BCSO?
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What is the policy regarding compensatory time for employees at BCSO?
What is the policy regarding compensatory time for employees at BCSO?
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Which of the following benefits is NOT explicitly mentioned as provided by Bexar County to its employees?
Which of the following benefits is NOT explicitly mentioned as provided by Bexar County to its employees?
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How does BCSO ensure superior service and minimum waste among employees?
How does BCSO ensure superior service and minimum waste among employees?
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What is the primary reason for BCSO employees to consult their immediate supervisor?
What is the primary reason for BCSO employees to consult their immediate supervisor?
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What kind of support does the Sheriff provide to BCSO employees?
What kind of support does the Sheriff provide to BCSO employees?
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Study Notes
Bexar County Sheriff's Office Policy Manual
- Original Date: December 1, 2003
- Effective Date: May 6, 2023
- Subject: General Employment Matters
- Chapter Number: Four
- Office: Sheriff's Administration
- Enclosures: None
- Reevaluation Date: May 6, 2024
- Pages: 9
- Supersedes: April 15, 2014
- Approved by: Javier Salazar, Sheriff Bexar County
- Distribution: All Sheriff's Employees
4.01 Policy
- The Bexar County Sheriff's Office is committed to equal employment opportunity, regardless of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, handicap, religion, sexual orientation, political affiliation, or beliefs
- Selection of employees is based on education, training, experience, aptitude, and character.
4.02 Purpose
- This policy outlines general employment matters not covered elsewhere in the manual.
4.03 Applicants
- Obligation to the Public: The BCSO is obligated to ensure that individuals with criminal records, questionable morals, or unstable personalities are not employed.
- Background Investigation: Applicants who pass an entrance exam undergo background checks. Those who do not meet standards or whose background is deemed a risk are disqualified.
4.04 Status
- Probationary Period: New sworn personnel have a one-year probationary period. Civilian employees have a six-month probationary period.
- Regular Full-Time Employment: The employee's work performance during the probationary period determines if they become a full-time employee. New employees receive training.
4.05 Obligations
- BCSO Employee Obligations: Employees owe honest, dedicated work; loyalty; and care for equipment and workplace.
- BCSO Obligations to Employees: Proper training, supervision, and care in case of illness or death in family.
- BCSO Obligations to Public: Prompt, courteous, efficient service to the public. Employees should act with courtesy not servility.
4.06 Termination
- Employee Departure: BCSO values long-term employees and welcomes constructive feedback.
- Probationary Employee Termination: The BCSO gives advance notice of termination to probationary employees for cause, only paying salary accrued.
- Termination for Cause: Employees can be dismissed for failure to perform satisfactorily.
4.07 Confidentiality
- Many BCSO jobs involve confidential material. This information is not discussed with anyone outside the BCSO unless necessary.
4.08 Attendance
- Regular Attendance: Regular attendance is crucial, especially for promotion consideration.
- Absence: Employees must notify their supervisor at least one hour before their scheduled start time for absences.
- Work Hours: Employees must focus on official business during work hours.
- Personal Time: Time off for personal matters should be arranged in advance
4.09 Hours of Duty
- Duty Hours: Employees have assigned regular work hours, including overtime as needed. Even off duty, authorized and licensed peace officers must pursue their duty.
- Normal Working Hours: Forty (40) hours per week for the BCSO.
- Vacations and Leave: Refer to the "Personnel Rules for Employees of Bexar County, Texas" pamphlet for detailed vacation/leave policies.
4.10 Pay
- Pay Periods: Semi-monthly, usually on the 15th and last day of each month.
- Pay Deductions: Federal income tax, Social Security tax, retirement, health insurance (dependent allotments).
- Salary: Determined by the Commissioners Court, based on job difficulty and responsibility.
4.11 Training and Career Progression
- Skill Development: BCSO encourages training and skill development, both on-the-job and outside courses.
- Career Advancement: Employee performance, relationships with co-workers, and initiative influence career advancement opportunities.
- TCOLE Requirements: Licensed peace officers, jailers, and telecommunicators must maintain current TCOLE status.
- Performance Record: BCSO HR maintains a record of employee training.
4.12 Waste Management
- Conservation: Employees are responsible for conserving materials and time to reduce costs.
4.13 Vacation and Leave
- Compensatory Time: Employees who work extra hours may receive compensatory time off.
- Specific Leave Types: Detailed leave policies are covered in "Personnel Rules for Employees".
4.14 Other Benefits
- Medical Insurance: BCSO provides medical coverage for employees and dependents.
- Retirement Plans: Financed by employee and County contributions. Details in the Texas County and District Retirement System's handbook.
- Social Security: All BCSO employees are covered.
- Employee Counseling: BCSO cares about employee well-being and employee relationships. Employees are urged to discuss problems with their supervisor.
4.15 Personnel Records
- Personnel Records: BCSO maintains employee records and handles applications appropriately.
- Reporting Changes: Employees must inform the Human Resources Office immediately of any changes to personal information.
4.16 Solicitations
- County-wide Activities: Support for county-wide activities like the United Way is encouraged.
- Unauthorized Solicitations: Canvassing, soliciting, or selling is prohibited without permission.
4.17 Business and Telephone Courtesy
- Courtesy to the Public: Employees are expected to provide courteous service and clear communication to the public.
- Handling Inquiries: When possible, provide information, otherwise explain how to get assistance or refer to the appropriate individual/department.
- Problem Resolving: Employees are encouraged to use the chain of command to find solutions to problems.
4.18 Mail
- Personal Mail: Must be addressed to the employee's residence.
4.19 Employee Work Areas
- Maintaining Work Areas: Employees should remain in their designated work area unless their job description requires otherwise.
- Employee Notification: Notify supervisors of absences and the location of away from work areas.
4.20 Office Supplies, Equipment and Records
- Equipment Requests: Requests for equipment and supplies should be made in writing.
- Security: Employees are responsible for securing their work area and its contents at the end of the workday.
- County Equipment: Employees cannot take County equipment without supervisor approval.
4.21 Office Building Keys and Magnetic/Smart Cards
- Supervisory Responsibility: Supervisors are responsible for managing keys and magnetic/smart cards.
- Replacement: Loss or theft must be promptly reported.
4.22 Management's Responsibilities and Rights
- Management Authority: Specific management rights concerning personnel and other topics are outlined.
- Employee Rights: Implicit employee rights and duties are provided.
4.23 Violations of Rules and Regulations
- Changes to Rules: The policy manual may be updated from time to time.
4.24 Discipline and Discharge
- Disciplinary Options: Disciplinary actions can range from reprimands to dismissal.
- Just Cause: Disciplinary action must be for just cause, detailed in the policy as a fair and equitable process.
4.25 Counselings, Reprimands, Suspensions, Terminations
- Disciplinary Actions: Specific channels and processes exist for applying disciplinary actions.
- Privileges: Specific privileges, such as off-duty work permits, or special assignments, are subject to immediate suspension. Additional policy is contained in the specific civil service manual.
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Description
Explore the key policies related to general employment matters as outlined in Chapter 4 of the Bexar County Sheriff's Office Policy Manual. This chapter emphasizes equal employment opportunities and fair selection criteria for employees. Dive into the principles that guide the hiring process in law enforcement.
