ECSO Complaint Procedures
94 Questions
1 Views

Choose a study mode

Play Quiz
Study Flashcards
Spaced Repetition
Chat to lesson

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

Which of the following is NOT a type of complaint that ECSO members are instructed to forward to the Internal Affairs Unit?

  • Substantive complaints
  • Informal complaints (correct)
  • Formal complaints
  • Citizen complaints

    • According to the passage, what is the purpose of forwarding complaints to the Internal Affairs Unit?

  • To allow the OIC or designee to investigate complaints.
  • To ensure that all complaints are documented and reviewed. (correct)
  • To identify and punish officers who have committed wrongdoing.
  • To prevent future complaints from being filed.

    • Which of the following is a key aspect of the complaint forwarding process for ECSO members?

  • Forwarding complaints only if they are deemed serious.
  • Forwarding complaints to a designated individual in the Internal Affairs Unit.
  • Forwarding complaints to the OIC directly.
  • Forwarding all complaints, regardless of severity. (correct)

    • What is the role of the Internal Affairs Unit in relation to complaints?

    <p>To record and review complaints.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a category of complaint mentioned in the passage?

    <p>Minor complaint</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What should supervisors attempt to do with citizen complaints based on misunderstandings of law or procedure?

    <p>Resolve them</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the documentation requirement for citizen complaints that are resolved?

    <p>They do not require documentation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why should supervisors focus on resolving citizen complaints arising from misunderstandings?

    <p>To maintain public relations and clarity</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a consequence of resolving citizen complaints stemming from misunderstandings?

    <p>Improved community trust and satisfaction</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a potential outcome if citizen complaints are not resolved by supervisors?

    <p>Increased confusion and potential escalation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What prefix is assigned to Citizen Complaint case numbers?

    <p>C</p> Signup and view all the answers

    When will Internal Affairs case numbers be issued?

    <p>After the OIC or designee reviews the case</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How are Internal Affairs cases logged in the IA Pro Computer Program?

    <p>Using the assigned complaint number</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens if a Citizen Complaint evolves into an Internal Affairs investigation?

    <p>The original case number is used</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following formats represents a typical Internal Affairs case number?

    <p>I2010-001</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What should be done if a complainant refuses to provide a sworn statement?

    <p>The supervisor will reduce the allegation to writing and forward it to the OIC or designee of the Internal Affairs Unit</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is required for all formal and/or substantive complaints of member misconduct or wrongdoing?

    <p>A written report using the ECSO Statement of Complaint form</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens to anonymous complaints?

    <p>The supervisor receiving the complaint will attest to that fact in writing, prior to submitting the complaint</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the ultimate recipient of all formal written complaints?

    <p>The OIC or designee of the Internal Affairs Unit</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why must complaints be documented in writing?

    <p>To provide a formal record of the complaint</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the distinction between a 'Citizen Inquiry' and a 'Formal Complaint'?

    <p>A Citizen Inquiry is a general inquiry about procedures, while a Formal Complaint accuses a member of violating a policy or regulation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which category of complaint requires the involvement of the Internal Affairs Unit?

    <p>Formal Complaint</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Under what circumstances would a 'Minor Complaint' be escalated to the Internal Affairs Unit?

    <p>When the supervisor determines the complaint is not a minor breach of policy.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary focus of a 'Preliminary Investigation'?

    <p>Determining if the complaint warrants further investigation by Internal Affairs.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the significance of the term 'Direct Support Personnel' in the context of complaints?

    <p>They are subject to the same complaint procedures as officers.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT considered 'Misconduct' under ECSO rules?

    <p>Disagreement with a supervisor's decision.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of a supervisor in addressing 'Citizen Inquiries'?

    <p>To attempt to resolve the inquiry through clarification and explanation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How are complainants notified of the outcome of their complaint?

    <p>A formal letter or email.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match each type of complaint with its correct definition:

    <p>Citizen Inquiry = An inquiry by a citizen to determine if the actions taken by a member were proper. Criminal Complaint = Allegations of criminal conduct on the part of an employee. Formal Complaint = An accusation or charge against a member for violating a policy or procedure. Minor Complaint = Allegations of a minor breach of agency policy to be investigated by a supervisor.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match each term with its appropriate definition:

    <p>Member = All personnel appointed by and under the jurisdiction of the Sheriff. Officer = All law enforcement deputies appointed and commissioned by the Sheriff. Direct Support Personnel = All members excluding officers. Preliminary Investigation = An investigation of a complaint alleging employee misconduct received by a supervisor.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the complaint types with their respective investigations or implications:

    <p>Formal Complaint = Required for all substantial allegations of member misconduct. Minor Complaint = Investigated by the employee's supervisor. Criminal Complaint = May involve actions unrelated to job performance. Citizen Inquiry = Does not result in formal action against a member.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match complaints with their handling procedures:

    <p>Citizen Complaint = Utilizes a form letter or email to notify complainants. Criminal Complaint = Receives immediate attention depending on the severity. Minor Complaint = Documented but may not lead to formal action. Formal Complaint = Results in a structured investigation process.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match each term related to personnel with its definition:

    <p>Direct Support Personnel = Members excluding sworn officers. Officer = Commissioned deputies with law enforcement authority. Member = General term for personnel under Sheriff jurisdiction. Supervisor = Responsible for resolving citizen complaints.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the type of complaints with their documentation requirements:

    <p>Formal Complaint = Must be documented in writing. Minor Complaint = Investigated informally by the supervisor. Anonymous Complaint = May be logged but not pursued formally. Citizen Inquiry = No formal documentation required unless escalated.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match each complaint type with its appropriate processing outcome:

    <p>Formal Complaint = May lead to disciplinary action. Minor Complaint = Typically resolved by the supervisor without formal action. Criminal Complaint = May lead to investigations outside of internal supervision. Citizen Inquiry = Usually resolved through clarification of law or procedures.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following outcomes with their corresponding actions:

    <p>Dismissing a member = After a violation is determined Counseling = When a member needs guidance Training = To improve skills Reprimanding = For a minor infraction</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following terms with their descriptions:

    <p>Agency Orders = Procedures that must be followed Directives = Instructions from higher authority Reprimanding = An official rebuke Dismissal = Termination of employment</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match each type of authority with its role:

    <p>Sheriff = Final authority on personnel decisions Internal Affairs Unit = Handles serious complaints Supervisors = Initial address of citizen inquiries Training Coordinator = Implements training programs</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following violations with their consequences:

    <p>Violation of agency orders = Potential reprimand Repeated misconduct = Possible suspension Severe breach of conduct = Dismissal likely Minor infraction = Counseling recommended</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What authority does the Sheriff have regarding agency members?

    <p>To oversee training, reprimanding, and dismissing members based on violations of orders.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Under what condition can the Sheriff exercise the authority to suspend or dismiss a member?

    <p>By objectively determining a violation of agency orders or directives.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which action is NOT included in the Sheriff's authority concerning agency members?

    <p>Selecting members for special assignments based solely on seniority.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How should the Sheriff determine the action to take against a member?

    <p>By objectively assessing whether agency directives were violated.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the outcome of the Sheriff's authority when a member violates agency procedures?

    <p>Final decision-making on training and consequences for the member.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following actions can be taken by a Section/Unit Supervisor to address a member's performance?

    <p>Administer warnings, counseling, and reprimands to motivate members to maintain an acceptable level of expected performance.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Who has the authority to recommend formal discipline for a member who has violated policy or procedure?

    <p>Officers in Charge of the Division, Section/Unit Supervisors, Lieutenants, Sergeants, and Direct Support Supervisors</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT an action that an officer in charge of a division can take to address a member's performance?

    <p>Implement a new performance evaluation system for the entire division</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a direct action that a supervisor can take to motivate a member to improve their performance?

    <p>Provide counseling and reprimands to the member</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following actions is a step a supervisor can take before recommending formal discipline for a member?

    <p>Meeting with the member to discuss their performance and offer guidance.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary purpose of progressive discipline?

    <p>To provide a structured approach to addressing performance and behavioral issues.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Under what circumstances might a supervisor bypass progressive discipline steps and impose severe discipline?

    <p>When the performance or behavior issue poses a serious threat or risk.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key characteristic of disciplinary action, according to the provided criteria?

    <p>It should be administered swiftly and fairly, aligning with the severity of the violation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements accurately reflects the nature of discipline within the organization?

    <p>Discipline is an educational and corrective measure aimed at improving behavior.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a principle of disciplinary action as outlined in the criteria?

    <p>Discipline should be used as a means of retaliation against members.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary purpose of a verbal warning?

    <p>To encourage a change in behavior.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which action involves completing a General Counseling form?

    <p>Counseling</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What must be included in documentation of a written reprimand?

    <p>Detailed description of the event.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a potential consequence of continued performance deficiencies after a written reprimand?

    <p>The member may face formal discipline.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which option best describes the role of the immediate supervisor when issuing a counseling action?

    <p>To document performance deficiencies officially.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of action does a written reprimand represent in the context of informal corrective actions?

    <p>A formal documentation of a violation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    When can a supervisor recommend formal discipline for a member?

    <p>When the member has violated an agency policy, and the supervisor believes formal disciplinary action is in the best interest of the member and of the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens to a member's badge, credentials, and firearms when they are suspended from normal duty assignments?

    <p>They are surrendered to their immediate supervisor for safekeeping</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of a pre-disciplinary meeting?

    <p>To ensure the Sheriff or his designee knows all relevant facts</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is included in the document delivered to a member who is charged with a violation calling for suspension?

    <p>A list of violations and the effective date of suspension</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Who authorizes demotions?

    <p>The Sheriff</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens to a member's authority when they are placed on suspension?

    <p>They have no authority to perform any duties as a deputy sheriff or direct support member</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is required of the member when they receive a written list of violations?

    <p>They must certify the receipt of the findings and penalty</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of formal disciplinary action?

    <p>To correct the member's behavior and improve performance</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of a pre-disciplinary meeting with the Sheriff or his designee?

    <p>To ensure the Sheriff or his designee knows all relevant facts</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens to a member's employment if they are being terminated?

    <p>The employment will only be terminated pursuant to this disciplinary process for just cause</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is included in the document containing the list of violations?

    <p>The effective date of dismissal and a statement related to a member's right to submit information to their personnel file</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens if a member being dismissed is not available for service?

    <p>The service will be made to the member's address on file with the Human Resources Office</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What must a member do upon receiving a notice of dismissal?

    <p>Immediately surrender their vehicle, badge, credentials, ECSO ID Card, all issued firearms, agency manuals, uniforms, keys, access cards, and all agency equipment</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Who is the final authority in the dismissal of a member?

    <p>The Sheriff</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is required of a member who is charged with any violation calling for their demotion or dismissal?

    <p>They must certify the receipt of the findings and penalty by affixing their signature on the original copy of the disciplinary action form</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens to a member who is scheduled for termination of employment?

    <p>They will be placed on administrative leave with pay</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How many members make up the disciplinary review board?

    <p>6</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Who selects the final member of the disciplinary review board?

    <p>The accused member</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary role of the disciplinary review board?

    <p>To provide non-binding recommendations to the Sheriff</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In what circumstances can an employee waive their right to a disciplinary review board?

    <p>When the employee is willing to accept the recommended discipline</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Who has the final authority to decide on disciplinary action for members covered by a collective bargaining agreement?

    <p>The Sheriff</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Who selects the final member of the disciplinary review board?

    <p>The accused member</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the composition of the disciplinary review board?

    <p>One Chair and five voting members</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Who is responsible for appointing the Chair of the disciplinary review board?

    <p>The Sheriff</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How many members does the Chair and the Sheriff appoint together to the disciplinary review board?

    <p>Three members</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which entity selects one member of the disciplinary review board alongside the Sheriff?

    <p>The PBA</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following situations could lead to a member being placed on administrative leave?

    <p>A member is accused of making false statements in a report.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    When a member is placed on administrative leave, which of the following actions are they NOT allowed to perform?

    <p>Perform duties as a deputy sheriff.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary purpose of placing a member on administrative leave?

    <p>To prevent the member from interfering with an investigation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements about administrative leave is TRUE?

    <p>Administrative leave is a temporary measure that may or may not lead to further disciplinary action.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Who has the authority to direct a member on administrative leave to perform specific duties?

    <p>The Sheriff.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following situations WOULD NOT typically lead to a member being placed on administrative leave?

    <p>A member is involved in a heated argument with a citizen, but no physical altercation occurs.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the significance of a member surrendering their badge, credentials, and firearms when placed on administrative leave?

    <p>It ensures that these items are not used to intimidate witnesses or tamper with evidence.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a reason why a member might be placed on administrative leave?

    <p>A member is involved in a high-profile case that is receiving significant media attention.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    ECSO Complaint Forwarding Protocol

    • All members of the ECSO (Emergency Communications System Organization) are required to take immediate action upon receiving citizen complaints.
    • This protocol applies to all types of complaints, including minor, formal, and substantive complaints, ensuring no issue is overlooked.
    • Complaints must be forwarded directly to the Officer in Charge (OIC) or a designated representative of the Internal Affairs Unit.
    • The process includes recording and reviewing all complaints to maintain accountability and transparency within the organization.

    Citizen Complaint Resolution

    • Supervisors encouraged to resolve citizen complaints arising from misunderstandings of law or procedure.
    • Complaints resolved at this stage do not need to be documented.

    Complaint Forwarding Protocol

    • All members of the ECSO must promptly communicate all types of citizen complaints to the OIC (Officer in Charge) or designee.
    • Affected complaints include minor, formal, and substantive complaints.
    • Internal Affairs Unit is responsible for recording and reviewing all forwarded complaints.

    Complaint Processing Procedures

    • Supervisors are responsible for preparing formal reports on complaints, excluding Citizen Inquiries.
    • Complaints are forwarded to the Internal Affairs Unit via the Blue Team system.
    • The Internal Affairs Officer in Charge (OIC) or their designee will enter the complaint details into the IA Pro Computer Program.

    Complaint Numbering System

    • Citizen complaints are assigned a unique identifier starting with “C”, followed by the year and a sequential number (e.g., C2010-001).
    • Internal Affairs cases use a similar format, starting with “I”, the year, and a sequential number (e.g., I2010-001).
    • If a Citizen Complaint escalates to an Internal Affairs investigation, the case retains the original Citizen Complaint number.

    Review and Issuance of Case Numbers

    • Internal Affairs case numbers are assigned only after a review by the OIC or their designee.
    • This review process ensures that all cases are appropriately evaluated before being designated as Internal Affairs cases.

    Formal Complaints Protocol

    • All formal complaints regarding member misconduct must be documented in writing using the ECSO Statement of Complaint form.
    • Complaints made via telephone require the supervisor to ask the complainant to complete the ECSO Statement of Complaint form for proper documentation.
    • If a substantive allegation arises and the complainant refuses to provide a sworn statement, the supervisor will document the allegation, forwarding it to the Officer in Charge (OIC) or a designee of the Internal Affairs Unit.
    • For truly anonymous complaints, the supervisor must attest in writing that the complaint is indeed anonymous before submission.
    • All formal written complaints, regardless of the submission method, will be sent to the OIC or designee of the Internal Affairs Unit for review and recording.

    Notification of Case Disposition

    • Complainants receive notification of the case's final outcome through form letters or emails.

    Definitions of Key Terms

    • Citizen Inquiry: An investigation initiated by a citizen to ascertain the propriety of actions taken by agency members.
    • Criminal Complaint: Allegations against an employee related to criminal actions, regardless of job relevance.
    • Direct Support Personnel: Includes all members except officers; often referred to as direct support members.
    • Formal Complaint: An official accusation against a Sheriff's Office member for violating agency policies, excluding misunderstandings or disagreements stemming from citizen inquiries.
    • Member: Anyone appointed under the Sheriff’s jurisdiction, encompassing both classified and unclassified personnel.
    • Minor Complaint: Allegations of minor policy breaches, typically investigated by the employee's supervisor, usually not warranting disciplinary action.
    • Misconduct: Conduct violating ECSO Rules, Regulations, and established procedures.
    • Officer: Law enforcement deputies authorized and commissioned by the Sheriff.
    • Preliminary Investigation: Initial inquiry into complaints against employees, assessing evidence and classification of the complaint.
    • Substantive Complaint: Serious allegations of policy violations requiring formal documentation and chain of command review for action determination.

    Notification of Case Disposition

    • Complainants receive notification of the case's final outcome through form letters or emails.

    Definitions of Key Terms

    • Citizen Inquiry: An investigation initiated by a citizen to ascertain the propriety of actions taken by agency members.
    • Criminal Complaint: Allegations against an employee related to criminal actions, regardless of job relevance.
    • Direct Support Personnel: Includes all members except officers; often referred to as direct support members.
    • Formal Complaint: An official accusation against a Sheriff's Office member for violating agency policies, excluding misunderstandings or disagreements stemming from citizen inquiries.
    • Member: Anyone appointed under the Sheriff’s jurisdiction, encompassing both classified and unclassified personnel.
    • Minor Complaint: Allegations of minor policy breaches, typically investigated by the employee's supervisor, usually not warranting disciplinary action.
    • Misconduct: Conduct violating ECSO Rules, Regulations, and established procedures.
    • Officer: Law enforcement deputies authorized and commissioned by the Sheriff.
    • Preliminary Investigation: Initial inquiry into complaints against employees, assessing evidence and classification of the complaint.
    • Substantive Complaint: Serious allegations of policy violations requiring formal documentation and chain of command review for action determination.

    Sheriff’s Authority

    • Final authority rests with the Sheriff regarding personnel management within the agency.
    • Responsibilities include training, counseling, reprimanding, suspending, demoting, or dismissing agency members.
    • Actions taken must be based on an objective and fair assessment of the member's conduct.
    • The Sheriff acts upon determining violations of agency orders, directives, or procedures.

    Sheriff’s Authority

    • Final authority rests with the Sheriff regarding personnel management within the agency.
    • Responsibilities include training, counseling, reprimanding, suspending, demoting, or dismissing agency members.
    • Actions taken must be based on an objective and fair assessment of the member's conduct.
    • The Sheriff acts upon determining violations of agency orders, directives, or procedures.

    Officer Responsibilities and Authority

    • Officers in Charge, Section/Unit Supervisors, Lieutenants, Sergeants, Direct Support Supervisors, and other designated personnel by the Sheriff hold significant authority within their divisions.

    • They can place a member on administrative leave as a precautionary measure while reviewing potential disciplinary issues.

    • The ability to issue warnings, provide counseling, and deliver reprimands is a crucial part of their role, aimed at ensuring members achieve and maintain expected performance levels.

    • Formal disciplinary actions, such as suspension, demotion, or dismissal, can be recommended by these supervisors through the chain of command, specifically for members found in violation of established policies or procedures.

    Progressive Discipline Overview

    • Supervisors should utilize progressive discipline as a means to train, educate, and correct employee performance or behavior.
    • Progressive discipline is a structured approach that aims to address issues incrementally before resorting to severe measures.

    Severe Measures

    • Certain instances of performance or behavior may necessitate a supervisor to impose significant discipline immediately, bypassing preliminary lower levels of discipline.

    Criteria of Discipline

    • Discipline serves as an instructive tool aimed at correction, avoiding any form of retaliation against employees.
    • Administration of discipline must be fair, consistent with the nature of the violation, and uniformly applied across all cases.
    • Timeliness is crucial; discipline should be delivered without unnecessary delays to ensure effectiveness.

    Informal Corrective Actions

    • Verbal Warning

      • Aimed at encouraging or redirecting a member's behavior or actions.
      • Serves as an initial prompt to address issues informally.

    • Counseling

      • Involves written documentation by a supervisor regarding performance issues or policy violations.
      • The General Counseling form details the specific conduct needing correction and outlines prior warnings or counseling received.
      • Helps clarify expectations and the steps required for improvement.

    • Written Reprimand

      • Issued by a supervisor to formally document ongoing performance deficiencies or recurring policy violations.
      • If issues persist post-reprimand, it may lead to formal disciplinary actions.
      • Requires thorough documentation of the incident, including prior actions like warnings and counselings related to similar violations, ensuring a comprehensive history is provided.

    Formal Disciplinary Actions Overview

    • Formal discipline is recommended by supervisors for alleged violations of agency policies or regulations.
    • The best interest of the member and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office is considered before recommending formal actions.

    Suspension

    • Supervisors may recommend suspension to the Sheriff through a written report.
    • Members under suspension must surrender their assigned vehicle, badge, credentials, and firearms.
    • Suspension requires authorization from the Sheriff and suspends any duties as a deputy sheriff.
    • Members due for suspension are offered a pre-disciplinary meeting to discuss relevant facts.
    • A written list of violations, including the suspension date, must be provided to the affected member, who must acknowledge receipt.

    Demotion

    • Supervisors can recommend demotion to the Sheriff through a formal process.
    • Only the Sheriff can authorize demotions.
    • Members facing demotion will have the opportunity for a pre-disciplinary meeting to present relevant information.
    • A document listing violations and the effective date of demotion is provided to members, requiring their signature to confirm receipt.

    Dismissal

    • Supervisors may recommend a member’s dismissal through the chain-of-command to the Sheriff.
    • The Sheriff holds final authority regarding the termination of employment.
    • Dismissal is executed for just cause and requires hand delivery of a list of violations.
    • Notification of termination must be delivered at least three workdays prior to the effective date, unless extraordinary circumstances necessitate otherwise.
    • Members are entitled to contest their dismissal and can submit explanations to their personnel files.
    • If a member is unavailable for service, the notification is sent to the member's address on file.
    • A pre-disciplinary meeting is offered, and a member can request it in writing to present their side before final decisions.
    • Members receiving dismissal notices must surrender all agency-related equipment and property immediately.

    Disciplinary Review Board Structure

    • Comprised of a Chair and five voting members.
    • Membership varies per disciplinary matter; different members each time.
    • The Sheriff appoints a Chair for each case before the board convenes.
    • The Sheriff and PBA (Police Benevolent Association) each appoint one member.
    • The Chair and the two appointees choose a third and fourth member.
    • The accused member selects the fifth board member.

    Function and Authority

    • The board provides non-binding recommendations regarding discipline to the Sheriff.
    • The Sheriff retains the ultimate authority to make final disciplinary decisions.

    Procedures and Rights

    • The board is convened only for formal disciplinary issues related to members covered by a collective bargaining agreement.
    • Employees can submit a written request to waive their right to a disciplinary review board.
    • If waived, the request must include the employee's acceptance of the imposed discipline.

    Disciplinary Review Board Composition

    • The board has a Chair and five voting members.
    • Chair is appointed by the Sheriff for each individual disciplinary case.
    • Each case brings a different composition of board members.
    • The Sheriff selects one board member.
    • The Police Benevolent Association (PBA) selects another board member.
    • The appointed Chair and the two selected members choose a third and fourth member.
    • The member being accused has the right to select the final board member.

    Administrative Leave Overview

    • Supervisors can place a member on administrative leave in extraordinary situations for immediate relief from duty.
    • Reasons for administrative leave include inability to perform duties, insubordination, involvement in criminal acts, and reporting under the influence of intoxicants.

    Circumstances for Administrative Leave

    • Physical or Emotional Inability: A member appearing unable to fulfill assigned duties.
    • Insubordination: Failure to follow direct orders from superiors.
    • Criminal or Immoral Conduct: Engagement in illegal or unethical behavior.
    • Substance Use: Reporting or being on duty while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, unless prescribed or authorized.
    • Violations of Orders: Willful disregard of rules, policies, or procedures necessitating immediate removal.
    • Preservation of Order: Essential for maintaining discipline and order within the organization.
    • Conduct Unbecoming: Behavior that is not consistent with the ethical standards expected of a member.
    • Risk to Others: Actions that could potentially jeopardize the safety of co-workers or the public.

    Reporting Procedures

    • Supervisors must inform the Sheriff about the administrative leave action through the chain-of-command immediately.

    Member Responsibilities Upon Leave

    • Members must surrender agency assigned vehicles upon being placed on administrative leave.
    • Immediate surrender of badges, credentials, and firearms to the supervisor for safekeeping is required during this period.

    Limitations on Authority

    • A member on administrative leave has no authority to perform any duties unless expressly directed by the Sheriff or a supervisor.
    • The Sheriff’s Office cannot exempt a member from court appearances or obligations arising from a subpoena even during administrative leave.

    Studying That Suits You

    Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

    Quiz Team

    Description

    This quiz assesses understanding of the ECSO's protocol for handling citizen complaints, including forwarding and recording procedures. It covers the roles of the OIC and Internal Affairs Unit in the complaint review process.

    More Like This

    Use Quizgecko on...
    Browser
    Open
    Browser
    Browser