Code of Conduct

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Questions and Answers

What is the consequence for an employee who falsely represents their health condition to an official?

Suspension

Termination (correct)

A warning

Community service

Under what circumstance can a member refuse to perform a duty or task?

If it's unsafe or unlawful (correct)

If it's too difficult

If they have other commitments

If they don't like the task

What must employees do regarding their contact information?

Provide it to colleagues for communication purposes

Maintain it current in department software and with County HR (correct)

Update it only when there are major changes

Ensure it's documented only with their supervisor

What type of relationships are prohibited between supervising members?

Intimate relationships, such as marriage or dating Signup and view all the answers

What should a member do if a prohibited intimate relationship develops?

Inform the Chief and seek a transfer Signup and view all the answers

What is considered abuse of position for a member?

Using their badge for personal gain Signup and view all the answers

What is the protocol if an employee must update their emergency contact information?

They must update it within two weeks Signup and view all the answers

Which action is prohibited regarding an employee's identification card?

Lending it to another person Signup and view all the answers

What is defined as conduct unbecoming an employee?

Any conduct reflecting negatively on the employee or Department Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following actions is considered a violation of conduct while on duty?

Using department tools to repair a personal vehicle Signup and view all the answers

What must employees do if they are arrested or charged with illegal activity?

Notify the Fire Chief within 24 hours Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following behaviors generally does NOT reflect conduct unbecoming an employee?

Having a casual conversation with citizens Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is explicitly prohibited while on duty?

Gambling or engaging in indecent activity Signup and view all the answers

What are the possible consequences of conduct that brings the Department into disrepute?

Formal review and potential disciplinary action Signup and view all the answers

Which activity is categorized as illegal activity for public employees?

Being investigated for allegations of misconduct Signup and view all the answers

What type of behavior is considered to impair the operation or efficiency of the Department?

Engaging in public disputes while wearing a uniform Signup and view all the answers

What is required for members to authorize the use of their names or photographs in endorsements?

Approval from the Fire Chief Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following actions is prohibited while members are on-duty?

Participating in a political rally Signup and view all the answers

What must members avoid when dealing with vendors?

Allowing personal interests to conflict with official duties Signup and view all the answers

Under what circumstances can members accept gifts?

Members cannot accept any gifts regardless of circumstances Signup and view all the answers

Members are NOT allowed to accept rewards for services rendered from:

The public Signup and view all the answers

What should members do regarding the use of Department resources?

Ensure compliance with County and Department policies Signup and view all the answers

Members are prohibited from recommending which of the following?

Professional service providers like attorneys Signup and view all the answers

What is considered as an actual conflict of interest?

Having a financial interest in a company that does business with the Department Signup and view all the answers

What should members do when signing official documents?

Sign in a legible manner or print their name legibly next to their signature. Signup and view all the answers

Which behavior is considered grounds for dismissal?

Being untruthful to a superior officer. Signup and view all the answers

How should members interact with civilians?

Address civilians as sir or ma'am. Signup and view all the answers

What is expected of members regarding their truthfulness?

To always tell the truth, regardless of the circumstances. Signup and view all the answers

What should be done when towing services are needed?

Members must contact the Communications Center for assistance. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about courtesy is NOT required?

Members should show favoritism to familiar civilians. Signup and view all the answers

Members are required to give what information when requested by the public?

Their name and rank. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following actions does NOT display professionalism while on duty?

Displaying horseplay or disrespectful behavior. Signup and view all the answers

What is required of employees regarding legal proceedings?

They must report all civil or criminal proceedings immediately. Signup and view all the answers

What happens if an employee is found guilty of a felony?

They will immediately vacate and forfeit their employment. Signup and view all the answers

Can the Fire Department conduct an independent investigation?

Yes, while charges are still pending adjudication. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a requirement for members to report for duty?

Members can arrive at their own time if they inform their boss. Signup and view all the answers

What must employees avoid while on standby?

Being under the influence of controlled substances. Signup and view all the answers

How should members approach their assigned duties?

They must focus fully on their assigned duties. Signup and view all the answers

What is expected if an employee has pending charges?

They must cooperate fully with departmental investigations. Signup and view all the answers

What can lead to neglect of duty?

Prioritizing personal business over work. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Conduct Unbecoming

Any conduct that reflects negatively on the employee or the Department, on or off duty.
Employees are held to a high standard of professionalism, both on and off duty.
Conduct unbecoming includes behavior that:
- Impairs public respect
- Brings the Department into disrepute
- Reflects discredit upon the employee as a member of the Department
- Impairs the operation or efficiency of the Department

Illegal Activity

Engaging in any activity prohibited by Federal, state or local laws and regulations.
Employee must immediately notify the Fire Chief if investigated, arrested, booked or charged for any illegal activity.
Notification must be made within 24 hours of the arrest, charging, or booking.
Employee must inform the department of any civil or criminal proceedings, including additional charges, changes in charges, court appearances, and final disposition.
An employee found guilty of, or pleading guilty or nolo contendere to a felony in a state or federal court will be immediately terminated.

Availability for Duty

Members shall be present for duty unless approved leave.
Members must report for duty at the appointed time and place in full equipment, fit, and able to perform assignments.
Employees will not misrepresent their work, hours worked, or whereabouts while on duty.
Members must be properly equipped and know the necessary information to perform their duties.
Employees on "Standby" cannot be under the influence of controlled substances or intoxicating beverages.

Neglect of Duty

Members cannot engage in activities or personal business that could cause them to neglect their duties.
Employees must devote full time, attention, and effort towards their assigned duties during working hours.
Members cannot leave their assigned duty posts, district, or area without authorization.
A member cannot refuse to perform a duty or an assigned task unless it is unsafe or unlawful.

Health, Safety, and Security

Employees must be truthful about their health condition.
Employees cannot bring weapons, ammunition, or other dangerous instruments into department facilities, buildings, surrounding grounds, or parking areas.
Employees must maintain current contact information, including a correct address, working phone number, and emergency contact information.

Intimate Relationships

Intimate relationships between a member and any other member assigned to supervise or mentor the performance of that member are prohibited.
Members in intimate relationships with other members of the department cannot work on the same shift or in the same region.
Parties in a prohibited relationship must advise the Chief and seek a transfer to another shift or region.

Abuse of Position

Members cannot use their official position, official identification cards, or badges for personal or financial gain, to obtain privileges not otherwise available to the general public, or to avoid consequences of illegal acts.
Members cannot lend their identification cards or badges to another person or allow them to be photographed or reproduced.
Members cannot authorize the use of their names, photographs, or official titles in connection with testimonials, political endorsements, or advertisements without prior written approval from the Fire Chief.

Political Activity

Members cannot use their official capacity to influence, interfere with, or affect the results of a political campaign or an election.
Members cannot engage in any political activity while on-duty or while in uniform.
Members must follow the rules stipulated in IAFF Local 244 CBA article 27, and/or County Rules and Regulations.

Conflict of Interest

Members must ensure that personal interests do not conflict with official duties and avoid both actual conflicts of interest and the appearance of conflicts of interest.
Members must ensure that all Department resources are used in strict compliance with County and Department policies and solely for the benefit of the County and Department.

Gifts, Gratuities, Bribes, or Rewards

Members cannot solicit or accept gifts, including money, tangible or intangible personal property, food, beverage, loans, promises, services, or entertainment, from any person, business, or organization if it may reasonably be inferred that the person, business, or organization seeks to influence action of any official nature or seeks to affect the performance or non-performance of an official duty.
Members cannot accept rewards from the public for services rendered.
Members cannot accept bribes.

Endorsements and Referrals

Members cannot recommend or suggest the employment or procurement of a particular product, professional service, or commercial service while acting in an official capacity.
If towing services are necessary and the person needing the services is unable or unwilling to procure such services or requests assistance, members must contact the Communications Center for assistance by a Sheriff's Deputy.

Truthfulness

Members must answer all questions related to the scope of their employment and operations of the Department truthfully.
Members must not make false reports concerning any Department business or the personal character or conduct of any member.
Members must speak the truth at all times, whether or not under oath, in giving testimony, in connection with official orders, and in connection with official duties.
Being untruthful to a superior officer, being untruthful during an internal investigation, or falsification of a document are grounds for dismissal.

Executing Official Documents

Members must sign official documents or reports legibly.
Digital signatures constitute as official signatures on some documents.
All requests for information must be forwarded to the appropriate division or the requesting personnel should be directed to contact fire headquarters during business hours.

Courtesy

All officers must be referred to by their appropriate rank.
Conduct all dealings with the public, county employees, and other organizations in a manner that presents a courteous, professional, and service-oriented image of the department.
Exhibit courtesy and respect to all officers and acting officers.
Address all civilians as "sir" or "ma'am".
Be tactful in the performance of duties, control tempers, exercise patience and discretion, and not engage in horseplay or disrespectful conduct.
Give your name and rank whenever requested by a member of the public.

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Description

This quiz focuses on the policies regarding employee conduct and illegal activities within a department. Participants will learn about expectations for professionalism and the importance of reporting any legal issues promptly. It covers the implications of conduct unbecoming and the protocols for notifying superiors about legal matters.