Escambia County Sheriff's Office Disciplinary Process G.O. 403

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Questions and Answers

What is the purpose of discipline in the Escambia County Sheriff's Office?

To punish members for their misbehavior

To advise members of inappropriate behavior and encourage them to perform in an acceptable manner (correct)

To promote members to higher ranks

To dismiss members from the agency without warning

Who has the final authority in disciplining agency members?

The Lieutenant

The Sergeant

The Division Supervisor

The Sheriff (correct)

Who may direct a member to be placed on administrative leave pending a review for possible disciplinary action?

Only the Human Resources Department

Only the Sheriff

Only the Lieutenant

Officers in Charge of the Division, Section/Unit Supervisors, Lieutenants, Sergeants, and Direct Support Supervisors (correct)

What is the basis for the Escambia County Sheriff's Office's disciplinary process?

Federal and state constitutional provisions, Florida Statutes, and Sheriff's Office Rules and Regulations Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of agency internal investigations relating to conduct of members?

A vital part of the administrative authority of the Sheriff Signup and view all the answers

Who may administer warnings, counseling, and reprimands to motivate members to maintain an acceptable level of expected performance?

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

What is the outcome of the Sheriff objectively and fairly determining that a member violated agency orders, directives, or procedures?

The Sheriff has the final authority in training, counseling, reprimanding, suspending, demoting, or dismissing the member Signup and view all the answers

What is the approach to discipline used by the Escambia County Sheriff's Office?

Is uniform and complies with federal and state constitutional provisions, Florida Statutes, Sheriff's Office Rules and Regulations, and applicable contractual and negotiated agreements Signup and view all the answers

What action must a member take immediately upon being placed on administrative leave?

Surrender agency assigned vehicle, badge, credentials, and firearms Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of counseling in the Escambia County Sheriff's Office?

To bring to a member's attention the need to improve performance or behavior Signup and view all the answers

What is the outcome of a demotion in the Escambia County Sheriff's Office?

A reduction in rank Signup and view all the answers

What type of training is provided to a member who lacks knowledge or skill?

Remedial training Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a suspension in the Escambia County Sheriff's Office?

To impose an enforced leave of absence without pay Signup and view all the answers

What is the Escambia County Sheriff's Office's policy regarding court appearances?

The Sheriff's Office cannot excuse members from court appearances Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of progressive discipline?

To train, educate, and correct member performance and/or behavior Signup and view all the answers

When should a supervisor impose or recommend discipline that is severe?

When some performance and/or behavior may require it Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of discipline?

It is an instructive or corrective device Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a written reprimand?

To advise a member of a performance deficiency or violation of policy or procedure Signup and view all the answers

What happens when a member is suspended from normal duty assignments?

The member immediately surrenders their assigned vehicle Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a pre-disciplinary meeting?

To ensure the Sheriff or his designee knows all relevant facts Signup and view all the answers

What is required of a member who is scheduled for suspension?

To certify the receipt of the findings and penalty by affixing their signature on the original copy of the disciplinary action form Signup and view all the answers

Who authorizes demotions?

The Sheriff Signup and view all the answers

What is a verbal warning?

A warning given to a member to encourage a course of action or to discontinue a course of action Signup and view all the answers

Who may make a written recommendation for formal discipline?

A supervisor Signup and view all the answers

What happens to a member's employment if they are dismissed pursuant to the disciplinary process?

Their employment will only be terminated for just cause. Signup and view all the answers

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

The Sheriff Signup and view all the answers

What is included in the document containing the list of violations for a member's dismissal?

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

What happens if a member is not available for service of the list of violations?

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

What is the purpose of the pre-disciplinary meeting?

To ensure the Sheriff or his designee knows all relevant facts Signup and view all the answers

What happens to a member's equipment and property after being served with a dismissal notice?

They will be surrendered immediately Signup and view all the answers

Who selects the members of the Disciplinary Review Board?

The Sheriff and the PBA each select one member, and the Chair and these two appointees select a third and fourth member Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the Disciplinary Review Board?

To make non-binding disciplinary recommendations to the Sheriff Signup and view all the answers

What happens to a member's request to waive their right to a Disciplinary Review Board?

It will be approved if the employee agrees to accept the discipline to be imposed Signup and view all the answers

Who makes the final decision regarding all disciplinary actions and processes?

The Sheriff Signup and view all the answers

Members covered by an individual employment agreement have appeal rights unless specifically granted in the agreement.

False Signup and view all the answers

Who is responsible for documenting and monitoring the actions of the members under their command?

First-line supervisors Signup and view all the answers

What is the responsibility of the supervisor when a member has been disciplined?

To monitor the actions/behavior of the member to determine if the discipline administered achieved the desired results Signup and view all the answers

What is maintained by the Administration Division in the member’s disciplinary file?

Counseling, written reprimand, suspensions, demotion, and dismissal Signup and view all the answers

What is the responsibility of the Human Resources Office?

To maintain a Personnel Action form in the member’s personnel file to document suspensions, demotions, and dismissals Signup and view all the answers

Why may a supervisor place a member on administrative leave?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

Who must the supervisor utilizing administrative leave immediately report the action to?

The Sheriff Signup and view all the answers

What is the responsibility of the Employee Benefits?

To provide the member with a statement of the status of fringe and retirement benefits Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the First-line Supervisor?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the supervisor continuing to apply constructive progressive disciplinary actions?

To correct the actions/behavior of the member in order for the member to reach the desired level of performance Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a vital part of the administrative authority of the Sheriff?

Disciplinary enforcement practices Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of progressive discipline in the Escambia County Sheriff's Office?

To advise members of inappropriate behavior and encourage them to perform in an acceptable manner Signup and view all the answers

Who is responsible for preparing and enacting orders, directives, and procedures for the agency?

The Sheriff Signup and view all the answers

What is the basis for disciplinary actions in the Escambia County Sheriff's Office?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What may a supervisor do to motivate a member to maintain an acceptable level of expected performance?

Administer warnings, counseling, and reprimands Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the Sheriff in the disciplinary process?

To counsel and discipline members Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the disciplinary process in the Escambia County Sheriff's Office?

To advise members of inappropriate behavior and encourage them to perform in an acceptable manner Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between the disciplinary process and the agency's rules and regulations?

The disciplinary process is based on the agency's rules and regulations Signup and view all the answers

What happens to a member's badge, credentials, and firearms when they are placed on administrative leave?

They are immediately surrendered to their immediate supervisor for safekeeping. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of remedial training in the Escambia County Sheriff's Office?

To raise a member's general competence level due to lack of knowledge or skill. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to a member's employment if they are dismissed pursuant to the disciplinary process?

Their employment is terminated for cause. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of counseling in the Escambia County Sheriff's Office?

To provide guidance and advice to improve performance. Signup and view all the answers

What is the outcome of a demotion in the Escambia County Sheriff's Office?

A reduction in grade to a lower rank in the chain-of-command. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a suspension in the Escambia County Sheriff's Office?

An enforced leave of absence without pay for disciplinary purposes. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary responsibility of a First-line Supervisor in the disciplinary process?

To monitor the actions of the members under their command Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the Administration Division in the disciplinary process?

To maintain a record of corrective/disciplinary actions in the member’s disciplinary file Signup and view all the answers

Who is responsible for notifying the Finance Unit for payroll purposes in the case of suspension, demotion, or dismissal?

The Human Resources Office Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the Employee Benefits in the disciplinary process?

To provide a statement of the status of fringe and retirement benefits after dismissal Signup and view all the answers

Under what circumstances may a supervisor place a member on administrative leave?

In all of the above circumstances Signup and view all the answers

Who is responsible for ensuring that the discipline administered achieves the desired results?

The Supervisor Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the Supervisor in the disciplinary process?

To document and monitor the actions of the members under their command Signup and view all the answers

What happens to a member's disciplinary file after the discipline administered has achieved the desired results?

The file is maintained until it is eligible for destruction as outlined in Florida Department of State – General Records Schedules Signup and view all the answers

What is the responsibility of the Supervisor when a member is not conforming to the desired level of performance?

To continue to apply constructive progressive disciplinary actions Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the Human Resources Office in the disciplinary process?

To notify the Finance Unit for payroll purposes in the case of suspension, demotion, or dismissal Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of formal discipline in the Escambia County Sheriff's Office?

To instruct or correct the member's behavior Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a written counseling form?

To advise a member of a performance deficiency or violation Signup and view all the answers

What happens to a member's assigned vehicle when they are suspended from normal duty assignments?

The member must surrender the vehicle Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a pre-disciplinary meeting?

To ensure the Sheriff or designee knows all relevant facts Signup and view all the answers

Who is responsible for authorizing suspensions?

The Sheriff Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of progressive discipline?

To correct member performance and behavior Signup and view all the answers

What is included in the document containing the list of violations for a member's suspension?

The effective date of suspension Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a written reprimand?

To advise a member of a performance deficiency or violation Signup and view all the answers

Who may make a written recommendation for formal discipline?

A supervisor through the chain of command Signup and view all the answers

What is the outcome of a member being demoted?

The member is assigned to a lower rank Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the written list of violations delivered to a member who is charged with a violation calling for their demotion?

To inform the member of the effective date of demotion Signup and view all the answers

Who selects the final member of the Disciplinary Review Board?

The accused member Signup and view all the answers

What is included in the document containing the list of violations for a member's dismissal?

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

What happens if a member is not available for service of the list of violations?

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

What is the purpose of the pre-disciplinary meeting?

To ensure the Sheriff or his designee knows all relevant facts Signup and view all the answers

What is required of a member who is scheduled for termination of employment?

The member must immediately surrender their vehicle and badge Signup and view all the answers

Who makes the final decision regarding all disciplinary actions and processes?

The Sheriff Signup and view all the answers

What happens to a member's employment if they are dismissed pursuant to the disciplinary process?

The member's employment is terminated Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the Disciplinary Review Board?

To make non-binding disciplinary recommendations to the Sheriff Signup and view all the answers

What is the outcome of a member submitting a written request to waive their right to a Disciplinary Review Board?

The member accepts the discipline to be imposed Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Purpose and Policy

The purpose of discipline is to advise members of inappropriate behavior and encourage them to perform in an acceptable manner and produce quality work.
Discipline becomes necessary when conduct falls below an acceptable standard and when there is a breach of established rules and regulations of the agency.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office uses a uniform approach to discipline that complies with federal and state constitutional provisions, Florida Statutes, Sheriff’s Office Rules and Regulations, and applicable contractual and negotiated agreements.

Authority to Discipline

The Sheriff is responsible for counseling and disciplining of agency members.
The Sheriff has the final authority in training, counseling, reprimanding, suspending, demoting, or dismissing any member of the agency.
Officers in Charge of the Division, Section/Unit Supervisors, Lieutenants, Sergeants, and Direct Support Supervisors, or other persons designated by the Sheriff may:
- Direct a member to be placed on administrative leave pending a review for possible disciplinary action.
- Administer warnings, counseling, and reprimands to motivate members to maintain an acceptable level of expected performance.
- Recommend formal discipline, through chain of command to the Sheriff, for the suspension, demotion, or dismissal of a member that has violated policy or procedure.

Progressive Discipline

Supervisors are encouraged to use progressive discipline to train, educate, and correct member performance and/or behavior.
Progressive discipline is desired, but severe discipline may be necessary without first progressing through the lower levels of discipline.

Criteria of Discipline

Discipline will be an instructive or corrective device, not a retaliatory measure.
Discipline will be fairly and evenly administered and will be consistent with the violation.
Discipline should be administered without delay.

Informal Corrective Actions

Verbal Warning: A warning given to a member to encourage a course of action or to discontinue a course of action.
Counseling: Written instruction by the immediate supervisor or higher authority advising a member of a performance deficiency or violation of policy or procedure.
Written Reprimand: A written reprimand will be completed by the immediate supervisor or higher authority to advise a member of a performance deficiency or violation of policy or procedure.

Formal Disciplinary Actions

Suspension:
- A supervisor may make a written recommendation, through the chain of command to the Sheriff, to suspend a member.
- If suspended from normal duty assignments, the member will immediately surrender their assigned vehicle.
Demotion:
- A supervisor may make a written recommendation, through the chain-of-command to the Sheriff, to demote a member.
- Demotions will be authorized by the Sheriff.
Dismissal:
- A supervisor may recommend a member’s dismissal pursuant to this disciplinary process, through the chain-of-command to the Sheriff.
- The Sheriff is the final authority in the dismissal of a member.

Disciplinary Review Board

The disciplinary review board consists of a Chair and five voting members.
The board makes non-binding disciplinary recommendations to the Sheriff who makes the final decision.

Final Decision in Disciplinary Processes

After arriving at a final decision in any sustained allegation, the Sheriff will impose a fair and equitable disciplinary penalty.
The final decision regarding all disciplinary actions and processes is vested with the Sheriff.

Appeals Process

Members who have rights established in a collective bargaining agreement may appeal disciplinary action in accordance with the Collective Bargaining Agreement.
Members covered by an individual employment agreement have no appeal rights unless specifically granted in the agreement.

Responsibilities

Supervisors:
- Are responsible for documenting and monitoring the actions of the members under their command.
- Are accountable for members under their scope of supervision.
- Will not rely on higher authority to initiate corrective and/or disciplinary actions.
Administration Division:
- Will maintain a record of corrective/disciplinary actions in the member’s disciplinary file.
- Will provide a written summary of the file to the member.
Human Resources Office:
- Will maintain a Personnel Action form in the member’s personnel file to document suspensions, demotions, and dismissals.
- Will notify the Finance Unit for payroll purposes.

Administrative Leave

A supervisor may immediately relieve a member from duty by placing the member on administrative leave in extraordinary situations.
Circumstances for placing a member on administrative leave include:
- When a member is apparently physically or emotionally unable to perform assigned duties.
- When a member has been insubordinate.
- When a member has been involved in a criminal or immoral act.
- When a member has reported for duty under the influence of an intoxicant and/or drug.

Definitions

Counseling: Advice or guidance given to achieve a specific action or behavior.
Demotion: A reduction in grade to a lower rank in the chain-of-command.
Dismissal: Termination of employment for cause.
Remedial Training: Training provided to a member when it has been determined that poor work quality or infractions are the result of a lack of knowledge or skill.
Suspension: An enforced leave of absence without pay (workdays or hours) for disciplinary purposes.

Purpose and Policy

The purpose of discipline is to advise members of inappropriate behavior and encourage them to perform in an acceptable manner and produce quality work.
Discipline becomes necessary when conduct falls below an acceptable standard and when there is a breach of established rules and regulations of the agency.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office uses a uniform approach to discipline that complies with federal and state constitutional provisions, Florida Statutes, Sheriff’s Office Rules and Regulations, and applicable contractual and negotiated agreements.

Authority to Discipline

The Sheriff is responsible for counseling and disciplining of agency members.
The Sheriff has the final authority in training, counseling, reprimanding, suspending, demoting, or dismissing any member of the agency.
Officers in Charge of the Division, Section/Unit Supervisors, Lieutenants, Sergeants, and Direct Support Supervisors, or other persons designated by the Sheriff may:
- Direct a member to be placed on administrative leave pending a review for possible disciplinary action.
- Administer warnings, counseling, and reprimands to motivate members to maintain an acceptable level of expected performance.
- Recommend formal discipline, through chain of command to the Sheriff, for the suspension, demotion, or dismissal of a member that has violated policy or procedure.

Progressive Discipline

Supervisors are encouraged to use progressive discipline to train, educate, and correct member performance and/or behavior.
Progressive discipline is desired, but severe discipline may be necessary without first progressing through the lower levels of discipline.

Criteria of Discipline

Discipline will be an instructive or corrective device, not a retaliatory measure.
Discipline will be fairly and evenly administered and will be consistent with the violation.
Discipline should be administered without delay.

Informal Corrective Actions

Verbal Warning: A warning given to a member to encourage a course of action or to discontinue a course of action.
Counseling: Written instruction by the immediate supervisor or higher authority advising a member of a performance deficiency or violation of policy or procedure.
Written Reprimand: A written reprimand will be completed by the immediate supervisor or higher authority to advise a member of a performance deficiency or violation of policy or procedure.

Formal Disciplinary Actions

Suspension:
- A supervisor may make a written recommendation, through the chain of command to the Sheriff, to suspend a member.
- If suspended from normal duty assignments, the member will immediately surrender their assigned vehicle.
Demotion:
- A supervisor may make a written recommendation, through the chain-of-command to the Sheriff, to demote a member.
- Demotions will be authorized by the Sheriff.
Dismissal:
- A supervisor may recommend a member’s dismissal pursuant to this disciplinary process, through the chain-of-command to the Sheriff.
- The Sheriff is the final authority in the dismissal of a member.

Disciplinary Review Board

The disciplinary review board consists of a Chair and five voting members.
The board makes non-binding disciplinary recommendations to the Sheriff who makes the final decision.

Final Decision in Disciplinary Processes

After arriving at a final decision in any sustained allegation, the Sheriff will impose a fair and equitable disciplinary penalty.
The final decision regarding all disciplinary actions and processes is vested with the Sheriff.

Appeals Process

Members who have rights established in a collective bargaining agreement may appeal disciplinary action in accordance with the Collective Bargaining Agreement.
Members covered by an individual employment agreement have no appeal rights unless specifically granted in the agreement.

Responsibilities

Supervisors:
- Are responsible for documenting and monitoring the actions of the members under their command.
- Are accountable for members under their scope of supervision.
- Will not rely on higher authority to initiate corrective and/or disciplinary actions.
Administration Division:
- Will maintain a record of corrective/disciplinary actions in the member’s disciplinary file.
- Will provide a written summary of the file to the member.
Human Resources Office:
- Will maintain a Personnel Action form in the member’s personnel file to document suspensions, demotions, and dismissals.
- Will notify the Finance Unit for payroll purposes.

Administrative Leave

A supervisor may immediately relieve a member from duty by placing the member on administrative leave in extraordinary situations.
Circumstances for placing a member on administrative leave include:
- When a member is apparently physically or emotionally unable to perform assigned duties.
- When a member has been insubordinate.
- When a member has been involved in a criminal or immoral act.
- When a member has reported for duty under the influence of an intoxicant and/or drug.

Definitions

Counseling: Advice or guidance given to achieve a specific action or behavior.
Demotion: A reduction in grade to a lower rank in the chain-of-command.
Dismissal: Termination of employment for cause.
Remedial Training: Training provided to a member when it has been determined that poor work quality or infractions are the result of a lack of knowledge or skill.
Suspension: An enforced leave of absence without pay (workdays or hours) for disciplinary purposes.

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Description

Learn about the disciplinary process of the Escambia County Sheriff's Office, including its purpose, policy, and procedures. Understand why discipline is necessary and how it helps maintain acceptable behavior and quality work.