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Questions and Answers
Who is the intended audience for this policy document?
Who is the intended audience for this policy document?
All Palm Beach County Fire Rescue personnel and reservists
The purpose of this policy is to outline the specific rights granted to firefighters when involved in situations that could lead to disciplinary action.
The purpose of this policy is to outline the specific rights granted to firefighters when involved in situations that could lead to disciplinary action.
True
Who is responsible for future updates to this policy?
Who is responsible for future updates to this policy?
What document is sent to a firefighter informing them of an interview relative to an incident that may result in discipline?
What document is sent to a firefighter informing them of an interview relative to an incident that may result in discipline?
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The Administrative Services Division may conduct investigations concerning matters that could result in a loss of pay.
The Administrative Services Division may conduct investigations concerning matters that could result in a loss of pay.
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The Notice of Formal Investigation must be sent to the firefighter within ten (10) days of Fire Rescue's knowledge of the incident.
The Notice of Formal Investigation must be sent to the firefighter within ten (10) days of Fire Rescue's knowledge of the incident.
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What is the purpose of the Notice of Interview?
What is the purpose of the Notice of Interview?
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Where may the interrogation of a firefighter take place?
Where may the interrogation of a firefighter take place?
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The Interrogation must be held at a reasonable time of day, preferably when the firefighter is on duty.
The Interrogation must be held at a reasonable time of day, preferably when the firefighter is on duty.
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Fire Rescue personnel can represent Fire Rescue during an investigation, with a representative from the firefighter's organization potentially representing the firefighter.
Fire Rescue personnel can represent Fire Rescue during an investigation, with a representative from the firefighter's organization potentially representing the firefighter.
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The exercising of the rights outlined in this policy may result in disciplinary action.
The exercising of the rights outlined in this policy may result in disciplinary action.
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Study Notes
Firefighter Bill of Rights Policy
- Policy outlines specific rights for Florida State certified firefighters, both union and non-union, in disciplinary situations.
- Future policy updates are handled by the Deputy Chief of Administration with Fire Rescue Administrator approval.
- This policy applies to all Palm Beach County Fire Rescue personnel and reservists.
- Fire Rescue ensures firefighter rights, following Florida Statute 112.80, during investigations and interrogations that could lead to disciplinary action.
Definitions
- Informal Inquiry: A meeting between supervisor/management and firefighter to discuss allegations, complaints, and determine if a formal investigation is needed.
- Formal Investigation: A process to gather evidence of misconduct involving questioning.
- Administrative Proceeding: A non-judicial hearing where disciplinary action, such as dismissal or suspension, can be determined.
- Interrogation: Questioning during a Formal Investigation conducted by Fire Rescue (excluding arbitration). Informal inquiries are excluded.
Procedures
- Maintaining Consistency: Administrative Services Division consults when an investigation or interrogation is needed to ensure consistency in procedures.
- Other Investigations: Administrative Services Division handles a variety of investigations that do not fall under disciplinary issues. These may involve losses in pay, litigation and concerns relating to damage to equipment/litigation/sensitive issues.
- Formal Investigation Notice: A Notice of Formal Investigation, if warranted, is delivered to the firefighter within 10 days of Fire Rescue's incident knowledge. The note provides details, such as investigating officers, and the nature of the investigation.
- Attachment A: Notice of Formal Investigation (contains details)
- Attachment B: Notice of Interview (for potential witnesses).
- Interrogation Procedures: Interrogations are scheduled at reasonable times, the duration should be reasonable, and firefighters are offered rest/personal time. Avoid offensive language or incentives, and they are entitled to a copy of the records.
- Representation: Fire Rescue personnel or organization can represent the Fire Rescue, or the bargaining unit's members.
- Disciplinary Implications: Exercising these rights does not result in penalties.
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Description
Test your knowledge of the Firefighter Bill of Rights Policy, which outlines the specific rights for Florida State certified firefighters during disciplinary situations. This quiz covers definitions of key terms like 'Informal Inquiry' and 'Formal Investigation' as they relate to firefighter rights.
