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What is the purpose of the Firefighters Bill of Rights policy outlined in this document?
What is the purpose of the Firefighters Bill of Rights policy outlined in this document?
The purpose of this policy is to outline the specific rights granted to Florida State certified, bargaining unit and non-bargaining unit firefighters when involved in situations that may result in disciplinary action.
Who is responsible for future updates to this policy?
Who is responsible for future updates to this policy?
The Deputy Chief of Administration, in conjunction with the PPM Committee, under the authority of the Fire Rescue Administrator.
This policy applies only to Palm Beach County Fire Rescue personnel.
This policy applies only to Palm Beach County Fire Rescue personnel.
False
Which of the following is NOT considered a type of investigation covered by this policy?
Which of the following is NOT considered a type of investigation covered by this policy?
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A Notice of Formal Investigation must be sent to a firefighter within how many days of Fire Rescue's knowledge of the incident?
A Notice of Formal Investigation must be sent to a firefighter within how many days of Fire Rescue's knowledge of the incident?
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A firefighter is entitled to a copy of the record made during their interrogation without charge.
A firefighter is entitled to a copy of the record made during their interrogation without charge.
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Which of the following is NOT a possible representative of a firefighter during an investigation or interrogation?
Which of the following is NOT a possible representative of a firefighter during an investigation or interrogation?
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Exercising the rights outlined in the policy can result in disciplinary action.
Exercising the rights outlined in the policy can result in disciplinary action.
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Study Notes
Firefighters Bill of Rights Policy (FR-A-102)
- Purpose: Outlines specific rights for Florida State-certified firefighters, both union and non-union, in situations potentially leading to discipline.
- Updates: Future updates are the responsibility of the Deputy Chief of Administration and the Fire Rescue PPM Committee.
- Authority: The Fire Rescue Administrator has authority over the policy and can amend it.
- Scope: Applies to all Palm Beach County Fire Rescue personnel and reservists.
Policy and Procedures
- Attachments: Includes the Notice of Formal Investigation and Notice of Interview forms (Attachment A/B).
- Policy: Ensures firefighter rights are maintained during investigations and interrogations that might result in discipline, aligning with Florida Statute 112.80.
- Definitions: Includes key terms like Informal Inquiry, Formal Investigation, Administrative Proceeding, and Interrogation, each with a detailed explanation relevant to the policy.
Investigations and Interrogation
- Informal Inquiry: A fact-finding meeting between a supervisor, management, and a firefighter concerning alleged misconduct, potential discipline, and determining if a formal investigation is required.
- Formal Investigation: A process where the firefighter is questioned to gather evidence of misconduct.
- Administrative Proceeding: A non-judicial hearing where disciplinary action or discharge is recommended, approved, or ordered.
- Interrogation: Conducted by Fire Rescue during a Formal Investigation, excluding arbitration. It does not include Informal Inquiry.
- Notice of Interview Sent if discipline is not anticipated.
- Notice of Formal Investigation Sent if discipline might be possible.
Procedure and Representation
- Administrative Services Role: This division conducts investigations/interrogations as necessary, maintaining consistency in handling various scenarios (for example, disciplinary matters), loss of pay, serious damage to equipment, or potential lawsuits.
- Formal Investigation Procedures: Details the necessary steps for a Formal Investigation, including: notifying the firefighter with a Notice of Formal Investigation, identifying the investigating officer, defining the scope of interrogation, and ensuring firefighter rights are respected during the investigation, including specifying times and duration for rest/personal necessities and the creation/availability of recording of interviews.
- Representation: Fire Rescue personnel or appropriate organization represents Fire Rescue and/or bargaining unit members during investigations.
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Description
This quiz covers the Firefighters Bill of Rights Policy (FR-A-102) which outlines the rights of Florida State-certified firefighters in disciplinary situations. It includes an overview of the policy, authority, scope, and key definitions pertinent to the procedures during investigations. Ensure you understand the important elements that protect firefighters' rights as stipulated in the policy.
