Hoffman Estates Fire Department Professional Conduct

Governance and Professional Conduct

• The Hoffman Estates Fire Department is governed by the US Constitution, Illinois Constitution, state statutes, municipal code, and departmental policies and guidelines.
• Members are responsible for their own actions and must achieve and maintain a professional level of knowledge and physical conditioning.

Code of Conduct

• Members must conform to and obey all rules, regulations, and orders that govern the Fire Department.
• Members must not engage in conduct that brings discredit to the Fire Department.
• Members must obey orders from superior officers unless they are illegal or unsafe.
• Members are prohibited from using their official position for personal gain or privileges.
• Members may not solicit or accept gifts unless in accordance with village ordinance.

Public Expression and Criticism

• Members have the right to speak as citizens on matters of public concern.
• However, members must not publicly criticize or ridicule the Fire Department, its policies, or other officers.

Confidentiality and Official Business

• Members must treat official business of the Fire Department as confidential.
• Members may not release or divulge investigative information without official sanction.

Personal Conduct

• Members may not sell, give away, or dispose of Fire Department property without permission.
• Members may not gamble while on duty.
• The use of proscribed drugs, abuse of prescribed drugs, and having alcohol or proscribed drugs in the blood while on duty is prohibited.
• Smoking is prohibited in village-owned buildings and vehicles, and at the scene of an incident.

Uniform and Appearance

• Members must be in proper uniform and ready to begin work promptly at 0800 hours.
• Members must present a professional image as outlined in Standard Operating Guidelines A-5 and A-6.

Miscellaneous

• Beds may only be occupied between 2000 and 0700 hours except as permitted by the officer in charge.
• Weapons are not permitted in or around the Fire Department premises.
• Members must address each other and the public with courtesy and respect.
• Members must provide the Department with current addresses and residence telephone numbers, and report any changes immediately.

Personal Appearance Policy for Hoffman Estates Fire Department

Purpose

• The policy aims to project a professional image and comply with NFPA standards
• Members represent the Village every time they encounter the public

Male Sworn Personnel

• Hair:
  • Must be neatly groomed and not extend below the middle of the uniform collar
  • Can extend over the ears but not cover the entire ear
  • Unique hair styles or unnatural colors are not allowed
• Sideburns:
  • Length shall not extend beyond the tip of each ear lobe
  • Width shall not exceed 1¼ inches at the broadest point
  • Growth shall not be more than ¼ inch in depth
• Mustache:
  • Pattern shall be neatly trimmed
  • Hair growth shall not extend past or downward more than ¼ inch beyond the corner of the mouth
  • Ends may not be waxed or twisted
• Beards/Goatees:
  • Prohibited
• Clean Shaven:
  • Except for permitted facial growth, all members shall be clean-shaven
• Jewelry:
  • Earrings or piercings will not be worn while on duty
  • Necklaces shall not be worn outside or on top of the Department uniform
  • Choker types are not permitted
  • Rings: no more than two (2) per hand

Female Sworn Personnel

• Hair:
  • Shall be cut and/or styled so as not to extend below the middle of the shirt collar
  • Unique hair styles or unnatural colors are not allowed
  • Hair shall be cut and/or styled in such a manner as to not hang down on the side in a loose manner and hair in front shall not protrude under the uniform hat
• Jewelry:
  • Earrings or piercings will not be worn while on duty
  • Necklaces shall not be worn outside or on top of the Department uniform
  • Choker types are not permitted
  • Rings: no more than two (2) per hand

Procedure

• Company Officer or Acting Officer shall inspect all personnel at daily roll call and monitor their appearance throughout their tour of duty
• Upon viewing any violations, the Company Officer or Acting Officer shall direct the noncompliant person to correct the problem area
• Corrections:
  • Sideburns, mustache, facial hair, and unique hair styles or color problems shall be corrected immediately
  • Hairstyle problems related to length shall be corrected by the next duty shift

This quiz covers the standard operating guidelines for professional conduct within the Hoffman Estates Fire Department.