1014 - Personnel Complaints

Study Notes

The policy establishes fair and equitable procedures for investigating complaints and allegations of misconduct involving members of the Chesapeake Fire Department.
The policy applies to all sworn members employed by the Chesapeake Fire Department.
Personnel complaints consist of any allegation of misconduct or improper job performance by any employee that, if true, would constitute a violation of department policy or rule or federal, state or local law.
Allegations or complaints may be generated internally or by the public.
Complaints may be filed verbally or in writing.
All complaints should be documented by the Deputy Fire Chief in a log that records and tracks complaints.
The primary responsibility for the investigation of a complaint rests with the member’s immediate supervisor, unless the supervisor is the complainant, is the ultimate decision-maker regarding disciplinary action, or has any personal involvement regarding the alleged misconduct.
Supervisors shall take reasonable steps to prevent aggravation of the situation.
An Administrative Investigation is a non-criminal investigation conducted for the purpose of documenting the conduct, action(s) or performance of a member and to determine whether such conduct, action(s) or performance is in compliance with Department and/or City policy.
The policy ensures prompt and thorough investigations of such allegations to determine whether misconduct occurred and whether disciplinary action is warranted.
Chesapeake Fire Department has a policy manual for handling personnel complaints.
Efforts should be made to obtain names, addresses, and phone numbers of additional witnesses.
Immediate medical attention and photographs should be taken in cases of alleged injuries.
Complaints relating to harassment or discrimination should be promptly reported to Human Resources.
Citizen complaints that can be resolved immediately should be resolved, and the resolution noted and forwarded to the Battalion Chief.
Unresolved citizen complaints should be forwarded to the Battalion Chief for investigation.
Firefighters or EMS personnel may have an observer of their choice present during interviews.
Members shall be provided with written notice of the nature of the investigation and their rights.
Investigations should be timely, detailed, and follow a specific format.
Findings are classified as unfounded, not substantiated, substantiated, or in compliance.
Investigative Authority must provide written notice to members about the investigation in sufficient detail.
Investigating Authority must comply with Firefighters and Emergency Medical Technicians Procedural Guarantee Act.
Members are expected to participate and answer questions honestly and completely during the investigation.
Incidents can be investigated at Battalion, Administration, or Human Resources level.
Notice of Intent to Take Disciplinary Action must be given to employees before imposing disciplinary action.
Employees must have an opportunity to present an oral or written explanation prior to imposing disciplinary action.
Any breach of the procedures required by this chapter shall not exclude any evidence from being presented in any case against a firefighter or emergency medical technician.
Upon completion of the investigation, the report should be forwarded to the Fire Chief through the chain of command of the involved member.
Non-probationary members may appeal pursuant to the grievance procedures adopted by the City.
At-will and probationary members not covered by the Firefighters and Emergency Medical Technicians Procedural Guarantee Act.
Technicians covered by the Procedural Guarantee Act can be disciplined or fired without following any procedures or giving notice.
These technicians have no rights under this policy.
The Fire Chief can extend their probationary period at their discretion.

Description

Test your knowledge on the Chesapeake Fire Department's policy on personnel complaints and investigations with this informative quiz. From the definition of misconduct to the steps involved in investigating complaints, this quiz covers it all. Learn about the importance of documentation, witness statements, and medical attention in cases of alleged injuries. Find out how citizen complaints are resolved and the rights of employees during investigations. Don't miss the chance to test your understanding of this crucial policy. Take the quiz now!