16 Questions
Under what circumstances can deputy sheriffs self-assign an investigation or other action that is not part of their regular assigned duties?
In emergency circumstances that require immediate action
What is the role of employees in civil actions or disputes?
To recommend persons seek legal counsel
What should employees do if they are involved in a civil action arising out of their employment?
Notify the Sheriff before filing suit
What should employees do if they are sued as a result of an incident arising out of their employment?
Notify their supervisor and Risk Management immediately
What is the policy regarding employees' appearance in court?
Employees must wear official uniforms or civilian clothing conforming to BSO standards in court
What should employees do if they are subpoenaed to testify for the defense in a criminal matter?
Contact the prosecutor and supervisor immediately
What is the expectation for employees' demeanor in court?
To maintain a professional demeanor
Who can employees contact if they need legal guidance while testifying in a criminal matter?
The Office of the General Counsel
What is the primary reason for permitting an arrangement between a criminal and a victim?
In the interest of justice and with supervisor's knowledge and consent
When is it acceptable for an employee to request charges against an arrested person be dismissed?
In the interest of justice and with the knowledge and consent of the commander
What is an example of an exception in the 'interest of justice'?
When the action strengthens or makes possible the prosecution of a more serious offender
What is prohibited by the policy regarding cases under investigation?
Interfering with investigations of cases assigned to other employees
Why must an employee obtain the knowledge and consent of the State Attorney?
To take part in negotiating a compromise
What is the purpose of the policy regarding the judicial process and cases under investigation?
To ensure justice is served and the law is upheld
When can an employee negotiate a compromise with a defendant?
In the interest of justice and with supervisor's knowledge and consent
What is prohibited by the policy regarding judicial process?
Initiating or encouraging promises or arrangements between criminals and victims
Study Notes
Judicial Process and Cases Under Investigation
- Employees are prohibited from interfering with the judicial process, including initiating or encouraging agreements between criminals and victims to escape punishment.
- Employees cannot take part in negotiating compromises for defendants to escape punishment, except in the interest of justice and with supervisor approval.
- Employees are not allowed to seek continuances, dismissals, or leniency for defendants, except in the interest of justice and with supervisor approval.
Exceptions in the "Interest of Justice"
- Examples include:
- Strengthening the prosecution of a more serious offender
- Obtaining knowledge and consent of the State Attorney
Interfering with Cases Under Investigation
- Employees are prohibited from interfering with:
- Investigations assigned to other employees
- Operations of other districts, divisions, or sections
- Arrests or prosecutions brought by other employees, agencies, or authorized persons
Self-Assigned Investigations
- Employees are not allowed to self-assign investigations or actions outside their regular duties without supervisor permission
- Exceptions are made for deputy sheriffs in emergency situations, who must notify supervisors and submit a written report as soon as possible
Civil Suits
- Employees are prohibited from:
- Presuming to adjudicate civil actions or giving legal advice
- Using their BSO position to force or intimidate others to settle civil disputes
- Failing to notify the Sheriff before instituting a civil action related to their employment
- Failing to notify their supervisor, Risk Management, and Office of the General Counsel when sued as a result of their employment
Court Demeanor
- Employees must wear official uniforms or civilian clothing conforming to BSO standards in court
- Employees are not allowed to appear in court in a BSO uniform unless testifying as a result of their official duties
- Employees subpoenaed to testify for the defense must notify their supervisor and prosecutor
- Employees must maintain a professional demeanor and appearance in court
This quiz covers the ethical guidelines for employees involved in judicial processes, including prohibited actions and exceptions for the interest of justice.
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