Personal Communication Devices - Policy Manual

Use of Personal Communication Devices (PCD)

• PCDs must not be visible while in uniform unless in an approved carrier.
• All PCDs in the workplace should be set to silent or vibrate mode, with exceptions for Chief Officers and EMS/Contract Coordinators.
• Personal use of PCDs while on duty is prohibited, except for brief communications about family matters.
• Limit PCD use to authorized breaks unless an emergency requires otherwise.
• PCDs can be used for communication when radio isn't feasible but should not replace traditional radio communications.
• Members are forbidden from taking pictures, audio/video recordings, or making copies unless related to official business; unauthorized disclosure may lead to disciplinary action.
• Accessing social networking sites for non-work purposes using a PCD is not permitted.
• Harassment, threats, or inappropriate conduct via PCDs is prohibited; members must report violations to a supervisor.

Supervisor Responsibilities

• Supervisors must provide training to members about PCD usage per policy guidelines.
• They should monitor PCD use and take corrective actions if misuse occurs, initiating investigations when necessary.
• Prior consultation with the Fire Chief is required before any administrative search of a member's personal device.

Official Use of PCD

• PCDs lack security; conversations may be intercepted, hence sensitive communications should occur on secure networks.
• Members must limit sensitive discussions via PCDs and switch to land-based department networks as soon as possible.

Use While Driving

• PCD use while driving can distract from safe operation and is generally restricted, especially in emergency vehicles.
• Firefighters should only use PCDs for urgent matters, preferably pulling over to do so.
• Unless in an emergency, non-emergency vehicles without lights/siren should not use PCDs unless hands-free technology is employed.
• Hands-free use should be restricted to business-related or urgent calls.

Privacy and Access

• Members using personal PCDs have reduced privacy expectations in the workplace and none regarding department-related communications.
• Recording or sharing department business without approval is forbidden.
• Using a personal PCD implies member consent for departmental access to inspect and copy data as needed.
• If on duty with a PCD, members must provide the department with their telephone number.
• Members aren’t required to monitor or respond to electronic communications off-duty unless expressly authorized by supervisors.
• Approved off-duty communications should be documented for compensation purposes, with records provided to the department for accurate tracking.

Reporting for Duty & Tardiness Overview

• Policy outlines expectations for New Lenox Fire Protection District employees when reporting for duty.
• Aim is to ensure readiness, efficiency, and safety for both community and members.

Punctuality Expectations

• Employees must report for duty by 0700 hours, ready to perform immediately.
• Check-in required directly with the lieutenant or at the designated roll call location.

Duty Relief Procedures

• Members must remain on duty until properly relieved.
• Upon arrival, personnel should brief with the outgoing member about past events and needs.
• Lieutenants must remain until all crewmembers are relieved unless directed otherwise.

Readiness for Duty

• Personnel required to be ready at designated start times, particularly for shifts and special events.
• Recommended practice is to report early for briefings from the outgoing shift.
• Readiness entails:
  • Wearing the proper uniform.
  • Equipping assigned apparatus with gear.
  • Conducting checks on SCBA, PASS devices, and portable radios.
  • Visually inspecting ambulances for necessary equipment.
  • Being mentally and physically fit for duty.

Lieutenant Responsibilities

• Supervises relief and roll call each morning.
• Tasks include:
  • Ensuring fitness for duty among firefighters.
  • Confirming proper uniform wear.
  • Communicating apparatus assignments.
  • Verifying completion of equipment checks and documentation.
  • Ensuring possession of portable radios by all personnel.
  • Reviewing station notes and unread emails.
  • Conducting briefings with the battalion chief on training and staffing.
  • Performing a 10-minute drill and documenting shift changes accurately.

Personal Appearance Standards

• Members must wear appropriate uniforms and protective gear as per standards.
• Must adhere to the Personal Appearance Standard Policy regarding grooming and attire.

Cleanliness Expectations

• Personnel required to maintain cleanliness of personal items, uniforms, and spaces (desks, beds, lockers).
• Persistent issues regarding cleanliness must be addressed promptly.

Reporting for Duty & Tardiness Overview

• Policy outlines expectations for New Lenox Fire Protection District employees when reporting for duty.
• Aim is to ensure readiness, efficiency, and safety for both community and members.

Punctuality Expectations

• Employees must report for duty by 0700 hours, ready to perform immediately.
• Check-in required directly with the lieutenant or at the designated roll call location.

Duty Relief Procedures

• Members must remain on duty until properly relieved.
• Upon arrival, personnel should brief with the outgoing member about past events and needs.
• Lieutenants must remain until all crewmembers are relieved unless directed otherwise.

Readiness for Duty

• Personnel required to be ready at designated start times, particularly for shifts and special events.
• Recommended practice is to report early for briefings from the outgoing shift.
• Readiness entails:
  • Wearing the proper uniform.
  • Equipping assigned apparatus with gear.
  • Conducting checks on SCBA, PASS devices, and portable radios.
  • Visually inspecting ambulances for necessary equipment.
  • Being mentally and physically fit for duty.

Lieutenant Responsibilities

• Supervises relief and roll call each morning.
• Tasks include:
  • Ensuring fitness for duty among firefighters.
  • Confirming proper uniform wear.
  • Communicating apparatus assignments.
  • Verifying completion of equipment checks and documentation.
  • Ensuring possession of portable radios by all personnel.
  • Reviewing station notes and unread emails.
  • Conducting briefings with the battalion chief on training and staffing.
  • Performing a 10-minute drill and documenting shift changes accurately.

Personal Appearance Standards

• Members must wear appropriate uniforms and protective gear as per standards.
• Must adhere to the Personal Appearance Standard Policy regarding grooming and attire.

Cleanliness Expectations

• Personnel required to maintain cleanliness of personal items, uniforms, and spaces (desks, beds, lockers).
• Persistent issues regarding cleanliness must be addressed promptly.