Pregnancy & Lactation Considerations

OPD policy that protects employees from discrimination due to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions.

A pregnant employee is not required to disclose their pregnancy status unless it affects their ability to perform essential job duties.

OPD provides alternative work assignments to pregnant employees when their regular duties pose risks to their health or safety.

Pregnant employees can decline Limited Duty assignments and remain in their regular duty assignment until the third trimester, assuming no medical limitations.

OPD prioritizes the workplace environment for pregnant employees, aiming to minimize exposure to toxic chemicals or physically demanding activities.

OPD ensures accommodations for new mothers to facilitate breastfeeding, recognizing the importance of breastfeeding for both mother and child.

OPD encourages a safe and supportive work environment for pregnant employees, ensuring they have access to the resources and information they need.

OPD's commitment to ensuring that pregnant employees have access to medical care and necessary support during pregnancy.

Pregnant sworn employees can wear business casual clothing while on temporary limited duty assignments, unless another type of dress is agreed upon.

Pregnant officers are encouraged to consult with their medical professional regarding firearm qualifications and maternity-related issues.

Pregnant officers can choose to qualify after consulting with a doctor. The department recommends non-toxic ammo for qualifying

Pregnant officers who are unable to qualify due to pregnancy can request a waiver from the NLETC and complete the qualification later.

The department discourages pregnant officers from participating in the OPD Recruit Academy due to the physical nature of the training.

The department will work with pregnant employees to allow them to participate in a subsequent academy once they are medically cleared.

Pregnant officers should consult with the OPD Employee Resources Sergeant if they discover they are pregnant during their Academy training.

The OPD provides reasonable breaks for nursing mothers to express breast milk for up to one year after childbirth.

The OPD must provide a private space (not a bathroom) for nursing mothers to express breast milk.

The OPD's designated Lactation Rooms are located at Central Police Headquarters, Southwest Precinct, West Precinct, and the Public Safety Training Center.

If a nursing mother's work location does not have a designated Lactation Room, the OPD must provide access to a private office or room that can be locked.

The provided private space for expressing breast milk cannot be a bathroom, closet, or storage room.

Nursing mothers should coordinate with the OPD Employee Resources Sergeant to arrange for lactation breaks and spaces, working with their supervisors to find times that meet both their needs and operational requirements.

OPD's policies for lactation breaks are consistent with the Fair Labor Standards Act's requirements for nursing mothers.

OPD ensures a supportive work environment for nursing mothers, recognizing the importance of breastfeeding for both mother and child.

OPD offers a designated space for mothers to express milk. If not at their workspace, they are allowed to use a room at the nearest OPD facility or another approved location.

OPD allows employees to take time off for pregnancy or related issues, based on the Family Medical Leave Act.

Pregnant employees can use annual leave or other types of leave for pregnancy and childbirth.

Employees return to full duty following pregnancy or childbirth according to OPD policies.

Employees returning after pregnancy are advised to contact the OPD Employee Resources Sergeant for assistance.

OPD policy allows employees who are pregnant to utilize a sign to indicate they are in a lactation room.

If an employee is uncomfortable with a sign, they can work with supervisors to find alternative solutions for privacy.

Employees who are breastfeeding can take a break whenever necessary, but they may need to delay if it significantly disrupts operations.