Washoe County Sheriff's Office Discipline Policy

The Washoe County Sheriff's Office Discipline Policy outlines conduct standards for all employees, both sworn and civilian, including volunteers, part-time, auxiliary, and reserve members, to ensure they effectively serve the community.

This policy applies to all employees of the Washoe County Sheriff's Office, regardless of their official status or employment type. This includes sworn officers, civilian staff, and volunteers.

Even when off duty, employee conduct can be subject to discipline if their actions negatively impact their ability to perform their duties, indicate unfitness for work, or bring disrepute to the Sheriff's Office.

Failure to meet the standards set by the Washoe County Sheriff's Office Discipline Policy, whether on or off duty, can result in disciplinary actions, including potential termination.

The list of major infractions in the Washoe County Sheriff's Office Discipline Policy can lead to severe disciplinary actions, such as discharge, suspension, demotion, or removal from employment.

The Washoe County Sheriff's Office Discipline Policy explicitly states that its guidelines are not exhaustive and can be applied to situations beyond the given list.

The Washoe County Sheriff's Office Discipline Policy is intended for internal use and doesn't automatically increase or define legal liability for employees.

Violations of the Washoe County Sheriff's Office Discipline Policy can result in internal disciplinary action from the Sheriff's Office, but don't necessarily constitute civil or criminal liability.

An employee of the Washoe County Sheriff's Office may not associate with individuals under investigation for crimes, those convicted of felonies or gross misdemeanors, or those advocating for violent overthrow of the government, without proper authorization.

Employee of the Washoe County Sheriff's Office must treat all official business as confidential and adhere to rules and regulations regarding information handling.

Employees cannot utilize their position to gain free benefits, such as admission, meals, or transportation, that are unavailable to the general public.

Employees cannot accept gifts or favors from individuals or companies that could raise concerns about impropriety or favoritism.

Employees cannot use their name, image, or title in advertisements or testimonials without proper authorization.

Employees cannot consume alcohol while in uniform or on duty, or while under the influence of alcohol. This includes reporting for duty after consuming alcohol.

Employees must refrain from any behavior that could discredit themselves or the Washoe County Sheriff's Office. This includes alcohol consumption that leads to detrimental conduct.

Employees must ensure that they can fulfill their duties and responsibilities, particularly when under the influence of alcohol.

A commissioned member failing to use a weapon per Washoe County Sheriff's Office rules, regulations, and policies.

Unnecessarily drawing a weapon in public except for inspection or official duty.

Carrying, displaying, or firing a weapon while intoxicated.

Failing to report a weapon discharge during duty, even if accidental.

Not registering personal firearms carried while on duty.

Failure to provide or update residence information to the Sheriff's Office.

Failure to provide or update contact information to the Sheriff's Office.

This policy outlines disciplinary actions related to weapon use, reporting, and personal information for Washoe County Sheriff's Office members.

Failing to show up for work at the designated time and place, physically and mentally ready, including being late.

Leaving your assigned duty station without permission, except for scheduled breaks like lunch or rest.

Engaging in personal activities or business while on duty that makes you neglect your responsibilities.

Falling asleep or becoming inattentive and neglectful while on duty.

Failing to be available for duty while on a meal break, as a commissioned officer.

Not following the rules, regulations, policies, procedures, orders, or directives of the Washoe County Sheriff's Office, while on duty.

Treating other officers with disrespect or using inappropriate rank or titles when addressing superiors.

Not performing assigned duties and responsibilities in a civil and courteous manner.

Interfering with another member's duties or cases without objective evidence of imminent injustice and reasonable doubt of the circumstance.

Commissioned members failing to render full military honors to the national anthem at the appropriate time.

Smoking or using tobacco products outside of designated times and places, including breaks, meals, Washoe County facilities, and agency vehicles.

Engaging in discriminatory or preferential treatment based on factors like age, race, sex, or sexual orientation, as well as harassment or hindering another person's rights related to their assigned duties.

Failure to wear the prescribed uniform or civilian attire, including jewelry except as authorized by Washoe County Sheriff's Office regulations.

Commissioned members failing to adhere to established personnel appearance and grooming standards outlined by the Washoe County Sheriff's Office.

Any action that falls outside the established regulations, policies, or procedures of the Washoe County Sheriff's Office.

The Washoe County Sheriff's Office has a disciplinary policy in place to address violations of its regulations and standards.

Before any disciplinary action is taken against an employee, the Sheriff's Office must conduct a preliminary, internal investigation into the alleged misconduct. This investigation does not require notifying the employee beforehand.

The Sheriff's Office has a time limit of six months to complete the investigation. However, they can extend this timeframe if the investigation is complex or extenuating circumstances exist.

Any formal investigation of an employee by the Office of Professional Integrity (OPI) follows the rules outlined in NRS Chapter 289.

The investigative report must clearly state the facts of the alleged misconduct and make recommendations based on the Sheriff's Office's General Orders.

Employees under investigation by the OPI have the right to access and receive copies of evidence collected during the investigation. However, some evidence might be protected by law.

The Sheriff's Office cannot suspend, demote, terminate, or take other disciplinary actions against an employee without just cause. Disciplinary actions should follow progressive discipline principles.

Employees have the right to formally appeal any disciplinary action taken against them according to the timeframes and procedures outlined in their collective bargaining agreement.

This policy applies to all employees of the Washoe County Sheriff's Office, regardless of their job specifics, including sworn officers, civilian staff, and volunteers.