Workplace Harassment Policy

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Questions and Answers

Who is responsible for preventing and eliminating harassment or sexual harassment in their respective areas?

Professional Standards Bureau

Sheriff or designee

Chief Legal Counsel

All managers and supervisors (correct)

What happens to a complaint of workplace harassment once it is received by a supervisor or manager?

It is forwarded in writing via confidential mail to the Professional Standards Bureau (correct)

It is immediately investigated by the Professional Standards Bureau

It is dismissed if it is not in writing

It is kept confidential and not shared with anyone

Why are investigations titled simply 'Harassment' until they are concluded?

To protect the identity of the accused employee

To encourage the reporting of incidents of workplace harassment

To maintain confidentiality during the investigation (correct)

To avoid giving away the specific type of harassment

What happens if a specific violation is identified and sustained during an investigation?

The violation is attached to the title of the investigation Signup and view all the answers

Who is responsible for the investigation of any complaint alleging harassment or sexual harassment?

The Professional Standards Bureau Signup and view all the answers

What happens if the complaint contains evidence of criminal activity?

The Sheriff, or designee, is notified and contacts the appropriate agency or division Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the Professional Standards Bureau's investigation?

To identify other employees who may be victims of harassment Signup and view all the answers

What happens if the findings of the investigation are sustained?

Appropriate disciplinary action, up to and including termination, is initiated Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of this standard operating procedure?

To promote and maintain a professional environment free of workplace harassment Signup and view all the answers

Who does this procedure apply to?

All Sheriff's Office personnel Signup and view all the answers

What is included in the prohibition of harassment in the workplace?

Derogatory remarks concerning race, sex, religion, age, national origin, and mental or physical disability Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence of reporting harassment or providing information related to such complaints?

The Sheriff's Office will not tolerate it Signup and view all the answers

What is encouraged by the Sheriff's Office?

Reporting harassment Signup and view all the answers

What supplements the disciplinary measures governing allegations of workplace harassment?

Improper conduct offenses Signup and view all the answers

What is included in the Sheriff's Office Rules and Regulations?

Regulations regarding derogatory remarks, profanity, courtesy, and sexual harassment Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to report harassment?

So that action can be taken to correct the behavior Signup and view all the answers

What is harassment in the workplace?

Unwelcome verbal or physical conduct that is based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetic information. Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of harassment in the workplace?

A coworker making an off-color joke about someone's race. Signup and view all the answers

What is a hostile work environment?

A work environment where employees are subjected to unwanted, severe, and persistent behavior. Signup and view all the answers

What is sexual harassment in the workplace?

Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical harassment of a sexual nature. Signup and view all the answers

What is a tangible employment action?

A promotion or demotion given to an employee. Signup and view all the answers

Where can harassment occur in the workplace?

Anywhere that an employee is working, including off-site locations. Signup and view all the answers

Who should an employee report harassment to?

A supervisor in their chain of command, the Professional Standards Bureau, or the Chief Deputy. Signup and view all the answers

What should happen after an employee reports harassment?

The Professional Standards Bureau should notify the reporting employee's District/Division Commander, Section Chief, or designee to take necessary action to protect the employee. Signup and view all the answers

Why should employees report harassment?

To protect themselves and others from further harassment and to create a safe and respectful work environment. Signup and view all the answers

What is the goal of the complaint procedure for harassment?

To protect employees from harassment and create a safe and respectful work environment. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Purpose and Scope

The purpose of this standard operating procedure is to promote a professional environment free of workplace harassment.
This procedure applies to all Sheriff's Office personnel.

Discussion

The Sheriff's Office prohibits harassment in the workplace, including derogatory remarks, profanity, and sexual harassment.
The prohibition of harassment includes regulations regarding courtesy, racial remarks, and sexual harassment.
Employees are encouraged to report harassment to prevent it from becoming severe and pervasive.

Definitions

Harassment: unwelcome verbal or physical conduct based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetic information.
Examples of harassment include:
- Inappropriate or unnecessary touching
- "Off-color" jokes
- Unwanted or unsolicited advances
- Demeaning comments or actions
- Leaving sexually explicit materials in the workplace
Hostile Work Environment: repeated, unwanted, and unwelcomed conduct that creates an abusive work environment.
Sexual Harassment: unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or verbal/physical harassment of a sexual nature.
Tangible Employment Action: a significant change in employment status, including discipline, demotion, or termination.

Complaint Procedure

Employees who believe they are being subjected to harassment or sexual harassment should report the behavior to:
- A supervisor in their chain of command
- The Professional Standards Bureau
- The Chief Deputy
The Professional Standards Bureau will investigate the complaint and notify the reporting employee's District/Division Commander.

Supervisor Responsibility

Managers and supervisors are responsible for preventing and eliminating harassment in their areas.
Supervisors must forward complaints to the Professional Standards Bureau and ensure no further incidents occur during the investigation.
The complaint will be maintained as confidential as possible, and information will not be released except as provided in established rules.