315 workplace-related incidents of sexual misconduct, domestic/dating violence

Definitions

• Retaliation: A negative action taken against an individual who engages in protected activities, such as making a report or giving a statement as a witness in an investigation.
• Sexual Assault: Any nonconsensual sexual act, including when the victim lacks capacity to consent.
• Sexual Harassment: Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature that affects an individual's employment, work performance, or creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work environment.
• Sexual Misconduct: Behavior by a law enforcement member that takes advantage of their position to commit a sexual act, including misusing authority, initiating sexual contact with someone in custody, or participating in sexual contact while on duty.
• Sexual Violence: Any sexual act or behavior perpetrated against someone's will when they do not or cannot consent.
• Inappropriate Use of Resources: Unauthorized use of Department resources or information systems for reasons other than legitimate law enforcement purposes.

Procedures

• Allegations of sexual misconduct will be investigated by the Sex Crimes Unit (SCU) or the Internal Affairs Unit (IAU), with the option to refer to an outside agency to avoid conflicts of interest.
• All workplace-related incidents of sexual misconduct will be investigated fully within 45 days of receipt of the complaint.
• Department members, volunteers, consultants, and contractors have a duty to report any known or suspected acts of sexual misconduct.
• The Department will assist the victim in developing a workplace safety plan, which may include terminating a member or contractual relationship with a volunteer, consultant, or contractor.

Forms of Sexual Misconduct

• Sexual criminal acts, such as sexual assault, rape, prostitution, or sex trafficking
• Sexual extortion, such as taking or refraining from law enforcement action in exchange for sexual favors
• Inappropriate physical contact of a sexual nature
• Officer-initiated sexual contact while on duty or engaging in civilian-initiated sexual contact while on duty
• Off-duty sexual behavior on workplace premises
• Voyeuristic actions that are sexually motivated
• Unnecessary contacts or actions taken for personally and/or sexually motivated reasons

Policy

• The Department supports a comprehensive workplace education and training program to prevent violence.
• The Department supports members, volunteers, consultants, and contractors who are impacted by violence.
• The policy covers full and part-time members, volunteers, consultants, and contractors engaged by or in any location or event controlled or sanctioned by the Department.
• The Department recognizes and respects the right to privacy and the need for confidentiality and autonomy for members, volunteers, consultants, and contractors.
• The Department will notify the member, volunteer, consultant, or contractor when information regarding the investigation must be released to protect safety.

This quiz covers important definitions and concepts related to workplace sexual harassment and assault, including retaliation and consent. Understand your rights and responsibilities in a safe work environment.