Conduct_and_Behavior.pdf

Policy 1013 Chesapeake Fire Department Policy Manual Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2023/04/01, All Rights Reserved.Published with permission by Chesapeake Fire Department Conduct and Behavior - 1 Conduct and Behavior 1013.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE The purpose of this policy is to provide guidelines to pre...

Policy 1013 Chesapeake Fire Department Policy Manual Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2023/04/01, All Rights Reserved.Published with permission by Chesapeake Fire Department Conduct and Behavior - 1 Conduct and Behavior 1013.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE The purpose of this policy is to provide guidelines to prevent activities or behaviors that may lead to disciplinary actions or dismissal. 1013.2 POLICY It is the policy of this department that its members strive to attain the highest professional standard of conduct and discharge their duties in a courteous and professional manner. 1013.3 PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT All members shall be governed by the ordinary and reasonable rules of behavior observed by law- abiding and self-respecting citizens, and shall conduct themselves at all times in such manner as to reflect favorably on the Department. Conduct unbecoming of a member shall include that which discredits the Department or the person as a member of the Department or which impairs the operation or efficiency of the Department or its members. All members shall conduct themselves in a manner that will not impair the good order and discipline of the Department. Members shall not, while on-duty, indulge in hazing or bullying; offensive, obscene or uncivil language; verbal or physical altercations or threats thereof; or conduct which might cause injury to another person. All members of the Department shall be familiar with the expected standard of behavior, both on- and off-duty. 1013.4 INTERACTION WITH THE PUBLIC In the performance of their duties, members should be courteous to the public and tactful. They should control their tempers, should exercise reasonable patience and discretion, and should not engage in any argumentative discussions even when provoked. In the performance of their duties, members should not use coarse, violent, profane, or insolent language or gestures, and should not express prejudice or discrimination (Va. Code § 2.2- 3900). 1013.5 COURTESY TO MEMBERS Members should be courteous and respectful in their relations with all members of the Department. Members shall not use coarse, violent, profane, or insolent language or gestures, and shall not express prejudice or discrimination (Va. Code § 2.2-3900). 1013.6 CONFORMANCE TO LAWS Members shall obey all laws of the United States and of any state and local jurisdiction in which the member is present. Consistent with City Administrative Regulation 2.52 , members must report, as Chesapeake Fire Department Policy Manual Conduct and Behavior Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2023/04/01, All Rights Reserved.Published with permission by Chesapeake Fire Department Conduct and Behavior - 2 soon as practical, but no later than their next immediate workday, any criminal or traffic violation they have been charged with, as well as any criminal conviction or any traffic conviction that causes them to be in non-compliance with City Administrative Regulation 1.20 . 1013.7 DEROGATORY OR MALICIOUS STATEMENTS Members shall not be a party to any malicious gossip, report or activity which would tend to disrupt department morale or bring discredit to the Department or any member thereof. Member questions concerning department policy, activities, officers and/or safety issues shall be submitted by official written communication to the member’s immediate supervisor. 1013.8 POLITICAL ACTIVITY Members shall not engage in political activities of any kind while on-duty. Members are also prohibited from engaging in any political activity off-duty while wearing any uniform items or equipment that could identify them as members of the Department. 1013.9 SEXUAL ACTIVITY Members shall not engage in any sexual activity while on-duty. This includes use of any electronic device to communicate or receive messages, photos or any other content of a sexual or provocative nature. 1013.10 ILLEGAL GAMBLING Members shall not engage or participate in any form of illegal gambling at any time while on- duty. This includes accessing gaming websites from computers or any electronic device, whether department-issued or owned by the member. 1013.11 GIFTS AND GRATUITIES Members shall not solicit or accept any gift, including money, tangible or intangible personal property, or any service, gratuity, favor, entertainment, hospitality, loan, promise, or any other thing of value from any person, business or organization that is doing business with, or seeking to do business with, the Department or the City. If it may reasonably be inferred that the person, business or organization seeks to influence the actions of a member or seeks to affect the performance of a member while on-duty, the incident should be immediately reported to the next level supervisor. 1013.12 OFFERS OF DONATIONS AND GIFTS OF THE HEART Members who are approached with monetary donations following major disasters shall direct the person or entity to the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Donation Coordinator for instruction on proper ways to donate. Chesapeake Fire Department Policy Manual Conduct and Behavior Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2023/04/01, All Rights Reserved.Published with permission by Chesapeake Fire Department Conduct and Behavior - 3 At no time shall a member accept any monetary donation from the public, the person should be directed to the Chesapeake Fire Department Headquarters for instructions on proper ways to donate. If a citizen offers a gift of a non-monetary nature, such as food or product, the gift shall be placed in an area of the station or office to be shared by all members. 1013.13 ABUSE OF POSITION Members shall not use their official position, official identification cards or badges to avoid the consequences of illegal acts or for other non-work-related personal gain. Members shall not lend to another person their identification cards or badges, or permit their identification cards or badges to be photographed or reproduced without the approval of the Fire Chief. Members shall not authorize the use of their names, photographs or official titles that identify them as department members (e.g., in connection with testimonials or advertisements of any commodity or commercial enterprise) without the approval of the Fire Chief. 1013.14 PUBLIC STATEMENTS AND APPEARANCES Members shall not address public gatherings, appear on radio or television, prepare any articles for publication, act as correspondents to a newspaper or periodical, or release or divulge investigative information or information on any other matter of the Department while presenting themselves or in any way identifying themselves as representing the Department, without the approval of the Fire Chief. 1013.15 GENERAL RULES: CONDUCT The following provides additional guidelines for conduct and behavior of all department members; • All members of the Chesapeake Fire Department are expected to; • Give undivided attention to their assigned duties, • Act with courage and honesty in all situations, • Promptly and properly carry out the orders of superiors, • Maintain a neat, clean appearance extending cooperation, courtesy, and respect to the public and fellow personnel, • Be knowledgeable of and observe all regulations and procedures intended for the administration and operation of the Fire Department, • Take pride in their chosen profession exercising good judgement in all actions. • Members will not report for duty in a condition that would prohibit or impair the proper discharge of their duties • Off –duty members are subject to callback at any time. Chesapeake Fire Department Policy Manual Conduct and Behavior Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2023/04/01, All Rights Reserved.Published with permission by Chesapeake Fire Department Conduct and Behavior - 4 • Members will provide timely notification of changes in personal information (i.e. address, telephone numbers, etc.). Contact information for members involved in supplemental employment should also be provided. • Unless being used for rehabilitation during a working incident, sleeping, lounging, or reclining on apparatus is not permitted. • All accidents or unusual occurrences will immediately be reported to the appropriate officer and/or supervisor. • Members will not sell, lend, or give away any public property without obtaining proper authorization. • Fire department buildings, apparatus, equipment or appliances will not be changed or altered without the permission of the Fire Chief or their designee. • Acceptance or use of appliances, equipment, or other materials not furnished by the fire department must be approved by the Fire Chief or their designee. • Members, while on duty, will have fire department identification cards available for inspection. • No member of the department will report for duty while under the influence of any substance which may impair their ability to perform assigned duties. Medications taken for the treatment of an illness, disease, or condition of any kind are not exempt. • Non-department activities will be restricted until the station's assigned work is completed and such activity is approved by the station officer. Consideration should be made regarding the public image created by such activity. • Any member of the department who acquires information effecting the interests of any branch (division) of the fire department should immediately report such information through the chain of command to the Fire Chief. • To avoid any appearance of "conflict of interest" fire department members should, while on duty, refrain from making any recommendation to any citizen with regard to any physician, attorney, company or corporation who may provide professional or other services. • Members will not intentionally make an official false report or intentionally make any false report regarding any person calculated to create a disturbance or bring discredit. • The solicitation, subscription, circulation of petition, or sale of tickets for entertainment raffles, etc. is not permitted in any fire station or division without the permission of the Fire Chief. • Members of the department will not mount apparatus while it is in motion. • Members will cooperate with and assist other city departments when requested or circumstances dictate. • Members will notify the driver/operator of any piece of apparatus of the removal or replacement of any equipment from that apparatus. • Members should not publicly criticize or ridicule the fire department, its policies or employees by talking, writing, or expressing in any manner that would tend to impair Chesapeake Fire Department Policy Manual Conduct and Behavior Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2023/04/01, All Rights Reserved.Published with permission by Chesapeake Fire Department Conduct and Behavior - 5 the operation of the department by interfering with its efficiency and/or the ability of supervisors to maintain discipline. Reckless disregard for truth or falsity must be avoided. • Members will not be insubordinate or disrespectful toward a superior officer or any individual performing the duties of a superior officer. • Members will not remove any property, regardless of its value or condition, from the scene of any incident. This does not prevent the gathering of possible evidence by authorized personnel that may be required to determine cause, origin, or criminal activity regarding that incident. Any property, including City of Chesapeake and personal property recovered by a member of the department must be reported and transferred to the immediate supervisor for appropriate return to the owner(s). Violation of this rule will be considered a Group 3 Offense in accordance with the City’s Administrative Regulation 2.11 and would warrant disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment. • Any member at any meeting or conference or while participating in any investigation may not use recording devices without first notifying all parties involved. • In the transaction of department business, members will, unless otherwise ordered, operate through their immediate supervisor. All members will use their chain of command when communicating with superiors, requesting information and/or relating concerns or complaints regarding department or city policies, procedures, and/or practices. If a member requests discussion of a personal nature with a superior officer other than their immediate supervisor, that request will be granted without requiring the requesting individual discuss the matter with anyone other than the superior officer. • While it is recognized that practical joking is often used to vent stress in an often tense working environment, hazing, harassment, initiation rites, or other abuse of personnel is strictly prohibited. Harassment of another member or citizen because of race, ethnic group, religion, or sex is strictly prohibited. Any improper behavior should be immediately reported to the first line supervisor who should investigate and take appropriate action. Members engaged in such conduct will be disciplined in accordance with established department and city policies as will any officer allowing such conduct. Supervisors are responsible to ensure that the above listed abuses do not occur. 1013.16 GENERAL RULES: OFFICERS The following provides additional guidelines for conduct and behavior of all department officers and acting officers; • Officers will not exceed their authority when issuing orders. Any officer exceeding their authority when issuing an order will be accountable for the consequences of that order. • Officers will exhibit fair, dignified, and firm behavior when interacting with subordinates. In all actions they should be aware of their surroundings, being careful to refrain from the use of offensive, violent, or abusive language when providing orders and directions. Chesapeake Fire Department Policy Manual Conduct and Behavior Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2023/04/01, All Rights Reserved.Published with permission by Chesapeake Fire Department Conduct and Behavior - 6 • Officers will treat all subordinates with impartiality and fairness. In cases where incompetence, negligence or misconduct is apparent, the officer will take appropriate remedial steps to ensure correction is accomplished. • Officers should be familiar with the qualifications of members under their immediate supervision and provide instruction for duties where necessary. • Officers will preserve order and discipline in their command and ensure there is sufficient staffing on-duty to perform the required duties and accomplish mission. • Officers are responsible for apparatus as well as all other fire department property in their charge and must ensure it is properly maintained and ready for immediate service. • Officers will promptly report all property that is damaged, lost or found during their tour of duty, describing in detail the location, time and identifying marks of the piece lost, found, or damaged. • It is the officers responsibility to complete or approve and forward through the appropriate chain of command all reports, forms, applications, etc. regarding personnel and activities of their command that are required for the efficient administration of the fire department. Officers will ensure that appropriate and proper records and inventories are maintained in an up-to-date fashion. • Individuals, not members of the fire department, are prohibited from riding on any fire apparatus or equipment unless authorized by the Fire Chief or their designee. It is the officers responsibility to ensure that this practice is enforced. • Unless authorized by the Fire Chief or their designee, soliciting or collecting of money in or about quarters is prohibited. Accountability for enforcement of this rule is the responsibility of the fire officer. • Officers will supervise the proper handling of apparatus at all times and, as part of the driver training program, may order members other than assigned driver to drive or tiller apparatus when returning from fires or other activities. • Officers will, before being relieved from duty, thoroughly acquaint their relief with pertinent information regarding the business of their command making certain that the information is thoroughly understood. • Officers will familiarize themselves with the private fire protection devices installed in their response areas. • Officers will evaluate personnel under their supervision as required by the Department of Human Resources and fire department regulations. • Officers will, in accordance with City Administrative Regulations, not allow property of the fire department to be used for private purposes. • Officers will not lend any property entrusted to their keeping without receiving permission from the proper authority. • Officers are responsible for the inventory of all implements, tools and equipment on apparatus when the apparatus is delivered to their quarters as assigned by the Station Commander. Chesapeake Fire Department Policy Manual Conduct and Behavior Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2023/04/01, All Rights Reserved.Published with permission by Chesapeake Fire Department Conduct and Behavior - 7 • Officers will perform school drills for all schools located in their district. These drills will be conducted during school hours in accordance with departmental standards and practices. • Officers will ensure personnel are ready for duty, in proper uniform, and are aware of all pertinent information and given assignments as necessary. • The station commander is responsible for posting a daily maintenance schedule that provides a list of duties for station personnel for the maintenance of the station, grounds and equipment. • It will be the responsibility of all officers to ensure the proper instruction of station personnel, either directly or through delegation, regarding department operations and required training. • When personnel under their command perform an act deemed commendable by the fire officer, written documentation of the act should be provided to the administrative offices as soon as possible following the appropriate chain of command. • If personnel of the on-coming shift fail to report for duty, personnel of the offgoing shift will be selected by the on-coming company officer to remain on duty until replacement arrives. • Officers must use good judgment when interacting with subordinates while off duty so that authority of their command while on duty is not compromised. • When fire department property/equipment is lost at a fire scene or elsewhere, the company officer will conduct a complete and thorough investigation of the loss submitting the proper reports promptly and outlining the steps of the investigation. 1013.17 DISCRIMINATION, OPPRESSION, OR FAVORITISM Unless required by law or policy, discriminating against, oppressing, or providing favoritism to any person because of actual or perceived characteristics such as race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, economic status, cultural group, veteran status, marital status, and any other classification or status protected by law, or intentionally denying or impeding another in the exercise or enjoyment of any right, privilege, power or immunity, knowing the conduct is unlawful, is prohibited.