HomeMy WebLinkAboutR&R 102.03 REVISED 11-2009-Officer's Code of Conduct102.03 - Officer's Code of Conduct
Effective: 11/5/2009
Revised:
Replaces: 2007 R&R IX
I. Guiding PhilosophX
Supervisors are ultimately responsible for the overall effectiveness, safety, and
professionalism of those serving under their command. Leading by example is the primary
method we employ to maximize the positive results of our work groups.
II. Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to define expectations and a range of appropriate behaviors
to be exhibited by all supervisory personnel.
III. Goals
The goal of this policy is to communicate appropriate behaviors to be exhibited by all
supervisory personnel in the following areas:
A. General Responsibilities
B. Emergency Responsibilities
C. Administrative Responsibilities
D. Human Resources Responsibilities
IV. Definitions
A. Supervisor - the current work group leader, whether it be the group's regularly
assigned supervisor/Officer or a person who is temporarily promoted, working in
that capacity.
V. Officer's Code of Conduct
A. The Officer's Code of Conduct applies to all supervisory personnel, in all
divisions of the Department.
B. General Responsibilities — The supervisor will insure that he/she:
1. Understands and accepts the responsibilities, performs the duties, and
exercises the authority of the rank which he/she is occupying, be it a
temporary or permanent assignment.
2. Serves as a positive role model, leading subordinates by setting a good
example.
Is in control of his/her areas of responsibility at all times.
4. Commits him/herself to bringing out the best in others.
5. Understands and accepts that the responsibilities associated with his/her
supervisory role may, at times, cause friction between him/herself and
those subordinates that they also consider friends.
6. Maintains the security of department facilities and equipment at all
times, consistent with operational requirements.
7. Makes regular inspections of personnel, equipment, facilities to ensure
cleanliness, safety, and that the proper professional appearance is
maintained.
a. This includes inspection of lockers or other equipment assigned to
members.
b. The members whose locker or equipment is being inspected should
be present during the inspection.
8. Greets all visitors and department officers promptly and courteously.
C. Emergency Response Responsibilities - The supervisor will insure that:
1. There are no unnecessary delays in responding to emergencies.
2. Personnel are prevented from exposure to unnecessary danger.
3. Except where safety violations exist, Officers will refrain from
interfering in operational matters for which an Officer of equal rank is
responsible.
a. This does not excuse an Officer's responsibility to report
deviations from the established strategy or tactics to the Incident
Commander.
4. As the first arriving Officer on scene, an accurate initial report and
assignments will be communicated and implemented promptly upon
arrival.
a. This includes a concise yet descriptive situation evaluation,
declaration of initial strategy, and assignment of tactical
responsibilities to crews or individuals.
5. He/She will take decisive action to make clear a subordinate's questions
regarding interpretation of standards or orders.
6. He/She will serve as directed by the Incident Commander until
appropriately relieved of their responsibilities.
7. Fires are extinguished with the least possible danger to life and property,
preventing unnecessary water damage, taking appropriate precautions
against rekindle, and leaving the premises in a safe condition.
8. Efforts will be coordinated and efficient between all agencies working at
an incident scene.
D. Administrative Responsibilities - The supervisor will insure that he/she:
1. Makes every reasonable effort to know, understand, and follow
Department and City procedures, policies, and contract provisions.
2. Communicates, implements, and insures compliance with Department
and City policies, guidelines, procedures, and contract provisions for
those subordinates serving under their command.
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3. Takes appropriate and timely action to correct violations of the
Department and City policies, procedures, and contract provisions.
4. Makes recommendations to improve Department guidelines, procedures
and policies.
5. Documents all significant unit activities within the established systems.
6. Checks all reports for completeness, accuracy, and professionalism.
7. Files all reports and records as directed or in a professional and timely
manner.
8. Informs their relieving officer of all significant events that occurred
during the previous tour of duty. These include, but are not limited to:
a. written communications
b. station log book notations
c. readiness of equipment
d. personnel changes
9. Preserves all written department communications pertaining to the
operation of his/her unit as per policy until their purpose has been
served.
E. Human Resources Responsibilities — The supervisor will insure that he/she:
1. Submits written reports of all actions and conduct worthy of merit and
recognition.
2. Conducts him/herself responsibly, not misusing his/her rank or authority
when dealing with subordinates.
3. Is generally attentive to subordinates needs - responding to questions
and working to resolve any problem that personnel may have regarding
department business.
4. Refers individuals up the chain of command if the member's concern is
beyond the supervisor's scope of authority or control.
5. Maintains work groups under his/her command that are well-trained,
competent, disciplined, ready and able to respond, providing efficient
and effective service to the public.
6. Treats all persons with dignity and respect.
a. Instances of hazing, harassment and intimidation will not be
tolerated.
b. Supervisors are directly responsible for taking action to prevent
any derogatory or demeaning actions or remarks that refer to a
person's race, religion, sex or ethnic background.
c. Failure to act in these instances may subject the supervisor to
disciplinary action.
7. Is particularly alert to subordinates fitness for duty when reporting to
work.
a. Personnel under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or who exhibit
abnormal behavior should be removed from work unit activities.
b. The supervisor shall immediately report the situation up the chain
of command.
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8. Utilizes the counseling and progressive discipline process when dealing
with violations of Department standards, policies, and contract
provisions.
9. Documents, in writing, instances of incompetency, inefficiency,
misconduct, or negligence of any member.
10. Makes every reasonable attempt to settle all violations at the lowest level
possible in the chain of command.
11. Communicates infractions committed by those not directly under their
command to the offending parties supervisor. An exception occurs if the
infraction is a safety violation - these should be dealt with immediately
by the observing Officer.
12. Refrains from intercepting inter -office or other mail that is addressed to
another person.
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