HomeMy WebLinkAboutR&R 102.06 NEW 5-2011-Eating Out On-Duty102.06 - Eating Out While On -Duty
Effective: 5/5/2011
Revised:
Replaces:
I. Guiding PhilosophX
As members of the fire service, our primary responsibility while on duty is to the citizens
that we serve. So that we provide the best service possible within our level of capabilities, we
dedicate ourselves to maintaining the highest level of response readiness and professionalism at
all times.
II. Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to define the parameters by which BFR members may
exercise the privilege of having a sit down meal at local restaurants while on -duty.
III. Goals
The goals of this policy are to:
A. Identify the regulations and responsibilities of members, supervisors and crews
when eating out.
B. Discuss managing conflicts that could arise while eating out.
IV. Definitions
A. Bar —Any establishment where more than 51% of sales is from alcoholic
beverages (Identified by signs at the main entrance.)
B. Uncontrolled Negative Emotional Behaviours — Uncontrolled emotional
behaviors that would cast the member and the Department in a negative light.
Negative emotional behaviors include, but are not limited to:
1. Aggressiveness/Intimidation
2. Anger/Rage
3. Contempt/Disgust
4. Disrespect/Cursing
5. Ridicule/Humiliate
6. Illegal discrimination
C. Unit —Any vehicle that is being used for BFR business or that responds to
emergency calls.
V. Regulations
A. Personal Behaviour & Dress Code
I . Members will present themselves professionally at all times so as to
reflect a positive image of themselves, the Department, and the fire
service. (Reference R&R 102.01 - Code of Conduct & General Rules
and R&R 102.02 On -Duty Code of Conduct).
2. Officers are responsible for those under their Command and will insure
professional behaviour and dress standards are maintained. (Reference
R&R 102.03 Officer's Code of Conduct).
3. To maintain uniformity and a professional appearance, all personnel
must strictly adhere to R&R 102.05 Personal Appearance & Dress
Code.
4. Under no circumstances shall a member solicit, in any form, a discount,
free food or beverages.
B. Location & Selection of Restaurant
1. For any BFR unit to eat inside any restaurant, all members assigned to
the unit must agree to a time and location of the meal.
2. Any BFR unit that elects to eat out must stay within the boundaries of
their assigned first -in territory at all times. Exceptions may be approved
by the Deputy Chief.
3. Members will refrain from eating at any establishment that has a name
or reputation that could be deemed suggestive or otherwise offensive to
taxpayers. If this occurs, the Officer -in -Charge will be held accountable
for his/her lack of judgment.
4. Any establishment considered a "bar" is categorically off limits (see
definitions).
C. Approval & Notification
1. Any Operations Division unit that wishes to go out to eat must have
obtained prior approval of the on -duty District Chief.
2. Upon arrival at the eating establishment, all Operations Division units
will check on the air for "mealtime" and advise Fire Alarm of their
location.
D. Response Readiness & Payment
1. All apparatus should be capable of responding immediately to a call for
service. The Driver/Operator and Officer -in -Charge share this
responsibility and will be held equally accountable if a delay occurs.
2. Food and beverages will be paid for immediately upon order and will be
received in a to -go box to aid in quick exit. To be clear, delays in
response will not be tolerated. If a call for service is received, food and
beverages will be left at the restaurant if their retrieval causes aM
response delay.
3. Units/apparatus SHALL NOT park in fire lanes. (Doing so may
negatively affect the business—Members of the public may choose to
avoid the establishment because they mistakenly assume there is an
incident in progress.)
4. The Officer -in -Charge shall take reasonable precautions to insure that no
loss of equipment occurs. (Ask to be seated where you can visually
monitor the security of your apparatus and equipment!)
R&R 102.06 - Eating Out While On -Duty Page 2 of 4
5. Barring any unusual circumstances, sit down meals at restaurants should
not exceed one (1) hour.
VI. Conflict Resolution
A. Any conflicts that may arise between members and business owners or the public
will be handled with the utmost professionalism by the Officer -in -Charge.
B. Conflict resolution should be handled in private, if possible.
C. Recurring issues should be communicated through the chain of command.
VII. Conseauences of Non -Compliance
A. Individuals or crews that violate these regulations or create a negative public
perception while eating out should expect to have the privilege revoked.
B. If revoked, it is the affected member or affected crew's responsibility to notify
his/her on -duty supervisor that the privilege has been revoked, should the
situation arise.
C. Violations of these rules and regulations will result in counseling or disciplinary
action, as indicated in the following table:
R&R 102.06 — Eating Out While On -Duty Page 3 of 4
1" Offense
2° Offense
3r Offense
Nature of Violation
Min/Max
Min/Max
Min/Max
1.
Physical violence or
uncontrolled negative
emotional behavior directed
towards a member of the
public
2.
Failure to adequately
4 day Suspension/
8 day Suspension/
15 day Suspension/
supervise -Resulting in
8 day Suspension
12 day Suspension
Indefinite Suspension
response delays
3.
Failure to adequately
4 day Suspension/
8 day Suspension/
15 day Suspension/
supervise -Eating at a bar or
8 day Suspension
12 day Suspension
Indefinite Suspension
establishment that may be
offensive to taxpayers
4.
Failure to adequately
Oral Counsel/
4 day Suspension/
15 day Suspension/
supervise -Officer does not
4 day Suspension
8 day Suspension
Indefinite Suspension
insure R&R 102.05 dress code
standards are achieved
5.
Failure to adequately
Oral Counsel/
4 day Suspension/
15 day Suspension/
supervise -Officer allows
4 day Suspension
8 day Suspension
Indefinite Suspension
behavior in conflict with R&R
102.01 or R&R 102.02
6.
Failure to adequately
Oral Counsel/
4 day Suspension/
15 day Suspension/
supervise -Officer does not
4 day Suspension
8 day Suspension
Indefinite Suspension
counsel inappropriate behavior
of subordinates
%.
Failure to notify supervisor of
Oral Counsel/
4 day Suspension/
15 day Suspension/
revoked privilege
4 day Suspension
8 day Suspension
Indefinite Suspension
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8.
Solicitation Of discounts, free
Oral Counsel/
4 day Suspension/
15 day Suspension/
food Or beverages
4 day Suspension
8 day Suspension
Indefinite Suspension
9.
Leaving assigned territory to
Oral Counsel/
4 day Suspension/
15 day Suspension/
eat Out Without prior approval
4 day Suspension
8 day Suspension
Indefinite Suspension
of Deputy Chief
10.
Failure to Obtain prior approval
Oral Counsel/
Written Counsel/
8 day Suspension/
from District Chief
Written Counsel
8 day Suspension
Indefinite Suspension
11.
Failure to appropriately
Oral Counsel/
Written Counsel/
8 day Suspension/
communicate status to Fire
Written Counsel
8 day Suspension
Indefinite Suspension
Alarm
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