Punishments can be given out at the discretion of Command members and Supervisors (with Command approval) mentioned earlier in 1.2 structure and authoritative power. Disciplinary action is taken to promote the efficiency of department operations.
In exercising discipline, the department will give due regard to each member’s legal rights and will ensure that disciplinary actions are based on objective considerations without regard to age, color, disability, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or other non-merit factors.
The punishment system is built on warnings and strikes. Two (2) warnings is equal to one (1) strike. Two (2) strikes yield you a demotion and three (3) strikes will terminate you effective immediately from the Department of Corrections.
Where violations occur, the following actions may be taken:
- Warning
- Strike
- Suspension
- Demotion
- Termination
The Department of Corrections operates with a ‘Just Culture’ policy:
The aim of a Just Culture is to promote continuous learning from previous mistakes and to encourage Corrections Officers to openly and freely share essential safety related information. Correctional safety is sustained by a culture which fosters and facilitates the reporting of occurrences and advances the principles of a Just Culture.
Our approach is one in which people are treated fairly and are not punished for actions, omissions or decisions taken by them that are commensurate with their experience and training. We understand that technical mistakes, lapses of knowledge, and misunderstandings may happen, especially under high-intensity situations. However, to maintain or improve correctional safety in cases of, for example, gross negligence, wilful violations and destructive acts, further action may be necessary.
Our ambition is for all Corrections Officers to feel they can openly report any incidents to Command without fear of punishment and the information they provide will be used for safety mitigation purposes and guidance only. Where a Corrections Officer is found negligent that disciplinary action may be deemed appropriate.
The following examples may result in disciplinary action:
- Use or under the influence of drugs or alcohol while on duty
- Theft of department property or another employee’s property
- Intentional destruction of department property
- Falsifying reports
- Gross insubordination such as refusal to work, threatening, abusing or striking a superior
- Striking or assaulting an employee or bystander
- Reckless driving of department vehicles
- Disobeying traffic laws when not actively transporting
- Negligent or careless use of department equipment
- Failure to comply with published department rules or regulations
- Fighting
- Foul and/or abusive language
- Grossly incompetent or negligent performance at work
- Inability or failure to maintain satisfactory working relations with co-workers and/or citizens.
By default warnings last for two (2) weeks and strikes last four (4) weeks.
