NDCS Code of Ethics and Conduct Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services (NDCS) Code of Ethics and Conduct policy documents.

Nebraska Department of Correctional Services (NDCS) Purpose

To establish professional expectations of ethics and conduct applicable to all team members of the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services.

Incarcerated Individual(s)

Individuals currently incarcerated within NDCS, on parole, or post-release supervision status within the State of Nebraska.

Personal Accountability

The requirement that team members conduct themselves in a professional and ethical manner, whether on or off duty.

Policy 203.13

Security and Control – Team Member Searches, which contains a list of prohibited items.

Neb. Rev. Stat. §83-178

Statute prohibiting the dissemination and/or re-dissemination and availability of information to any person except as authorized by law.

NDCS Documentation Confidentiality

Mandate prohibiting disclosure of team member emails, incident reports, equivalent documentation, or video imagery to incarcerated individuals or the general public unless specifically intended or required by law/policy.

Sexual Abuse of an Incarcerated Individual (First Degree)

A Class IIA felony committed when a person chooses to sexually abuse an incarcerated individual.

Sexual Abuse of an Incarcerated Individual (Second Degree)

A Class IIIA felony committed when a person chooses to sexually abuse an incarcerated individual.

Prohibited Corporal Punishment and Force

Prohibition against using cruel, inhumane, or corporal punishment, excessive force, or mistreating individuals under NDCS care, custody, and control.

Neb. Rev. Stat. §28-1202.01

Statute allowing a handgun to be left in a motor vehicle on NDCS property if locked inside the glove box, trunk, motorcycle hardened compartment, or attached storage box prior to exiting.

Policy 111.05

Use of Tobacco Products by Team Members, Incarcerated Individuals, & Visitors.

Prohibited Forms of Discrimination

Discrimination based on sexual, racial, gender, religious, national origin, ancestry, age, or disability status against team members or incarcerated individuals.

Policy 112.13

Drug Free Work Place policy requiring notification to a supervisor prior to a shift if taking prescription or over-the-counter medications that could impair work performance.

Policy 104.05

Electronic Communication Devices policy prohibiting personal cell phones/electronic devices in designated sites and prohibiting state devices from recording non-business activity.

Conversation Recording Restrictions

Prohibition against recording conversations/meetings without prior knowledge of all parties, unless pre-approved by a deputy director or higher, or conducted by NDCS criminal investigators during sanctioned law enforcement activity.

Professional Boundaries

Standards requiring team members to maintain professional boundaries, prohibiting unauthorized work for parole/appeals, writing unofficial letters for inmates, or aiding/abetting policy violations.

Urgent Rule Violation Verbal Reporting

The requirement to verbally report information of an urgent nature or serious rule violation immediately to the shift supervisor and/or direct supervisor.

Misconduct Written Reporting Deadline

The requirement to submit a written report of alleged misconduct, suspicious behavior, or serious rule violations no later than the conclusion of the tour of duty.

Arrest or Citation Notification Requirement

Requirement for team members arrested, served a protection order, or issued a non-minor traffic citation to immediately notify the warden or applicable deputy director/designee.

License/Certification Loss Notification Deadline

Requirement to notify the warden or applicable deputy director/designee within three business days of losing or failing to possess a required license/certification.

Seat Belt Compliance Requirement

Mandatory requirement that state vehicle operators request seat belt use by all passengers, including incarcerated individuals; failure results in disciplinary action for vehicle misuse.

State Vehicle Mobile Device Restrictions

Prohibition against wearing headphones/earphones, non-emergency cell phone use, or texting while operating a state vehicle.

Driver's License Status Change Notification

Requirement to notify a supervisor no later than the beginning of the next shift regarding any status change affecting legal ability to drive.

Garrity Advisements

Advisements that are not issued for standard paperwork and are only applicable in the event an internal administrative investigation is initiated against a team member.

Shift Absence Notification Requirement

Requirement for team members to notify their supervisor/facility 2 hours prior to the start of their shift if unable to report for work.

Policy 002.02

Social Media policy governing team member use of social networking sites.