POTA Rules & Regulations Slides rev.14

POTA Rules and Regulations Overview

Page 1: Introduction

POTA Rules and Regulations Rev. 14

Page 2: Performance Objectives

  • Key Areas for Review:

    1. List ten of the POTA Rules/Violations as per PD-33, Attachment A:

      • Failure to meet performance standards.

      • Breach of confidentiality protocols.

      • Intentional misconduct or deceitful behavior.

      • Misrepresentation of qualifications or training.

      • Unauthorized absence from work assignments.

      • Insubordination towards supervisors or trainers.

      • Possession or use of alcohol or drugs on POTA premises.

      • Engaging in discriminatory or harassing behavior.

      • Neglecting assigned responsibilities or tasks.

      • Unauthorized interaction with external parties regarding POTA operations.

    2. Identify three POTA Rules/Violations that require a recommendation of separation for the first violation:

      • Intentional misconduct or deceitful behavior.

      • Breach of confidentiality protocols.

      • Possession or use of alcohol or drugs on POTA premises.

Page 3: Additional Performance Objectives

EEO Allegations:

  • Identify three examples of Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) allegations:

    1. Discrimination based on race or ethnicity in hiring practices.

    2. Harassment related to gender identity or sexual orientation.

    3. Retaliation against employees for reporting EEO violations.

PD-22 Disciplinary Process:

  • Define the differences that apply to trainees attending POTA:

    • Trainees face strict adherence to conduct rules, as their behavior reflects on the institution.

    • Disciplinary actions are often more immediate due to the training environment's nature.

    • Trainees may have limited recourse regarding grievances when compared to permanent staff.

Page 4: Trainer Responsibilities

Trainers Are Expected To:

  • Help trainees acquire skills in each module: Ensuring that trainees master practical and theoretical aspects.

  • Share knowledge and experience with trainees: Integrating real-world scenarios and case studies.

  • Begin classes on time and conduct themselves professionally: Always modeling punctuality and professionalism.

  • Dress and treat trainees professionally: Serve as a role model through appearance and demeanor.

  • Respond to reasonable requests: Maintain open communication with trainees to foster a positive learning environment.

Page 5: Trainee Responsibilities

Trainees Must:

  • Learn the specified skills in each module: Actively engage in the learning process and seek clarification when needed.

  • Attend all classroom sessions and complete all assignments: Consistency in attendance is crucial for mastering the material.

  • Engage in classroom discussions and be punctual: Participation enhances learning and builds teamwork.

  • Maintain a professional demeanor and dress appropriately: Uphold the standards set by POTA to reflect its values.

  • Discuss any absences with trainers in advance: Communicate proactively to manage expectations and responsibilities.

Page 6: Time Requests at POTA

Requests Must Be:

  • Submitted in advance and in writing: Ensure clarity and documentation for all requests.

  • Accompanied by the necessary documentation: Supporting evidence enhances the legitimacy of the request.

  • Recorded on the SCH-1 Employee Time Report: Accurate records are necessary for auditing and compliance.

Page 7: Overview of PD-33 and Related Organizations

Relevant Divisions:

  • PSTA: Trainee Management - Responsible for trainee enrollment and oversight.

  • OIGTA: Office of the Inspector General - Ensures compliance with laws and regulations.

  • POTA: Parole Division - Manages direct interaction with parolees and offenders.

Page 8: Employee Drug Testing Policy

Drug Testing Protocols:

  • Random selection for testing began September 1, 2010: This policy applies to all employees, aiming to maintain a drug-free workplace.

  • Immediate submission of samples: Employees are expected to provide samples as soon as requested to ensure the accuracy of testing.

  • Results typically available within 3 days: Expediency is critical to ensure timely resolutions to any issues.

  • Employees may return to work pending test results: This policy protects the employee's rights while maintaining workplace integrity.

Page 9: Rule Violation Consequences

Possible Actions:

  • Demerit/separation depends on the severity listing: Each violation carries specific consequences that scale with severity.

  • Training staff allows trainees to comment on demit or separation: Dialogue encourages professional growth and responsibility.

  • Issues are not grievable: An acknowledgment that certain decisions are final within the context of training disciplinary actions.

Page 10: Specific Rule Violations

Accumulation of Four Demerits Results In:

  • Cheating and consensual sexual conduct on state property with non-spousal coworkers: Zero tolerance for unethical behavior.

  • Failing to score 80% or higher on tests: Academic standards are enforced rigorously to ensure competency.

Page 11: Additional Violations

Other Violations Include:

  • Refusal to participate in required firearms training: Compliance is essential for safety and operational readiness.

  • Refusal in chemical agents training as mandated: Trainees must be prepared for all aspects of their training.

  • Engaging in physical confrontations with other employees: Professional conduct is mandatory in all interactions.

Page 12: Continued Rule Violations

Types of Horseplay:

  • Defined as horseplay with or without injury: This includes any disruptive behavior that compromises safety and professionalism.

  • Leaving security duty post and sleeping in class as forms of misconduct: Both behaviors undermine the core responsibilities of trainees.

  • Insubordination, clearly defined as a rule: Disrespecting authority figures is strictly prohibited.

Page 13: Misdemeanor and Attendance Violations

Criminal and Attendance Violations:

  • Conviction of misdemeanors (specific exclusions): Some criminal acts may lead to immediate dismissal without recourse.

  • Unexcused absence of one hour or more: Attendance is critical for maintaining standard performance.

  • General misconduct that does not fit other specific violations: A catch-all category for unethical behavior.

Pages 14 - 15: Generic Misconduct Rules

General Conduct Expectations:

  • No smoking outside designated areas and keeping noise to a minimum: Responsible behavior ensures a positive learning environment.

  • Limit yelling or loud music; audible noise restrictions apply: Noise control is essential in maintaining focus and respect for others.

Page 16: Expectations Summary

Professional Conduct Required:

  • All trainees must uphold high standards of professionalism and integrity: This fosters a culture of respect and excellence.

  • Compliance with academy staff instructions is mandatory: Disregarding instructions can jeopardize training outcomes.

Pages 17 - 19: Detailed Rules and Regulations

Conduct Expectations Include:

  • Compliance with housing and visitation rules: Respect for communal living standards is essential.

  • Avoidance of profane language or verbal altercations: Professionalism is key in maintaining decorum.

  • Maintenance of proper hygiene and observance of tobacco rules: Upholding personal and communal hygiene standards is a must.

  • Participation in physical training requirements: Physical fitness is crucial for operational readiness.

  • Attention during classes and reporting of prescription drug use: Ensuring all trainees are fit for duty and aware of obligations.

Page 20: Safety Procedure Violations

Safety Standards Must Be Followed:

  • Failure to follow safety procedures can result in disciplinary actions: Ignoring safety protocols jeopardizes the safety of all.

  • Differentiation between injuries and non-injuries in violations: Each case must be assessed individually to understand the context and consequences.

Pages 21 - 23: Miscellaneous Rules

Additional Violations:

  • Tardiness under one hour and unauthorized sales on state premises are violations: Timeliness is key to maintaining professionalism and respect for POTA schedules.

  • Failure to maintain possession of state-issued property and obeying orders from authority: Accountability for issued items is mandatory.

  • Introduction of contraband is strictly prohibited: This includes any prohibited items which can endanger the institution's integrity.

Page 24: PD-22 Compliance

Disciplinary Action:

  • Trainees subject to disciplinary action under PD-33 and PD-22 for general conduct violations not covered by academy rules: Emphasizes the importance of fair treatment in all disciplinary processes.

Pages 25 - 27: Disciplinary Process Information

Disciplinary Process for Trainees:

  • The Training Director acts as the reprimanding authority: Centralized responsibility for disciplinary actions.

  • Hearings to follow PD-22 protocol for actions: Guarantees fairness in the disciplinary process.

  • Approval recommended for dismissal actions must adhere to PD-22: Ensures a systematic approach to severe disciplinary measures.

Page 28: Performance Objectives Summary

Final Objectives for Review:

  • List ten POTA rules or violations from PD-33, Attachment A.

  • Identify EEO allegations and differences in the PD-22 disciplinary process for trainees.