Summary Firefighter Bill of Rights
Firefighter Bill of Rights
The Firefighter Bill of Rights summary is actually pretty simple. According to the California Firefighter Bill of Rights, what an Officer needs to understand is that if the results of the investigation can lead to discipline, the firefighter is eligible for union representation. In other words, if by questioning a firefighter you receive information that could lead to “formal” discipline; you must stop the investigation and offer the firefighter union representation. IF you are presented with information that, in and of itself, sounds like it may result in discipline if it proves to be true, it would be wise to encourage the member to get representation before you speak to the member.
Of course this prompts the question, “What is discipline?” The summary Firefighter Bill of Rights , would be to say that any written documentation that will end up in the firefighter’s permanent personnel file. In many agencies this is a written reprimand. It is possible, however, that a copy of an oral reprimand may be included in a members’ permanent personnel file (sounds like written documentation). In this case, the argument could be made that this is written documentation that is included in his or her permanent personnel file and could be detrimental to the employee. I would encourage any member studying for a promotional examination to have a conversation with the Human Resources manager to determine what is considered to be formal discipline as it may vary between each department.
Summary Firefighter Bill of Rights
The summary Firefighter Bill of Rights boils down to one simple thing; If the results of your investigation can lead to formal discipline, the member is entitled to union representation. It’s incumbent on you to learn what your agency has determined to be “formal” discipline. Once this is understood, prudent decisions can be made in regards to following the Firefighter Bill of Rights while protecting the member and the department.
Summary Firefighter Bill of Rights
Further Reading
California Firefighter Bill of Rights
Firefighter Bill of Rights From the Supervisor’s Perspective