Disciplinary Practices in Probation Departments

Probation department disciplinary practices vary between jurisdictions.

Probation departments, like other law enforcement agencies, require a high standard of moral integrity. However, discipline issues may occur on occasion. Fellow probation officers and the community alike must be able to count on effective disciplinary practices within the probation department.

Types

Types of discipline in probation departments include formal and informal. Informal discipline can include closer supervision, verbal counseling, reprimands and documented warnings in the employee file. Formal discipline involves suspension, reduced salary, demotion or termination.

Employee Rights

Employees who are interviewed for investigation have the right to legal representation in some cases, especially if they are union members. The employee may also have the right to pursue grievance procedures depending on the jurisdiction.

Termination

Probation departments may terminate employees for violating established policies and procedures. While firing generally occurs as a last resort, cases of serious moral lapses, sexual misconduct or illegal behavior can warrant dismissal.

References

• boston.com: Statement of the Justices of the Supreme Judicial Court Relative to the Report the Independent Counsel
• Sonoma County, CA, Human Resources: Probation Department Incompatible Activities Policy
• Muncipal Employees' Federation: Discipline and Workplace Rgihts - Memorandum of Agreement