[INFO] Disciplinary Appeals

[Internal Affairs]

BONE COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT INTERNAL AFFAIRS DIVISION DISCIPLINARY APPEALS

---

---

Bone County Sheriff’s Department – Appeals Process

The Bone County Sheriff’s Department provides a formal disciplinary appeals process to ensure that disciplinary actions taken against department members are fair, consistent, and in accordance with departmental policy and applicable standards.

The appeals process allows employees to request an impartial review of disciplinary actions they believe were unjust or disproportionate to the circumstances.

Purpose of the Appeals Process

The purpose of a disciplinary appeal is to review the circumstances surrounding an incident and determine whether the imposed disciplinary action was appropriate.

The Internal Affairs Division reviews appeals involving formal reprimands, suspensions, demotions, and terminations. Appeals may result in affirmation, modification, or reversal of the disciplinary action.

Eligibility & Submission Requirements

A disciplinary appeal may be submitted by any Bone County Sheriff’s Department employee who has received a formal disciplinary action issued by supervisory staff or higher authority.

• Appeals must be submitted within seventy-two (72) hours of the disciplinary action being issued.
• Appeals submitted outside of this timeframe will not be considered.
• Disciplinary actions issued by the Sheriff and Undersheriff are not eligible for appeal.

Once submitted, the appeal is logged and assigned to the Internal Affairs Division for review.

Appeal Review Process

Upon acceptance of an appeal, the Internal Affairs team will select a panel of specialists, hereafter referred to as the Review Board.

The Review Board will conduct a comprehensive review of the appeal, which may include examination of reports, evidence, statements, and any additional information deemed necessary. Further inquiry or investigation may be conducted as required.

Appeal Outcomes

Following review, the appeal will result in one of the following determinations:

• Upheld: The Review Board determined the disciplinary action was justified and appropriate. The action will remain on record.
• Modified: The Review Board determined the disciplinary action was partially justified. The action may be reduced or amended.
• Reversed: The Review Board determined the disciplinary action was not justified. The action will be removed or rescinded.

The disciplined employee will be notified in writing of the Review Board’s decision and the reasoning behind the determination.

Final Determination & Notification

Decisions rendered through the appeals process are final. No additional appeal may be filed once a determination has been issued.

The Bone County Sheriff’s Department aims to provide a written response within seven (7) days of receipt of a disciplinary appeal, when practicable.

---

Forms:

Spoiler:

Subject:

Code: Select all

Disciplinary Appeal - Rank Firstname Lastname - DD/MM/YYYY

Format:

Code: Select all

[divbox]

[header]DISCIPLINARY APPEAL[/header]

[legend=1. Appealing Employee Information]

[b]1.1. Full Name:[/b]  
Firstname Lastname

[b]1.2. Rank:[/b]  

[b]1.3. Assignment / Unit:[/b]  

[b]1.4. Contact Information:[/b]  

[/legend]

[hr]

[legend=2. Disciplinary Action Being Appealed]

[list=none]
[b]2.1. Date of Disciplinary Action:[/b]  
DD/MM/YYYY

[b]2.2. Issuing Supervisor:[/b]  

[b]2.3. Type of Disciplinary Action:[/b]  
(Reprimand, Suspension, Demotion, Termination)

[b]2.4. Summary:[/b]  
Brief description of the disciplinary action issued.
[/list]

[/legend]

[hr]

[legend=3. Grounds for Appeal]

[list=none]
[b]3.1. Basis for Appeal:[/b]  
Provide a detailed explanation outlining why the disciplinary action is being appealed. Include any relevant facts, mitigating circumstances, or procedural concerns.

[b]3.2. Supporting Information or Evidence (Optional):[/b]  
Include any supporting documentation, statements, or evidence relevant to the appeal.
[/list]

[/legend]

[hr]

[i]
Submission of this appeal authorizes the Bone County Sheriff’s Department Internal Affairs Division to review all relevant records and materials associated with the disciplinary action.

Employees shall not contact Review Board members or Internal Affairs staff regarding the appeal unless directed to do so.
[/i]

[/divbox]