Narrative:

Westchester County (WC) adheres to the principles of progressive discipline as outlined in the New York State (NYS) Department of Civil Service Manual of Procedure in Disciplinary Actions, Sections 75 and 76. These guidelines are further expounded in various union bargaining agreements and in the WC Employee Handbook, all available on the County Intranet.

During the orientation for new hires, comprehensive explanations of these policies and procedures are provided. Additionally, employees undergo mandatory yearly training where they are required to review and sign the Plain Language Guide to Government Ethics and the WC Employee Handbook.

The PRC Administration Manual (last updated on January 23) and the PRC Employee Handbook (last updated on June 23) are distributed to employees upon hire and are accessible on the intranet, as well as displayed on facility bulletin boards.

Supervisors are required to attend Progressive Discipline Training sessions, which provide detailed insights into the general rules and procedures for effective management practices. The most recent training session was conducted in June 2023.

a. Compliance with agency statements;

Employees receive yearly mandatory training and sign a Multi-Acknowledgement form which commits them to adherence to the policies including those found in the WC Employee Handbook, PRC Administration Manual, the PRC Employee Handbook, and the Practical Guide to Ethics.  

b. Unbecoming Conduct;

Is detailed in the Plain Language Guide to Government Ethics, WC Employee Handbook, PRC Administration Manual, and the PRC Handbook. There is a yearly mandatory online Ethics Training and a yearly review of the Code of Ethics and the WC Employee Handbook.

c. Appropriate Appearance;

Is detailed in the PRC Administration Manual and PRC Employee Handbook. 

d. Use of Alcohol and Drugs;

Is detailed in the WC Drug-Free Workplace Policy and Procedures, Reasonable Suspicion (alcohol and drug testing procedure), the WC Employee Handbook, and the PRC Administration Manual. 

e. Acceptance of gratuities, bribes or rewards;

Is detailed in the Plain Language Guide to Government Ethics and the PRC Administration Manual. There is a yearly mandatory online Ethics Training and review of the Code of Ethics.

f. Abuse of Authority; and

Is detailed in the Plain Language Guide to Government Ethics. There is a yearly mandatory online Ethics Training and review of the Code of Ethics.

g. Proper Care and maintenance of equipment.

Is detailed in PRC’s Master Maintenance Plan, PRC Tools and Equipment Policy, and PRC Fleet Management Plan and covered during equipment training.