HCSD — Standard Operating Procedures

914.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE

This policy provides general guidelines for recognizing commendable or meritorious acts of members of the Hartwell County Sheriff’s Department and individuals from the community.

914.2 POLICY

It is the policy of the Hartwell County Sheriff’s Department to recognize and acknowledge exceptional individual or group achievements, performance, proficiency, heroism and service of its members and individuals from the community through commendations and awards.

914.3 COMMENDABLE ACTIONS

A meritorious or commendable act by an employee of this department may include, but is not limited to, the following:

• Superior handling of a difficult situation by an employee
• Conspicuous bravery or outstanding performance by any employee of the Department
• Any action or performance that is above and beyond the typical duties of an employee

914.3.1 COMMENDATION INCIDENT REPORT

The Commendation Incident Report shall be used to document the commendation of the employee and shall contain the following:

• Employee name, bureau, and assignment at the date and time of the commendation
• A brief account of the commendable action shall be documented on the form with report numbers, as appropriate
• Signature of the commending supervisor Completed reports shall be forwarded to the appropriate Division Commander for his/her review.

The Division Commander shall sign and forward the report to the Sheriff for his/her review. The Sheriff will return the commendation to the employee for his/her signature. The report will then be returned to the Administrative Secretary for entry into the employee's personnel file.

914.4 CRITERIA

A meritorious or commendable act may include, but is not limited to:

• Superior handling of a difficult situation.
• Conspicuous bravery or outstanding performance.
• Any action or performance that is above and beyond typical duties.

914.4.1 OFFICE MEMBER DOCUMENTATION

Members of the Office should document meritorious or commendable acts. The documentation should contain:

Commendations and Awards

• Identifying information:

1. For members of the Office - name, division and assignment at the date and time of the meritorious or commendable act
2. For individuals from the community - name, address, telephone number

• A brief account of the meritorious or commendable act with report numbers, as appropriate.
• The signature of the member submitting the documentation.

914.4.2 COMMUNITY MEMBER DOCUMENTATION

Documentation of a meritorious or commendable act submitted by a person from the community should be accepted in any form. However, written documentation is preferred. Office members accepting the documentation should attempt to obtain detailed information regarding the matter, including:

• Identifying information:

1. For members of the Office - name, division and assignment at the date and time of the meritorious or commendable act
2. For individuals from the community - name, address, telephone number

• A brief account of the meritorious or commendable act with report numbers, as appropriate.
• The signature of the person submitting the documentation.

914.4.3 PROCESSING DOCUMENTATION

Documentation regarding the meritorious or commendable act of a member of the Office should be forwarded to the appropriate Division Commander for his/her review. The Division Commander should sign and forward the documentation to the Sheriff for his/her review.

The Sheriff or the authorized designee will present the commendation to the office member for his/ her signature. The documentation will then be returned to the Administration secretary for entry into the member’s personnel file.

Documentation regarding the meritorious or commendable act of an individual from the community should be forwarded to the Administrative Bureau. The documentation will be signed by the Division Commander and forwarded to the Sheriff for his/her review. An appropriate venue or ceremony to acknowledge the individual’s actions should be arranged. Documentation of the commendation shall be maintained in a file designated for such records.

914.5 AWARDS

Awards may be bestowed upon members of the Office and individuals from the community. These awards include:

• Award of Merit.
• Award of Valor.

Commendations and Awards

• Lifesaving Award.
• Meritorious Conduct.

Criteria for each award and the selection, presentation and display of any award are determined by the Sheriff.

Fitness for Duty