RANDOLPH COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE

1.22 Policy

Employee Fraternization

It is the policy of the Randolph County Detention Center to establish clear standards governing fraternization between employees, regardless of gender, in order to preserve a professional, safe, and respectful work environment, and to ensure the integrity of supervisory authority and institutional operations.

Definition

For purposes of this policy, fraternization is defined as any romantic, intimate, dating, cohabitating, or sexual relationship or conduct between employees of the Randolph County Detention Center.

Procedure

1. Prohibition of Fraternization

Employees are strictly prohibited from engaging in romantic, intimate, dating, cohabitating, or sexual relationships or conduct with other employees while employed by the Randolph County Detention Center.

2. Purpose of Policy

This policy is established to:

a. Prevent the development of a sexually hostile, abusive, or unprofessional work environment.
 

b. Ensure that supervisory and subordinate relationships remain professional, objective, and free from favoritism or perceived bias.
 

c. Prevent and eliminate sexual harassment in the workplace.
 

d. Maintain discipline, cohesion, and operational effectiveness in high-risk correctional environments.
 

e. Preserve order, morale, teamwork, and public trust in the Randolph County Detention Center.

3. Employment of Family Members or Spouses

a. In the event spouses are employed by the Detention Center, neither spouse shall supervise, evaluate, or otherwise hold a position of authority over the other.
 

b. Spouses shall not be assigned to the same shift or post where operational overlap could create conflict of interest or perception of favoritism.
 

c. Hiring of immediate family members is discouraged and will be carefully evaluated to avoid operational conflicts or chain-of-command concerns.

4. Supervisor Responsibilities

a. Supervisors shall maintain strictly professional relationships with all subordinates at all times.
 

b. Any actual or perceived romantic or sexual relationship between a supervisor and subordinate may constitute sexual harassment and shall be immediately reported and addressed.
 

c. Supervisors are prohibited from engaging in fraternization with subordinates under any circumstances.
 

d. Supervisors have a duty to report suspected violations of this policy to the Chief Jail Administrator, Chief Deputy, or Sheriff.
 

e. Supervisors shall actively prevent and address any conduct that could contribute to a hostile or inappropriate work environment.

5. Policy Objectives

Compliance with this policy supports:

a. Reduction of sexual harassment risks.
 

b. Elimination of real or perceived favoritism.
 

c. Protection of workplace morale and discipline.
 

d. Prevention of divided loyalties in critical or life-threatening incidents.
 

e. Protection of confidential personnel and operational information.
 

f. Preservation of the integrity and reputation of the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office and Detention Center.

Enforcement

All employees are required to comply with this policy. Any violation of this policy may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.