RANDOLPH COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE

1.3. Policy

It is the policy of the Randolph County Detention Center that all staff shall perform their duties in accordance with the Policy and Procedure Directives Manual and shall maintain professional, ethical, and lawful relationships with detainees, detainees’ families, friends, and visitors. All individuals shall be treated fairly, impartially, and with respect at all times.

Staff are expected to maintain a professional demeanor consistent with law enforcement standards both on and off duty, and to uphold the integrity, security, and mission of the facility at all times.

Procedure

1.3.1 Required Conduct

Employees of the Randolph County Detention Center shall:

• Treat all individuals with courtesy, dignity, respect, and professionalism.

• Maintain a calm, controlled, and professional demeanor at all times.

• Perform all duties promptly, efficiently, and to the best of their ability.

• Comply fully with all policies, procedures, rules, regulations, and lawful orders.

• Ensure detainees are treated fairly, impartially, and consistently in accordance with law and policy.

• Avoid rude, profane, insolent, or unprofessional language or behavior.

1.3.2 Prohibited Conduct

Employees shall NOT engage in any of the following:

• Exchange gifts, favors, or benefits with detainees, their families, or visitors.

• Solicit or accept bribes, gratuities, or unlawful inducements.

• Report for duty or remain on duty under the influence of alcohol, illegal drugs, or unlawfully used controlled substances.

• Consume alcohol or illegal substances while on duty.

• Leave assigned posts or the facility without proper authorization.

• Disobey lawful orders or violate policies and procedures.

• Discriminate against any protected class under law.

• Use corporal punishment or unnecessary, excessive, or unauthorized force.

• Harass, intimidate, demean, or humiliate detainees or employees.

• Engage in sexual harassment or unlawful workplace harassment.

• Introduce, possess, or use unauthorized weapons, tools, or contraband.

• Engage in unprofessional or derogatory discussions about staff or detainees in the presence of detainees or visitors.

• Disclose confidential detainee or operational information without authorization.

• Inquire about or discuss detainee criminal cases outside official duties.

• Engage in theft, fraud, or criminal conduct.

• Misrepresent, falsify, or withhold official information.

• Engage in conduct on or off duty that constitutes conduct unbecoming or damages agency integrity.

• Endanger safety, security, or welfare through misconduct or negligence.

• Release detainee transport or movement information without proper authorization.

• Accept or maintain outside employment without prior written approval.

• Fraternize, cohabitate, or engage in romantic or sexual relationships with current detainees or former detainees within thirty-six (36) months of release or custody termination.

1.3.3 Professional Appearance Standards

Employees shall maintain a neat, clean, and professional appearance while on duty.

Uniform Standards

• Uniforms shall be clean, pressed, and worn properly at all times.

• Footwear shall be black, clean, and in good condition.

• Only authorized black undershirts may be visible.

Grooming Standards

• Hair shall be maintained in natural colors only (black, brown, blonde, gray, or natural red).

• Unnatural or distracting hair colors are prohibited.

• Male hair shall be above the collar.

• Facial hair must be neatly trimmed and well-groomed.

• Female employees with long hair shall secure it in an approved updo while on duty.

Personal Appearance

• Jewelry shall be minimal, conservative, and safety appropriate.

• Prohibited items include nose rings, tongue rings, eyebrow rings, large or dangling earrings, loose necklaces, and excessive bracelets.

• Employees shall maintain acceptable personal hygiene at all times.

1.3.4 Enforcement

Violation of any provision of this policy may result in corrective action or disciplinary measures in accordance with departmental disciplinary procedures, up to and including suspension, termination, and/or criminal prosecution.