Laserfiche WebLink
Breadcrumb Navigation:
Policy & Procedure Page 1 of 6 <br />Lexington Police <br />Department <br />Subject: <br />Disciplinary Procedures <br />Policy Number: <br />26C <br />Accreditation Standards: <br />Reference: 26.1.1; 26.1.2; 26.1.4; 26.1.5; 26.1.6; 26.1.7; <br />26.1.8 Effective Date: <br />12/1/16 <br />New <br />Revised <br />Revision <br />Dates: <br />1/24/19 <br />By Order of: Mark J. Corr, Chief of Police <br />The Municipal Police Institute, Inc. (MPI) is a private, nonprofit charitable affiliate of the <br />Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association. MPI provides training and model policies and <br />procedures for police agencies. This policy is an edited version of MPI Policy 4.13. <br />GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS AND GUIDELINES <br />Under most circumstances, the term “discipline” is incorrectly interpreted to be solely <br />a negative form of punishment. This directive reflects the term ‘discipline’ in its <br />broader sense, as in having a “highly disciplined department.” In this usage, <br />discipline takes on a positive connotation and is associated with conformance to a set <br />of rules, a code of ethics and a high standard of conduct that results in a <br />departmental image of professionalism. Department disciplinary policy differentiates <br />between exemplary performance, performance deficiencies and intentional acts. <br />Exemplary performance should be recognized and/or rewarded. Performance <br />deficiencies may be the result of the lack of training, knowledge or experience on the <br />part of an employee and may be corrected through training or mentoring. On the <br />other hand, intentional wrongful acts are a more serious matter. An employee who <br />makes a conscientious decision to disobey a Department rule or policy, or a state or <br />federal statute may be subject to discipline up to and including dismissal and/or <br />criminal prosecution. <br />This disciplinary directive enables all officers and employees to know what is <br />expected of them and to understand that appropriate discipline will be administered <br />when required. Essential fairness and justice are the foundation of this process.