OLD - Discipline Procedures

Official Disciplinary Process

Purpose:

• The purpose of this Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) is to establish a clear and fair set of disciplinary procedures for members of Rescue Squad One (RS1). These procedures are designed to maintain discipline, uphold the RS1 values, and ensure a positive gaming environment for all members.

Responsibilities:

Officers and NCOs:

• Uphold and enforce the RS1 rules and regulations as outlined in Org rules, SOPs, and guidelines
• Lead by example and exhibit exemplary behavior.
• Report any violations promptly to higher-ranking officers or the designated disciplinary officer.

Lead Disciplinary Officer (LDO):

• Individual elected by Admirals, responsible for overseeing disciplinary matters.
• Conduct thorough investigations into reported violations.
• Recommend appropriate disciplinary actions to RS1's leadership.

Disciplinary Procedures:

Reporting:

• Any member who observes or experiences a violation of the RS1 rules should promptly report it to command. This can be done through a complaint ticket, a private ticket, or through DMs if you would like some level of anonymity. Once a report is received, a minimum of three officers must reach consensus that further investigation is required. At which point in time a Lead Disciplinary Officer (LDO) will be selected by the Admirals. Any officer with direct involvement or the inability to be impartial would be removed from the consensus, the investigation, and any votes on the matter.

Investigation:

• A secondary ticket separate from the complaint ticket shall be utilized for the investigation and documentation. If the accused is the rank of Fleet Admiral and offline ticket will be utilized.
• At this time, the accused will be notified that an investigation is occurring.
• The LDO will conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into the reported violation while utilizing other impartial members of command as needed.
• A minimum of thirty six hours from consensus will be required to gather and review evidence before any action is taken against the accused.
• Any officer or NCO involved will be given an opportunity to present their side of the story.
• Once the LDO is satisfied that all evidence has been gathered, they will initiate a command vote to determine what level of Discipline is required, if any. Majority rule is required to pass.

Disciplinary Actions:

• A third ticket will be  created by the LDO to facilitate the Disciplinary Actions. This ticket will remain open to the accused for 48 hours in order for them to make their case against the charges.
• Based on the findings of the investigation and the discussion with the accused, the LDO will recommend appropriate disciplinary actions, which may include verbal warnings, written warnings, suspension of privileges, demotion, or removal from the position in accordance with our standard disciplinary system.
• A final command vote will be initiated by the LDO to confirm their recommendation.

Appeals:

• Anyone who receives disciplinary action has the right to appeal the decision. Appeals should be submitted in writing to RS1's leadership.
• In the event of an appeal, the evidence gathered from the initial investigation and any new evidence or testimony will be provided to the command team with the addition of three randomly chosen NCOs. The disciplinary procedure will then begin again with 36 hours to review evidence.

Record Keeping:

• The disciplinary officer will maintain accurate and confidential records of all disciplinary actions involving any member of RS1.
• Records will be kept in the “Discipline Logs” post of “Command Logs.”
• Officer disciplinary logs will be kept at the Admiral level.

Timeline

• Step 1: Disciplinary Matter is brought to the attention of Command.
• Step 2: Consensus to proceed is agreed upon by a minimum of three officers and an LDO is selected.
• Step 3: A minimum of 36 hours is required for the collection and review of evidence. It is at this time that the accused is informed an investigation has begun into their actions.
• Step 4: A majority vote is required to determine what level of disciplinary action, if any, is required.
• Step 5: The LDO creates and outlines the case against the accused, with consenting officers signing their confirmation.
• Step 6: The accused is added to the ticket and case deliberations begin.
• Step 7: After 48 hours and after all arguments have been made, a final majority vote is required to confirm the level of disciplinary action to be taken against the accused.
• Step 8: The disciplinary results are logged and actions are taken against the accused.
• Step 9: In the event of an appeal, the process returns to Step 3, but will include 3 NCOs chosen at random to assist in reviewing and voting on the case.

Lightning Response

• During certain exceptional circumstances, some disciplinary matters may be dealt with as “Lightning Offenses.” These special disciplinary responses are determined in the moment to be severe enough to overrule the previously explained process and typically occur in one of two scenarios. Either an offense takes place during an event where immediate action is deemed necessary to prevent further damage or escalation, or the offense is grievous enough to warrant immediate punitive action.
• Lightning responses can range from placement of an individual in quarantine until such time that the full disciplinary process can be initiated, to the most severe response of an immediate removal from the Org and ban from the discord server.
• Lightning Response’s will only be enacted by Lieutenants or above, and any occurrence will initiate a full investigation both into the actions of the accused and of the enacting officer to ensure the response was justified.

Review:

• RS1's leadership will periodically review the effectiveness of these disciplinary procedures and make any necessary updates or improvements.

Conclusion:

• These disciplinary procedures are essential for maintaining the integrity and positive atmosphere of Rescue Squad One. All officers and NCOs are expected to adhere to these guidelines, and any deviations will be addressed promptly and fairly.