The orderly and efficient operation of a Bristol County correctional facility requires that employees maintain discipline and proper personal standards of conduct at all times.
The following are some examples of rules of conduct. See policy number BCSO 01.07 for a complete version of the Bristol County Sheriff's Office Code of Ethics policy.
Relationships with clients, colleagues, other professionals and the general public:
All BCSO staff members shall respect and protect the civil and legal rights of all clients, shall serve each case with the appropriate concern for the client's welfare and with no purpose of personal gain, shall be of such character as to promote mutual respect with the profession and improvement of its quality and service, and shall respect and protect the rights of the public and be safeguarded from criminal activity.
Professional Conduct and Practices:
No BCSO staff member shall use their official position to secure privileges or advantages for themselves, shall not accept any gift or favor of a nature to imply an obligation, each staff member shall report without reservation any corrupt or unethical behavior that could affect either a client or the integrity of the organization, shall not discriminate against any client, employee, or prospective employee on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, age, handicap, creed, or national origin.
Conflict of Interest: Gifts and Political Activities:
No staff member of the Bristol County Sheriff's Office, consultant, or contractor to the Sheriff's Office or any staff member's family shall be able to accept a gift or loan made either directly or indirectly to someone acting on behalf of the intended recipient from the following individuals: Former inmate, Member of a present or former inmate's family, Person, Group, or organization acting on behalf of present or former inmates. Any staff member whom unknowingly accepts a gift must report the matter to the Sheriff of Bristol County as soon as possible after the discovery.
Inmate Record Information:
No BCSO staff member shall disclose criminal offender record information (CORI) except to authorize agencies individuals and as directed by the Criminal History Systems Board regulations. A staff member in violation of this policy is subject to a fine up to $5,000 and/or imprisonment for up to one year.
Sexual Harassment:
Any employee found to have engaged in sexual harassment in violation of this policy of the Bristol County Sheriff's Office Sexual Harassment Policy (BCSO 03.05) shall be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including, termination of employment.
Reportable Information:
A BCSO staff member is responsible for promptly reporting the following information to the ADS Human Resources and the facility Deputy Superintendent: Change in home address, summer address or telephone number, the commitment of a relative or close friend, any involvement with law enforcement, including investigation, arrests, court appearances, and any other employment or second job.