Common use of INTERNAL AFFAIRS Clause in Contracts

INTERNAL AFFAIRS. A. The parties recognize that law enforcement personnel occupy a special place in American society. Therefore, it is understood that the County has the right to expect a professional standard of conduct such as the Law Enforcement Code of Ethics be adhered to by all law enforcement personnel regardless of rank or assignment. Since internal investigations may be undertaken to inquire into complaints of law enforcement misconduct, the Department reserves the right to conduct reasonable investigations designed to uncover the facts in each case, but expressly agree to carefully guard and protect the rights and dignity of accused personnel. In the course of an internal investigation, law enforcement personnel will be treated as professionals. The investigative methods employed will be reasonable, and consistent with the law and ethics. The Departments will obtain complainants statements under oath or affirmation absent extenuating circumstances. Said complaints shall be taken and sworn to on a standard form. The County agrees to review and consider seeking criminal prosecution against any complainant who is found to have made and sworn to any false allegations against an employee. Individual employees will not be discouraged by the Department from seeking their own legal remedies. B. The findings of all Internal Affairs investigations, shall be termed as: 1. Not Sustained; in that there is insufficient evidence to sustain the complaint. 2. Exonerated; in that the incident occurred, but employees' actions were justified, lawful and proper. 3. Unfounded; in that the complainant admits to false allegation; the charges were false or not factual or the employee was not involved in the incident.