230 – Staff Meetings and Briefings

I. Purpose

A system utilizing the exchange of ideas and information is necessary to facilitate effective communications between Harris County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) staff and employees to promote growth within the organization. The goals of this organization are accomplished through the integration of ideas presented by and through the HCSO staff.

II. Policy

In an effort to promote effective verbal communication and cooperation between HCSO bureaus and divisions, scheduled staff meetings shall be convened based on the following guidelines. Persons outside each respective management group may periodically be asked to attend meetings for cause.

III. Procedure

A. The Sheriff’s command staff shall, when possible, meet weekly. The Sheriff, his or her designee, or the administrative major will determine the date and may delegate specific duties in relation to the staff meeting.

B. The management staff of each bureau shall, when possible and within workload constraints, meet monthly. The bureau commander will determine the date of each meeting and notify all bureau management staff.

C. The supervisory staff of each division shall hold periodic meetings at the direction of the division commander. These meetings can be held on an individual basis or in a group setting. The division commander will determine the date of each meeting and notify all division supervisors.

D. Shift briefings shall be held on a weekly basis or at the call of the first line supervisor as needed. Shift briefings provide a forum for personnel to receive information and provide feedback to their supervisor in areas such as:

1. Assignments and scheduling,

2. HCSO policies: review and updates. Supervisors shall review all amendments to the department policy with employees under their command and document employee receipt of amendments.

3. In-service training: changes in laws, policies, and procedures. Supervisors conducting mandatory in-service training during shift briefings shall document attendance and coordinate the curriculum through the HCSO Academy.

4. Line inspections: In bureaus and divisions where shift meetings are not routinely conducted, or when information must be immediately provided to personnel and a shift meeting is not practical, supervisors shall disseminate necessary information by e-mail or memorandum. Meeting agendas and documentation identifying personnel attending meetings or training sessions shall be maintained for a minimum of 12 months by the supervisor calling the meeting.

Revision

This policy has been revised on the below listed dates:

April 21, 2009

June 17, 2021