305 – Performance of Duty
I. Purpose
This policy establishes directives for the expected performance of Harris County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) employees to better serve the citizens of Harris County.
II. Policy
The HCSO expects its employees to provide competent, efficient, and courteous service to the public.
III. Performance of Duties
The following will govern how employees carry out their duties:
A. Attention to Duty
During assigned duty hours, employees must devote their full time and attention to the service of the HCSO and will not engage in any other business, occupation, or activity.
B. Cowardice
Employees must not display cowardice in the line of duty or fail to support fellow employees in the performance of their duty.
C. Discharge of Duties
Employees must perform their duties in accordance with the Department Manual, job description, and all applicable bureau orders and memoranda.
1. Employees must conduct themselves responsibly and display proper demeanor in order to bring credit upon themselves and the agency.
2. Employees are required to discharge their duties in a calm and firm manner. Employees must exercise due diligence and discharge their duties in accordance with local, state, and federal law. Employees must cooperate with one another to preserve law and order.
D. Efficiency
Employees must discharge their duties in the most efficient manner possible.
E. Failure to Perform Duty
Employees who display reluctance to perform assigned duties properly, act in a manner to bring discredit upon themselves or the agency, fail to assume responsibility, or to exercise diligence, proper demeanor, intelligence, and interest in the discharge of duties, may be deemed negligent or incompetent and could be subject to disciplinary action, including suspension, demotion, or termination.
F. Harmony and Cooperation
Employees must conduct themselves in a manner to ensure optimal cooperation with each other, other HCSO bureaus, and with employees of other county, city, state, and federal government agencies and the public.
G. Specific Duties
In addition to their regularly assigned duties, employees must perform other duties required of them by competent authority.
Revision
This policy has been revised on the below listed dates:
April 21, 2009
June 15, 2021