OFFENSE

EMPLOYER’S PENALTY

RESULT ON APPEAL

DESCRIPTION

CASE NAME

Neglect Of Duty

Termination

Termination

New Orleans police officer was absent without leave for at least 13 days because she was evacuating her family with her husband prior to Hurricane Katrina. Officer did not even try to obtain permission from her supervisors before leaving the city.

Sabel v. Department of Police, 2008 WL 615925 (La.App. 2008).

Performance Of Duty

Termination

20-Day Suspension

Property room supervisor allowed technician who was working overtime to accompany her to a roping contest while he was supposed to be working, did not adequately control individuals assigned to her, and initiated too many changes too fast without explaining to her staff the reasons for the changes. In mitigation, supervisor was rated “effective” in her first six months on the job, was rated “highly effective” prior to her promotion, had letters of commendation, and received little help from her immediate supervisor.

City of Arlington, Texas, 124 LA 648 (Moore, 2007).

Substance Abuse

Termination

Unspecified Suspension

Firefighter tested positive for marijuana during a random drug test. Evidence established that the employer had a second-chance policy that generally followed principles of progressive discipline.

City of Lancaster v. Clopton, 2008 WL 541788 (Tex.App. 2008).