OFFENSE

EMPLOYER’S PENALTY

RESULT ON APPEAL

DESCRIPTION

CASE NAME

Conduct Unbecoming, On Duty

9-Day Suspension

5-Day Suspension

Police officer became embroiled in verbal confrontation with employee of a fast-food concession located at an airport, was disrespectful to the employee, and used improper language during the confrontation. The City did not summon the fast-food employee to the arbitration hearing, denying the officer the opportunity for cross examination. As such, Arbitrator reversed portion of suspension dealing with use of profanity.

City of Houston, LAIG 6130 (Goodman, 2004).

Insubordination

Termination

Reinstatement With Back Pay

Officer terminated for taking newer (but still used) badge cover from desk in area containing used equipment, where Department intended that new badge covers be given to new recruits. Officers were welcome to take badge covers from the desk without accountability, and there was no indication that the officer was ever told that the particular badge cover she took was one that had been earmarked for a new recruit.

White v. Municipal Fire and Police Civil Service Board of theCity of Shreveport, 2004 WL 2101838 (La.App. 2004).

Substance Abuse

Termination

Termination

On random drug test, firefighter tested positive for amphetamines and methamphetamines. In non-union setting, Court was obliged to uphold decision of personnel board if there was "any evidence" supporting the termination.

Coweta County v. Henderson, 2004 WL 1921179 (Ga.App. 2004).