DRPS update policies to ensure safe, positive and inclusive workplace
By Courtney Bachar/The Oshawa Express/LJI Reporter
Durham Regional Police Services (DRPS) is making some changes to its Treatment of Members policy.
The board voted in favour of four new policies, which were presented to the board recently by executive director Bill Clancy.
He says the new policies are focused on the working environment of DRPS members with the overall objective to ensure that the workplace is safe, positive, inclusive and efficient.
“By creating standalone policies for these distinct workplace matters, the board will ensure that it is fulfilling its authority as the employer to develop policies for the effective management of the service,” he says.
The first new policy is the prevention of harassment and discrimination in the workplace, which Clancy says expands on current requirements stated in the policy. He explains reports will be required from DRPS members upon conclusion of a workplace investigation, which is consistent with current workplace practices.
The second policy is positive workplace culture.
“This is a new policy that expresses, at a broad level, the board’s commitment to a workplace and expectations upon the chief of police for maintaining a positive organizational culture,” Clancy continues.
The third policy is the administration of human resources, which Clancy says captures the remaining elements that currently exist in the Treatment of Members policy, not covered by the other new policies.
“While the requirements are stated somewhat differently, the expectations in reporting are generally consistent with the existing version,” he says.
Lastly, Clancy says all boards are required to implement policies on discipline under the Community and Safety Policing Act, and “although the legislation is not currently enforced, adopting this new policy now will put the board ahead of the curve.
“If any changes are necessary based on the regulations that the province will be developing, the policy can be adjusted at that time.”