(A) It is the policy of the County to ensure the safety of all employees by maintaining a workplace free of violence. Workplace violence can occur in many forms including: any verbal or physical action that is communicated or perceived as a threat, harassment, abuse, intimidation, or personal contact that produces fear for personal safety, causes bodily harm or damage to property.
(B) Employees are asked to take appropriate measures to keep the workplace harmonious and to treat co-workers, supervisors, and the general public with respect. Employees should not, under any circumstance, react to a threat of violence, verbal assault, or rude behavior. Rather, employees should immediately remove themselves from the situation and report the threat to their supervisor or department head.
(C) Violating this policy makes an employee subject to discipline, up to and including discharge.
(D) Right of Inspections and Inquiry
(1) When the County deems it necessary to ensure the safety of County property; to provide a secure workplace; to prevent the possession, use, or sale of illegal drugs; or possession of alcohol in the workplace, the County reserves the right to:
(a) Search employee areas.
(b) Question employees.
(2) In addition, the County may inspect the contents of lockers, storage areas, file cabinets, desks, offices, and work stations at any time. All searches may be conducted at the County's discretion and without notice. Employees are expected to cooperate with searches and inspections. Employees who fail to cooperate are subject to disciplinary action, up to and including discharge.
(3) Furthermore, employees are subject to disciplinary action appropriate to policy violations uncovered during a search/inspection.
(E) Damage, Loss, or Theft of County Property, Equipment, and Supplies - All employees are expected to exercise reasonable care to protect County property, equipment, and supplies from damage, loss, and/or theft. Employees are responsible for the proper care and return of all property, equipment, and supplies used to perform work and/or assigned to their possession. An employee who has reason to believe that County property, equipment, and/or supplies are in danger of being damaged, lost, or stolen is expected to immediately report this to his or her department head.
(F) Damage, Loss, or Theft of Employees' Personal Property - Employees are expected to exercise reasonable care for their own protection and for that of the personal items they bring to work. The County is not responsible for the loss, damage, or theft of personal belongings. Employees are advised not to carry unnecessary amounts of cash or other valuables with them when they come to work.