document Fitness for Duty

All officers are expected to be physically, emotionally, and mentally fit for duty, and able to conduct their law enforcement duties and responsibilities in a safe, productive, and effective manner. It is recommended that your procedures manual include a written policy that provides, under limited circumstances, for the department to require a professional evaluation of an employee’s physical and/or mental capabilities to determine their fitness for duty. This procedure should include guidelines on employee responsibilities, supervisor responsibilities, and guidelines for duty status and fitness-for-duty evaluations. NOTE: Prior to implementation of this policy, departments should consult with their legal counsel and human resource personnel, to determine its applicability and feasibility. Legal counsel with experience in employment law is recommended to help determine best practices for your organization. Fitness, Fit, Duty, PSOP-029