33-601.243. Basic Training Program - Employee Standards of Appearance, Conduct, and Fitness

(1) Employees selected to participate in the basic training program are expected to maintain high personal standards in regard to appearance, physical conditioning and mental alertness. Since inmates assigned to the basic training program will tend to identify with staff as role models, their dress, demeanor, and behavior must be highly professional.

(2) No employee in the basic training program shall swear or use profanity.

(3) Staff shall not require an inmate to perform an extraordinary activity which may be injurious to this health or present a threat to the inmate’s personal safety. Employees shall remain alert to inmate behavior which may indicate the need for referral to counseling staff or medical staff.

(4) Correctional officers in the basic training program will be expected to pass a physical fitness test prior to assignment to a post in the basic training program and every quarter year thereafter in order to remain physically capable of performing the assigned duties. Correctional officers selected for the basic training program shall complete the 40 hour job specific youthful offender training before being assigned to work with youthful offenders.

(5) Correctional officer employees who cannot meet the minimum physical requirements of the basic training program will be given a 60-day period in which to improve their performance to the level indicated above. Failure to improve within 60 days shall result in the employee being reassigned out of the basic training program.

Rulemaking Authority 944.09 FS. Law Implemented 944.09 FS. History–New 2-26-89, Amended 1-25-96, Formerly 33-27.014, 33-506.213, Amended 1-17-02, 6-4-09.