The Dynamic of Discipline series introduces a two-part character-based Rule of Discipline that serves as a guide for administering a progressive disciplinary model within an organization.

RULE OF DISCIPLINE

Part 1: Let the nature of the offense determine the range of disciplinary options that are available 

Part 2: Let the character of the offender determine which option you choose

In any given situation where there is an infraction that requires disciplinary action, there is typically a range of options available to the SuperVisor. Many factors determine the range of options: the seriousness of the offense, policy, the law, court precedents, collective bargaining agreements, the authority or rank of the supervisor, etc. Depending on the nature of the offense, the range may be wide or it may be narrow. It may be limited to the serious end of the disciplinary spectrum, or it may be limited on the non-serious end. But there is generally at least SOME discretionary authority available to the administrator. 

The question becomes what option within that range of discretionary authority do you choose. That’s where the Dynamic Leadership Rule of Discipline comes into play. 

I have found this to be a difficult concept for some of my Police Dynamics students to grasp, primarily because it can result in different levels of discipline for the same offense which seems inherently unfair. However, Fairness is not our goal – Restorative Justice is. And by Restorative Justice I mean restoration of the proper relationship between the offender and his or her authorities.

Perhaps in a future training video, I will address the essential difference between Justice and Fairness, a topic I address in more detail in the Dynamic of Jurisdictions. But for now, suffice it to say that Fairness leaves no room for discretion, while Justice does. Fairness does not focus on restoration, Justice does. Fairness involves a moving standard of consequences, while the standards of Justice are set. Fairness removes character from the equation, Justice includes it as an essential component. 

To apply this rule, you must don your SuperVision glasses in order to discern the character of the offender. This requires a prior relationship which is why Team-Building Roles are so important. If the offender has demonstrated a Faithful Spirit in the past, you would choose a disciplinary option that is on the low-end of the scale. If they have a record of being Rebellious or have shown an Independent Spirit, you would choose an option toward the higher end. If there is any question about where the character of the offender falls, then I always try to give the benefit of the doubt and err on the side of leniency.

Granted, some offenses are so egregious that there is little room for discretion. Perhaps termination is the only option, or even criminal prosecution. In those cases, immediate restoration is not generally possible. Although I have experienced many cases where a relationship with a deputy that I had to fire was later restored.

In the next video, we will examine how to apply this rule of discipline within a progressive disciplinary model.

Sheriff Ray