Course Description

The vast majority of citizen complaints and lawsuits are generated by the alleged misconduct or negligence of a very small number of law enforcement officers. It is crucial, therefore, that leaders can effectively discipline these individuals to save careers when they can and terminate officers when they must. But the fundamental purpose of discipline—to correct behavior and maintain organizational integrity—is only served if the discipline actually sticks.

For many law enforcement leaders, the work that goes into diligent supervision and internal investigations seems wasted in light of the reality that many of their disciplinary decisions are overturned in arbitration or in court.

In this two-hour webinar, Attorney Matt Dolan will discuss the common pitfalls that law enforcement leaders should avoid in their efforts to make discipline stick. He will also discuss practical steps leaders can take to ensure fairness in their disciplinary processes and significantly increase the likelihood that their disciplinary decisions are upheld.

Topics covered will include:

  • Utilizing the Just Cause Doctrine in making ethically and legally defensible disciplinary decisions
  • Recognizing Inconsistent Discipline as the most common reason for discipline being overturned
  • Resisting the temptation to allow past misconduct to impact an internal affairs investigation
  • Following Due Process standards—particularly in the face of public pressure to act immediately
  • Recognizing the role of performance evaluations and “good work history” in making discipline stick


Instructor

Director, Dolan Consulting Group

| Attorney Matt Dolan

Matt Dolan is a licensed attorney in the State of Illinois, who specializes in training and advising public safety agencies in matters of labor and employment law. His practice experience focuses on employment discrimination claims brought under federal law, including Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 ("Title VII"), the Americans with Disabilities Act ("ADA"), and the Age Discrimination in Employment Act ("ADEA"). He received his Bachelor's Degree in Political Science from DePaul University and his J.D. from Loyola University Chicago School of Law.

Matt serves as a public safety instructor with Dolan Consulting Group. He has trained and advised thousands of public safety professionals throughout the United States in matters of legal liability related to personnel management.

Course curriculum

  • 1

    Before You Start

    • Consent Questions

  • 2

    Webinar

    • Making Discipline Stick® | Hour 1

    • Making Discipline Stick® | Hour 2