No. 33795 (Emergency Rule): Rule R728-409. Refusal, Suspension, or Revocation of Peace Officer Certification

DAR File No.: 33795
Filed: 06/30/2010 01:49:57 PM

RULE ANALYSIS

Purpose of the rule or reason for the change:

H.B. 187 enacted by the 2010 Utah Legislature became effective 05/12/2010. This bill significantly modified the Public Safety Code relating to peace officer certification and the procedures and grounds for the denial, relinquishment, suspension, or revocation of peace officer certification. Rule R728-409 currently in effect no longer complies with state law. This emergency rule is necessary to provide for public safety as it relates to the regulation of peace officer certification and to keep the agency in compliance with state law.

Summary of the rule or change:

This rule change constitutes a repeal and reenactment. The new rule establishes procedures for the suspension or revocation of a peace officer's certification that are in compliance with Section 53-6-211 as modified by the 2010 legislature. The rule change provides definitions, outlines investigative procedures, outlines procedures for adjudicative proceedings, and establishes procedures to be followed by the Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Council in issuing an order for the suspension or revocation of a peace officer's certification.

Emergency rule reason and justification:

Regular rulemaking procedures would cause an imminent peril to the public health, safety, or welfare; and place the agency in violation of federal or state law.

Justification: Subsection 53-6-103(3) charges the Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Division with ensuring the safety and welfare of the citizens of this state by providing for efficient and professional law enforcement. This emergency rule is necessary to ensure POST may continue to take appropriate action on peace officer misconduct. This rule is also necessary to ensure POST is in compliance with Section 53-6-211 as modified by the 2010 legislature.

State statutory or constitutional authorization for this rule:

• Section 53-6-211

This rule or change incorporates by reference the following material:

• Adds: POST Council Disciplinary Guidelines, 06/07/2010

Anticipated cost or savings to:

the state budget:

There is no anticipated cost or savings to the state budget by implementation of this rule because the changes in the rule do not establish any additional requirements that would have fiscal impact.

local governments:

There is no anticipated cost or savings to local government by implementation of this rule because the changes in the rule do not establish any additional requirements that would have fiscal impact.

small businesses:

There is no anticipated cost or savings to small businesses by implementation of this rule because the changes in the rule do not establish any additional requirements that would have fiscal impact.

persons other than small businesses, businesses, or local governmental entities:

There is no anticipated cost or savings to other persons by implementation of this rule because the changes in the rule do not establish any additional requirements that would have fiscal impact.

Compliance costs for affected persons:

There is no anticipated cost or savings to affected persons by implementation of this rule because the changes in the rule do not establish any additional requirements that would have fiscal impact.

Comments by the department head on the fiscal impact the rule may have on businesses:

This rule change will have no fiscal impact on businesses.

D. Lance Davenport, Commissioner

The full text of this rule may be inspected, during regular business hours, at the Division of Administrative Rules, or at:

Public Safety
Peace Officer Standards and Training
410 W 9800 S
SANDY, UT 84070

Direct questions regarding this rule to:

• Kelly Sparks at the above address, by phone at 801-256-2321, by FAX at 801-256-0600, or by Internet E-mail at [e-mail]

This rule is effective on:

06/30/2010

Authorized by:

Scott Stephenson, Director

RULE TEXT

R728. Public Safety, Peace Officer Standards and Training.

[ R728-409. Refusal, Suspension, or Revocation of Peace Officer Certification.

R728-409-1. Authority.

The authority for the refusal, suspension or revocation of peace officer certification is authorized under Section 53-6-105(K) and 53-6-211 which gives authority for the Director of Peace Officers Standards and Training to make rules for this chapter.

 

R728-409-2. Purpose.

The purpose of a procedure for the refusal, suspension, or revocation of peace officer certification/authority is to further law enforcement professionalism and to protect the public, employing agencies and law enforcement officers alike.

 

R728-409-3. Cause to Evaluate Certification for the Refusal, Suspension, or Revocation of Peace Officer Certification or Authority.

The division may initiate an investigation when it receives information that grounds for refusal, suspension, or revocation of certification exist. The initial information may come from any responsible source, including those provisions of R728-409-5. Pursuant to the purpose and intent of 53-6-211, revocation is a permanent deprivation of peace officer certification or authority, and except as outlined in R728-409-28 does not allow for a person who has been revoked in the State of Utah to be readmitted into any peace officer training program conducted by or under the approval of the division, or to have peace officer certification or authority reinstated or restored by the division.

Any of the following provisions may constitute cause for refusal, suspension, or revocation of peace officer certification or authority:

A. Any willful falsification of any information provided to the division to obtain certified status. The information could be in the form of written application, supplementary documentation requested or required by the division, testimony or other oral communication to the division, or any other form of information which could be considered fraudulent or false for purposes of Subsection 53-6-211(1)(d)(i).

B. "Physical or mental disability" for purposes of Section 53-6-211(1)(d)(ii), shall be defined as set forth in Utah Administrative Code, Rule R728-403-9, Physical, Emotional, or Mental Condition Requirement, and division medical guidelines.

C. Conviction of any drug related offense including the provisions of Title 58 Chapter 37.

D. "Addiction to drug or narcotics" for purposes of Section 53-6-211(1)(d)(iii) means addiction to any drug or narcotic as defined in Title 58, Chapter 37.

1. Peace officers who, in the normal course of their peace officer duties and functions, possess, attempt to simulate, unintentionally use or are forced to use, narcotics, drugs, or drug paraphernalia, shall be exempt from the provisions of Section 53-6-211(1)(d)(iii) and (v), so long as their conduct:

a. is authorized by their law enforcement employer; and

b. does not jeopardize the public health, safety or welfare.

2. Addiction to drugs or narcotics as a direct result of the legitimate treatment of a physical, emotional or psychological disease, or injury which is currently being treated by a licensed physician or medical practitioner licensed in this state or any other state, and which has been reported, in writing, to the law enforcement employer and P.O.S.T., shall not be considered a violation of Section 53-6-211(1)(d)(iii) so long as the addiction does not jeopardize the public health, safety or welfare.

a. Addiction to unlawfully obtained drugs or narcotics arising from circumstances not involving (a) the legitimate treatment of a physical disease; (b) circumstances involving surgery or serious injury; (c) from psychological illness; and (d) which has not been treated by a licensed physician or medical practitioner, licensed in this state or any other state, shall be considered a violation of Section 53-6-211(1)(d)(iii).

b. No applicant shall be granted peace officer certification or authority if it is demonstrated that the applicant has a drug addiction which is not under control.

c. A peace officer may have peace officer certification or authority temporarily suspended for the duration of drug rehabilitation. If the peace officer has demonstrated control of the drug addiction as determined by a division medical consultant, peace officer certification or authority shall be restored.

d. Criminal conduct by a person asserting the conduct was the result of drug addiction or dependence shall be grounds for refusal, suspension or revocation of peace officer certification or authority despite the fact that rehabilitation has not occurred prior to the peace officer certification or authority being refused, suspended or revoked.

3. Notwithstanding anything contained in this administrative rule to the contrary, a peace officer may have peace officer certification or authority revoked for conduct in violation of Section 53-6-211(1)(d)(iii), if, prior to the conduct in question, the peace officer has had a previous suspension or revocation of peace officer certification or authority under Section 53-6-211(1)(d)(iii), or similar statute of another jurisdiction.

E. Conviction of a felony.

F. "Crimes involving dishonesty" for purposes of Section 53-6-211(1)(d)(iv) means conviction for criminal conduct, under the statutes of this state or any other jurisdiction, which under the rules of evidence can be used to impeach a witness or involving, but not limited to, any of the following:

1. theft;

2. fraud;

3. tax evasion;

4. issuing bad checks;

5. financial transaction credit card offenses;

6. deceptive business practices;

7. defrauding creditors;

8. robbery;

9. aggravated robbery;

10. bribery or receiving a bribe;

11. perjury;

12. extortion;

13. falsifying government records;

14. forgery;

15. receiving stolen property;

16. burglary or aggravated burglary.

G. "Crimes involving unlawful sexual conduct" for purposes of Section 53-6-211(1)(d)(iv) means any violation described in Title 76, Chapter 5, Part 4; Chapter 5a; Chapter 7, Part 1; Chapter 10, Part 13; or Chapter 9, Part 7, Section 702, 702.5 and 702.7.

H. "Crimes involving physical violence" for purposes of Section 53-6-211(1)(d)(iv) means any violation of Part 1, Assault and Related Offenses, and Part 2, Criminal Homicide, of Title 76, Chapter 5.

I. "Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs" for purposes of Section 53-6-211(1)(d)(iv) means any violation of Section 41-6a-502.

Criminal conduct by an individual asserting the conduct was a result of drug addiction or dependence shall be grounds for refusal, suspension or revocation despite the fact that rehabilitation has not occurred prior to the refusal, suspension or revocation.

J. "Conduct or pattern of conduct" for purposes of Section 53-6-211(1)(d)(v) means an act or series of acts by a person which occur prior to or following the granting of peace officer certification or authority.

1. Conduct that shall be considered as grounds for violation of Section 53-6-211(1)(d)(v) shall include:

a. uncharged conduct which includes the conduct set forth in Rule R728-409-3, which could be considered criminal, although such conduct does not result in the filing of criminal charges against the person, but where the evidence shows that the criminal act did occur, that the person committed the act, and that the burden of proof by a preponderance of the evidence could be established by the division;

b. criminal conduct where a criminal charge is filed, a conviction is not obtained, but where the evidence shows that the criminal act did occur, that the person committed the act, and that the burden of proof by a preponderance of the evidence appears to exist;

c. criminal conduct as enumerated in Section 53-6-211(1)(d)(iv) and 53-6-203, where the filing of a criminal charge has resulted in a finding of guilt based on evidence presented to a judge or jury, a guilty plea, a plea of nolo contendere, a plea of guilty or nolo contendere which is held in abeyance pending the successful completion of probation, diversion agreements, or conviction which has been expunged, dismissed, or treated in a similar manner to either of these procedures;

d. violations of Section 53-6-211(1)(d)(i) or the refusal to respond, or the failure to respond truthfully, to the questions of POST investigators asked pursuant to R728-409-5;

e. violations of Section 53-6-211(1)(d)(iii) which involve criminal conduct or jeopardize the public health, safety or welfare;

f. sexual harassment which is:

(i) conduct which rises to the level of behavior of a criminal sexual nature which includes, but is not limited to, the unwelcomed touching of the breasts of a female, buttocks or genitals of another, and or taking of indecent liberties with another;

(ii) behavior by a supervisor which creates the perception in the mind of the subordinate that the granting or withholding of tangible job benefits shall be based on the granting of sexual favors.

g. sexual conduct which is:

(i) subject to criminal punishment; or

(ii) substantially diminishes or, if known, would tend to diminish public confidence and respect for law enforcement; or

(iii) damages or, if known, would tend to damage a law enforcement department's efficiency or morale; or

(iv) impairs or, if known, would tend to impair the ability of the peace officer to objectively and diligently perform the duties and functions of a peace officer;

h. sexual activity protected by the right of privacy, that does not hamper law enforcement, shall not be grounds for refusal, suspension or revocation of peace officer certification or authority.

i. Other conduct, whether charged or uncharged, which constitutes: malfeasance in office, non-feasance in office, violates the peace officer's oath of office, or a willful and deliberate violation of Title 53, Chapter 6, or the administrative rules contained in Utah Administrative Code, Agency R728.

(i) Malfeasance for purposes of subsection (h) shall include the commission of some act which is wholly wrongful or unlawful that affects, interrupts or interferes with the performance of official duties.

(ii) Non-feasance for purposes of subsection (h) shall include the omission of an act which a peace officer by virtue of his employment as such is charged to do.

(iii) oath of office for purposes of subsection (h) shall include the swearing of a person, upon employment as a peace officer defined in Title 53, Chapter 13, to an oath to support, obey and defend the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of Utah and discharge the duties of the office with fidelity, or, a similar oath of a county, city or town.

j. arrest for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, where the elements of the offense could be established by a preponderance of the evidence.

k. Addiction to alcohol:

(i) if it is demonstrated that a peace officer or applicant for peace officer certification or authority has an alcohol addiction which is not under control;

(ii) a peace officer with an alcohol addiction may have peace officer certification or authority temporarily suspended for the duration of alcohol rehabilitation. If the peace officer has demonstrated control of the alcohol addiction as determined by a division medical consultant, peace officer certification or authority may be restored;

(iii) criminal conduct by an individual asserting the conduct was a result of alcohol addiction or dependence shall be grounds for refusal, suspension or revocation despite the fact that rehabilitation has not occurred prior to the refusal, suspension or revocation.

l. Acts of gross negligence or misconduct which is "clearly outrageous" or shock the conscience of a reasonable person;

(i) violations of the Law Enforcement Code of Ethics as adopted by the Council;

(ii) lying under the Garrity warning

m. A dismissal from military service under any of the following circumstances:

(i) Bad conduct discharge (BCD)

(ii) Dishonorable discharge (DD)

(iii) Administrative discharge of "General under honorable conditions" (GEN).

 

R728-409-4. Conduct Not in Violation of Section 53-6-211(1).

Conduct which shall not be considered a violation of this subsection includes:

A. Traffic violations other than those enumerated in Section 53-6-211(1)(d)(iv) or R728-409-3 herein; or

B. Violations of individual department policy and procedure as enumerated in Section 53-6-211(4).

 

R728-409-5. Investigative Procedure.

A. All investigations initiated shall be commenced upon the reasonable belief that cause exists for the refusal, suspension or revocation of peace officer, correctional officer, reserve/auxiliary officer or special function officer certification as indicated in section 409-3 above.

B. The initiation of an investigation may occur upon any of the following circumstances:

1. A peace officer who has been charged with a criminal violation of law;

2. A peace officer who has committed conduct which is a criminal act under law, but which has not been criminally charged and/or where criminal prosecution is not anticipated;

3. A peace officer who has committed conduct in violation of section 409-3 above, where the department has conducted disciplinary action and notification of the conduct has been made to the division by the peace officer's department;

4. A department which has terminated a peace officer from employment for conduct which is in violation of section 409-3 above;

5. A department which has agreed to allow a peace officer to resign, rather than terminate the employment, for conduct which is in violation of section 409-3 above;

6. A complaint from a citizen which, on its face, appears to be a violation of section 409-3 above;

7. Media attention, confirmed by the employing agency, reporting peace officer misconduct which appears to be in violation of section 409-3 above;

8. Information from a peace officer, concerning another peace officer or law enforcement department, alleging improper, unethical, or unlawful conduct in violation of section 409-3 above;

9. Information against a peace officer received from any law enforcement agency, criminal justice related agency, or political subdivision alleging improper, unethical, or unlawful conduct in violation of section 409-3 above;

10. Administrative procedures instituted by the division to uncover or reveal past criminal conduct or the character of an individual requesting peace officer certification, or entrance into a certified peace officer training program which upon completion would create eligibility for peace officer certification; and/or

11. The peace officer may be directed to respond to questions pursuant to a "Garrity Warning." Refusal to respond to questions after being warned, or the failure to respond truthfully, may result in a suspension up to three years depending on aggravating and mitigating circumstances.

C. All citizens requesting to file a complaint against a peace officer will be requested to sign a written statement detailing the incident, swear to the accuracy of the statement, be advised that complaints found to be malicious in nature may be prosecuted under Section 76-8-511, Falsification of Government Record, and may require that the citizen submit to a polygraph examination concerning the truth and veracity of the complaint.

D. Non-criminal complaints or information about a peace officer initiated by another peace officer will be submitted in writing detailing the incident or offer the division a tape recorded statement detailing the incident.

E. A staff member will be assigned to investigate the complaint or information and to make a recommendation to proceed or to discontinue action in the matter.

1. If a peace officer under investigation is employed by a law enforcement agency, POST shall notify the peace officer's employing agency concerning the complaint or information.

2. POST will refer any complaints made by officers or citizens of a criminal nature to the appropriate agency having jurisdiction.

3. Criminal complaints will be handled by the agency having jurisdiction.

4. If the responsible agency has an open and active case POST will wait until the agency has completed their investigation before taking action.

5. POST will use the investigation and may use the adjudicative findings to help determine its action with regard to an individual's certification. POST will do it's own investigation whenever it feels the necessity to do so.

6. POST will take action based on the actual conduct of the individual as determined by an investigative process, not necessarily on the punishment or finding of the court.

7. POST's primary concern is conduct that disrupts, diminishes or otherwise jeopardizes public trust and fidelity in law enforcement.

8. Complaints that are not criminal will be investigated by the agency having jurisdiction. If the employing agency chooses not to investigate, a POST staff investigator may be assigned to conduct the investigation.

9. Witnesses and other evidence may be subpoenaed for the investigation pursuant to Section 53-6-210.

10. If ordinary investigative procedures cannot resolve the facts at issue, the peace officer may be requested to submit to a polygraph examination. Refusal to do so could result in the immediate suspension of peace officer certification until such time as an administrative proceeding can be established or other factual information has been received which no longer requires the need for the polygraph examination.

11. If an officer is found to have lied under the Garrity warning, his certification may result in a suspension up to three years depending on aggravating and mitigating circumstances.

F. Subsection (E) will be the method preferred for the investigation of alleged violations of Title 53, Chapter 6, unless special investigative procedures are determined to be more beneficial to the investigative process by the director and the council as per R728-409-7.

G. If the alleged conduct constitutes a public offense for which the individual involved has not been previously convicted, the division shall immediately notify the appropriate prosecutorial authority. If the conduct would also, if proven, constitute grounds for suspension or decertification under Section 53-6-211(1), the director in his discretion may immediately suspend the certification of the individual as provided in Section 63G-4-502 and Rule R728-409-25.

H. If immediate suspension of a peace officer's certification is believed necessary to ensure the safety and welfare of the public, or for insuring the continued public trust or professionalism of law enforcement, the director shall immediately establish the procedures for investigation and adjudicative proceedings in order to fulfill the due process rights of the peace officer.

I. Whenever an investigation is initiated the officer(s) who is under investigation and his department will be notified as soon as reasonably possible, except in cases where the nature of the complaint would make such a course of action impractical. The date and time the department administrator and the officer are notified should be noted in the appropriate space on the complaint form.

J. In all cases, where possible, the investigation shall be conducted with the full knowledge and assistance of the department administrator or the administrator of the employing political subdivision.

K. If during the course of an investigation it appears that criminal action may be involved the information is to be turned over to appropriate local authorities for disposition. It is not the position of the division to be involved in investigating criminal cases against officers. If criminal charges are pending against an officer the division may wait until the case is adjudicated before deciding if any further action is warranted by the division (subject to subsection (5)(J) above).

L. Assigned investigators are to ensure that all investigative procedures are properly documented and recorded in the case file.

M. Final disposition of a case (i.e., close case, refer to department for follow-up action, refer for adjudicative proceeding, etc.) will be made by the deputy director with the approval of the director.

 

R728-409-6. Special Investigative Proceedings - Procedures.

A. The Director with the concurrence of the Council on Peace Officer Standards and Training, may initiate special investigative proceedings.

B. The purpose of the special investigative proceeding is to hear testimony and other evidence regarding violations of Chapter 6, Title 53.

C. Special investigative proceedings will be presided over by a panel of the Council on Peace Officer Standards and Training consisting of at least three Council members and any persons designated by the Council Chairman and Director of the division.

D. Direct examination of witnesses will be conducted by members of the panel.

E. The division and presiding officer may subpoena witnesses and other evidence for special investigative proceedings, as per Sections 53-6-210 and 63G-4-205(2).

F. The special investigative proceeding will be a proceeding of record by the use of tape recording and/or court reporter.

G. If an officer is found to have lied under the Garrity warning, his certification may result in a suspension up to three years depending on aggravating and mitigating circumstances.

 

R728-409-7. Purpose of Adjudicative Proceedings.

A. The purpose of adjudicative proceedings will be to establish whether or not:

1. the respondent did in fact commit the alleged conduct; and

2. such conduct falls within the grounds for administrative action enumerated in Section 53-6-211(1); or

3. to exonerate the respondent if the evidence presented fails to prove that the respondent committed the alleged conduct or that such conduct falls within grounds for administrative action enumerated in Section 53-6-211(1); or

4. to recommend, to the Council on Peace Officer Standards and Training and the Director of the Division of Peace Officer Standards and Training, any action to be taken with respect to the respondent if the evidence presented indicates that the respondent committed the alleged conduct and that such conduct falls within grounds for administrative action enumerated in Rule R728-409-2 above and in Section 53-6-211(1).

B. The Administrative Law Judge may recommend refusal, suspension or revocation of the respondent's peace officer, correctional officer, reserve/auxiliary officer or special function officer certification, as applicable.

C. Any decision reached by the Administrative Law Judge against the respondent involving a violation of Subsection 53-6-211(1), must meet the standard burden of proof which will be a preponderance of evidence.

 

R728-409-8. Commencement of Adjudicative Proceedings - Administrative Complaint.

A. Except as otherwise permitted by Sections 53-6-211(6) and 63G-4-502 and Rules R728-409-8(C) and R728-409-25, all adjudicative proceedings shall be commenced by notice of an Administrative Complaint accompanied by a Notice of Agency Action. The Administrative Complaint will set forth the allegations complained of by the division. A copy of the Administrative Complaint and Notice of Agency Action shall be sent to the individual named on the administrative complaint and notice of agency action or by certified mail.

B. The Administrative Complaint shall be filed and served according to the following requirements:

1. when adjudicative proceedings are commenced by the division, the Administrative Complaint shall be in writing, signed by the Council Chairman and shall include:

a. the name and mailing address of the respondent, and the name and address of the agency employee or attorney designated to represent the division;

b. the division's file number or other reference number;

c. the name of the adjudicative proceeding;

d. the date that the notice of the division's action was mailed;

e. a statement indicating that a formal hearing will be conducted according to the provisions of Sections 63G-4-204 to 63G-4-209, except as otherwise indicated by Rule R728-409 in reference to time of response, as allowed under Section 63G-4-201(2)(vi);

f. a statement that the respondent shall file a responsive pleading within 30 days of the mailing date of the notice of agency action;

g. a statement of the time and place of the scheduled adjudicative proceeding, a statement indicating the purpose for which the adjudicative proceeding is to be held, and a statement indicating that a party who fails to attend or participate in the adjudicative proceeding may be held in default;

h. a statement of the legal authority and jurisdiction under which the administrative proceeding is to be maintained;

i. the name, title, mailing address, and telephone number of the presiding officer; and

j. a statement of the purpose of the adjudicative proceeding and, to the extent known by the presiding officer, the questions to be decided.

C. When the cause of action under Section 53-6-211 and Rule R728-409-3 is conviction of a felony, the following procedures shall apply:

1. The division shall send written notice to the peace officer stating that proceedings prior to revocation shall be limited to an information review of written documentation by the presiding officer, and that revocation is mandatory when the presiding officer determines that the peace officer has been convicted of a felony.

2. The notice shall state that within 15 days of the mailing date of the notice, the peace officer may request, in writing, an informal hearing before the presiding officer to present evidence that there was no felony conviction, or that the conviction has been overturned, reduced to a misdemeanor or expunged. This notice shall also state that if the peace officer does not so request, the presiding officer, and POST Council, will proceed on the documentation of conviction.

 

R728-409-9. Responsive Pleadings.

A. In all adjudicative proceedings, the respondent shall file and serve a written response signed by the respondent or his representative within 30 days of the mailing date of the notice of agency action, that shall include:

1. the division's file number or other reference number;

2. the name of the adjudicative proceeding;

3. a statement of the relief that the respondent seeks;

4. a statement of facts;

5. a statement summarizing the reasons that the relief requested should be granted.

B. The response shall be filed with the division.

C. The presiding officer or the division, pursuant to rule, may permit or require pleadings in addition to the notice of agency action and the response. All papers permitted or required to be filed shall be filed with the division.

 

R728-409-10. Consent Agreements.

A. The director may seek a consent agreement for the refusal, suspension or revocation of certification with the individual. The consent agreement will be delivered with the administrative complaint.

B. The individual will have 10 days from receiving the consent agreement to respond to the Director on the consent agreement.

C. If a consent agreement is not sought or is not reached, the procedure outlined in R728-409-9 above will proceed.

D. If a consent agreement has been signed by both parties, the adjudicative proceeding will conclude.

E. The consent agreement procedure will not extend the period of time for responsive pleading to the administrative complaint and notice of agency action.

 

R728-409-11. Scheduling the Adjudicative Proceeding - Hearing.

A. After the division has been served with the responsive pleading, notice of the location, date and time for the adjudicative hearing will be issued.

B. The adjudicative hearing will be held within a reasonable time after service of the responsive pleading unless a later scheduling is ordered by the presiding officer, or mutually agreed upon by the individual and the division.

C. When the cause for action is conviction of a felony, the presiding officer will conduct an informal review of the documentation within 30 days after the notice is mailed to the peace officer. If the peace officer timely requests a hearing, the presiding officer shall, within 30 days of the request, hold an informal hearing pursuant to Section 53-6-211(6).

 

R728-409-12. Discovery and Subpoenas.

A. In formal adjudicative proceedings parties may conduct limited discovery. The respondent is entitled to a copy of all evidence the division intends to use in the adjudicative proceeding, and other relevant documents in the agency's possession which are necessary to support his or her claims or defenses subject, however, to the Government Records Access and Management Act, UCA 63G-2-101 et seq. Discovery does not extend to interrogatories, requests for admissions or depositions.

B. Subpoenas and other orders to secure the attendance of witnesses or the production of evidence for adjudicative proceedings shall be issued by the Division of Peace Officer Standards and Training pursuant to Section 53-6-210, or the presiding officer when requested by any party, or may be issued by the presiding officer on his own motion pursuant to Section 63G-4-205.

C. Discovery is prohibited in informal proceedings.

 

R728-409-13. Procedures for Adjudicative Proceedings - Hearing Procedures.

A. All formal adjudicative proceedings shall be conducted as follows:

1. The presiding officer shall regulate the course of the hearing to obtain full disclosure or relevant facts and to afford all the parties reasonable opportunity to present their positions.

2. On his own motion, or upon objection by a party, the presiding officer:

a. may exclude evidence that is irrelevant, immaterial, or unduly repetitious;

b. shall exclude evidence privileged in the courts of Utah;

c. may receive documentary evidence in the form of a copy or excerpt if the copy or excerpt contains all pertinent portions of the original document;

d. may take official notice of any facts that could be judicially noticed under the Utah Rules of Evidence, or the record of other proceedings before the agency, and of technical or scientific facts within the agency's specialized knowledge.

3. The presiding officer may not exclude evidence solely because it is hearsay.

4. The presiding officer shall afford to all parties the opportunity to present evidence, argue, respond, conduct cross-examination, and submit rebuttal evidence.

5. The presiding officer may give persons not a party to the adjudicative proceeding the opportunity to present oral or written statements at the hearing.

6. All testimony presented at the hearing, if offered as evidence, to be considered in reaching a decision on the merits, shall be given under oath.

7. The hearing shall be recorded at the division's expense.

8. Any party, at his own expense, may have a person approved by the division prepare a transcript of the hearing, subject to any restrictions that the division is permitted by statute to impose to protect confidential information disclosed at the hearing.

9. All hearings shall be open to all parties.

10. This rule does not preclude the presiding officer from taking appropriate measures necessary to preserve the integrity of the hearing.

11. The respondent has the right to counsel. Counsel will not be provided by the division and all costs for counsel will be the sole responsibility of the respondent.

12. Witnesses at adjudicative hearings may have counsel present. Counsel for witnesses will not have the right to cross-examine. Counsel will not be provided by the division and all costs for counsel will be the sole responsibility of the witness.

13. Witnesses before an adjudicative hearing may be excluded from adjudicative hearing while other witnesses are testifying.

14. The presiding officer may issue an order to admonish witnesses not to discuss their testimony with other witnesses appearing to testify or offer evidence to the presiding officer at the adjudicative hearing. This order shall remain in effect until all testimony and evidence has been presented at the hearing.

15. A person's failure to comply with the admonishment order may result in the refusal to consider testimony or evidence presented, if it is deemed that the testimony or evidence has been tainted through violation of the admonishment order.

B. When the cause for action is conviction of a felony and the peace officer requests an informal hearing, it shall be conducted, except as modified by these rules, pursuant to Section 63G-4-203.

C. If the presiding officer finds, by informal review or hearing, that the peace officer has been convicted of a felony, he shall recommend revocation of certification. If the presiding officer determines that there was not a conviction, he or she may recommend action other than revocation.

 

R728-409-14. Procedures for Adjudicative Proceedings - Intervention.

A. Any person not a party may file a signed, written petition to intervene in a formal adjudicative proceeding with the division. The person who wishes to intervene shall mail a copy of the petition to each party. The petition shall include:

1. the division's file number or other reference number;

2. the name of the proceeding;

3. a statement of facts demonstrating that the petitioner's legal rights or interests are substantially affected by the formal adjudicative proceeding, or that the petitioner qualifies as an intervenor under any provision of law; and

4. a statement of the relief that the petitioner seeks from the division.

B. The presiding officer shall grant a petition for intervention if he determines that:

1. the petitioner's legal interests may be substantially affected by the adjudicative proceeding; and

2. the interests of justice and the orderly and prompt conduct of the adjudicative proceedings will not be materially impaired by allowing the intervention.

C.1. Any order granting or denying a petition to intervene shall be in writing and sent by mail to the petitioner and each party.

2. An order permitting intervention may impose conditions on the intervenor's participation in the adjudicative proceeding that are necessary for a just, orderly, and prompt conduct of the adjudicative proceeding.

3. The presiding officer may impose the conditions at any time after the intervention.

 

R728-409-15. Default.

A. The presiding officer may enter an order of default against a party if:

1. a party fails to attend or participate in the hearing; or

2. the respondent in the proceeding fails to file the response required under Rule R728-409-9.

B. The order shall include a statement of the grounds for default and shall be mailed to all parties.

C. The defaulted party may seek to have the presiding officer set aside the default order in accordance with Rule 60(b) of the Utah Rules of Civil Procedure.

D. After issuing the order for default, the presiding officer shall conduct the necessary proceedings to complete the adjudicative proceeding without the participation of the party in default and shall determine all issues in the adjudicative proceeding, including those affecting the defaulting party.

 

R728-409-16. Procedures for Adjudicative Proceedings - Recommendations.

A. In adjudicative proceedings:

1. within a reasonable time after the hearing, or after the filing of any post-hearing papers permitted by the presiding officer, the presiding officer shall sign and issue a recommendation that includes:

a. a statement of the presiding officer's findings of fact based exclusively on the evidence of record in the adjudicative hearing or on facts officially noted;

b. a statement of the presiding officer's conclusions of law;

c. a statement of the reasons for the presiding officer's recommendation;

d. a statement of recommended agency action;

e. a notice of the right to apply for council review; and

f. the time limits applicable to any review.

2. The presiding officer may use his experience, technical competence, and specialized knowledge to evaluate the evidence.

3. No finding of fact that was contested may be based solely on hearsay evidence.

4. This section does not preclude the presiding officer from issuing interim orders to:

a. notify the parties of further hearings;

b. notify the parties of provisional rulings on a portion of the issues presented; or

c. otherwise provide for the fair and efficient conduct of the adjudicative hearing.

 

R728-409-17. Notice of Presiding Officer's Recommendation.

A. If the evidence against the individual does not support the conduct alleged in the administrative complaint with respect to Section 53-6-211(1), the presiding officer, hereafter referred to as Administrative Law Judge, will mail the parties a copy of the recommendation upon issuance of the recommendation.

B. If the Administrative Law Judge finds that the evidence against the individual does support the conduct alleged in the administrative complaint with respect to Section 53-6-211(1), the Administrative Law Judge will mail the parties a copy of the recommendation upon issuance of the recommendation.

C. The Administrative Law Judge may issue his/her recommendation to the parties by certified mail.

 

R728-409-18. Request for Review of Presiding Officer's Recommendation.

A. Except when revocation is recommended for conviction of a felony, the parties will have 15 days from the date of issuance of the Administrative Law Judge's recommendation to request a review of the recommendation before the council.

B. A request by any party for council review of the Administrative Law Judge's recommendation will be made in writing to the council and will contain all issues which the party wishes to raise. The request must specify whether the party is challenging the ALJ's recommended findings of fact, conclusions of law, and/or agency action. If the party is challenging the recommended findings or conclusions, the request must particularly set forth which findings and/or conclusions it wants reviewed and considered by the council. A copy of the request will be served upon all other parties.

C. The party seeking review shall provide transcripts, documents, and briefs to the council within 45 days after the filing of the notice requesting review. If the party is challenging the recommended findings of fact or conclusions of law, it must support its request with specific references and citations to the hearing record, and copies of the evidence received by the ALJ at the hearing, and which are relevant to the challenged recommendations. If the request is based on oral testimony presented at the hearing, the party shall provide, at its expense, a transcription of that relevant testimony. No party shall be permitted oral argument before the council unless a request for oral argument is filed with the Council within this same 45 day period.

D. The other party or parties shall have 30 days from the date the transcripts, documents and briefs are filed by the party seeking review, to file any response to the request for review. Any response may include additional transcripts or documents necessary for review.

E. The council shall whenever possible within a reasonable time from the filing of the notice requesting review to provide for a review hearing before the council.

F. Any review shall be based upon the administrative hearing record and briefs or other documents submitted by the parties. If a party has submitted portions of the hearing transcript, or other evidence admitted at the hearing, the council may, in its discretion, require the division to submit all or any other portion of the hearing transcript or evidence, and may continue the review hearing for that purpose. If necessary to make a determination, the council may also require the agency to subpoena any of the witnesses who testified in the evidentiary hearing, to appear at the next regularly scheduled council meeting, to answer questions from council members.

G. If oral argument is requested by either party, at the review hearing the parties will be permitted 20 minutes each to present oral argument on their respective positions identified in their written requests and briefs. Any testimony presented during oral argument, if offered as evidence to be considered in reaching a decision on the review, shall be given under oath.

H. If no oral argument is requested, the council shall, within a reasonable time after all documents, transcripts and briefs have been filed, issue to the director a review decision.

I. If oral argument has been received, the council, within a reasonable time after the review hearing, shall issue to the Director a review decision.

J. The council has the power to make a full review of the Administrative Law Judge's recommendation. This power includes, but is not limited to, the power to accept the ALJ's recommended findings of fact, conclusions of law, and/or agency action, or to reject all or a portion thereof, and render its own findings, conclusions and proposed action on the officer's certification.

K. Any periods of time designated in this rule for the filing of documents and pleadings, or for scheduling of hearings may be extended by the council for good cause.

 

R728-409-19. Council Action and Finding by Director.

A. Unless a consent order has been signed by all parties as per Rule R728-409-10 or a request for review is made to the Council as per Rule R728-409-18, and following the adjudicative proceeding or following a default by the individual as outlined in Rule R728-409-15:

1. The division representative will issue to the council the recommendation of the Administrative Law Judge. The council will review the Administrative Law Judge's recommendation and make a decision to concur or reject that recommendation, and to issue any alternative recommendation it may desire.

2. The council will issue and file its decision with the director.

 

R728-409-20. Director's Final Order.

A. In adjudicative proceedings:

1. After a majority of the council recommends to refuse, suspend or revoke respondent's peace officer, correctional officer, reserve/auxiliary officer, or special function officer certification, or to take no action against respondent, the director shall prepare and issue a final order within 30 days outlining the council's decision.

2. The final order will include information on the appeal process as outlined in administrative rules R728-409-21, 22, 23.

3. The director shall, upon issuance, serve a copy of the final order on the respondent by certified mail and shall mail a copy to the employing agency.

 

R728-409-21. Division Review - Reconsideration.

A. Except when revocation is recommended for conviction of a felony within ten days after the date that the director's final order is issued, any party may file a written request for reconsideration, stating the specific grounds upon which relief is requested. The filing of the request is not a prerequisite for seeking judicial review of the order.

B. The request for reconsideration shall be filed with the division by the person making the request.

C.1. The director, or a person designated for that purpose, shall issue a written order granting the request or denying the request.

2. If the director or the person designated for that purpose does not issue an order within 20 days after the filing of the request, the request for rehearing shall be considered to be denied.

 

R728-409-22. Judicial Review - Exhaustion of Administrative Remedies.

A. A party aggrieved may obtain judicial review of final agency action only after exhausting all administrative remedies available, except that:

1. The court may relieve a party seeking judicial review of the requirement to exhaust any or all administrative remedies if:

a. the administrative remedies are inadequate; or

b. exhaustion of remedies would result in irreparable harm disproportionate to the public benefit derived from requiring exhaustion.

B.1. A party shall file a petition for judicial review of final agency action within 30 days after the date that the order constituting the final agency action is issued.

2. The petition shall name the agency and all other appropriate parties as respondents and shall meet the form requirements specified in Chapter 4 of Title 63G.

 

R728-409-23. Judicial Review - Adjudicative Proceedings.

A. At the conclusion of formal adjudicative proceedings, the Utah Court of Appeals has jurisdiction to review the director's final order.

B. To seek judicial review of the director's final order, the petitioner shall file a petition for review of agency action in the form required by the Rules of the Utah Court of Appeals.

1. The Rules of the Utah Court of Appeals govern all additional filings and proceedings in the Utah Court of Appeals.

C. The contents, transmittal, and filing of the agency's record for judicial review of formal adjudicative proceedings are governed by the Rules of the Utah Court of Appeals, except that:

1. all parties to the review proceedings may stipulate to shorten, summarize, or organize the record;

2. the Utah Court of Appeals may tax the cost of preparing transcripts and copies for the record:

a. against a party who unreasonably refuses to stipulate to shorten, summarize, or organize the record; or

b. according to any other provision of law.

c. The scope of judicial review by the Utah Court of Appeals is controlled by Section 63G-4-403. Relief granted by the Utah Court of Appeals is controlled by Section 63G-4-404.

D. If peace officer certification is revoked for conviction of a felony after an informal hearing, the district courts have jurisdiction to review the final order pursuant to Sections 63G-4-401 and 63G-4-402.

 

R728-409-24. Judicial Review - Stay and Other Temporary Remedies Pending Final Disposition.

A. The director may grant a stay of the final order or other temporary remedy during the pendency of judicial review, according to the division's rules.

B. Parties shall petition the director for a stay or other temporary remedies unless extraordinary circumstances require immediate judicial intervention.

C. If the director denies a stay or denies other temporary remedies requested by a party, the director's order of denial shall be mailed to all parties and shall specify the reasons why the stay or other temporary remedy was not granted.

D. If the director has denied a stay or other temporary remedy to protect the public health, safety, or welfare against a substantial threat, the court may not grant a stay or other temporary remedy unless it finds that:

1. the director violated the division's rules in denying the stay; or

2.a. the party seeking judicial review is likely to prevail on the merits when the court finally disposes of the matter;

b. the party seeking judicial review will suffer irreparable injury without immediate relief;

c. granting relief to the party seeking review will not substantially harm other parties to the proceedings; and

d. the threat to the public health, safety, or welfare relied upon by the agency is not sufficiently serious to justify the director's action under the circumstances.

 

R728-409-25. Emergency Adjudicative Proceedings.

A. The division may issue an order on an emergency basis without complying with the requirements of this chapter if:

1. the facts known by the division or presented to the division show that an immediate and significant danger to the public health, safety, or welfare exists; and

2. the threat requires immediate action by the division.

B. In issuing an emergency order, the division shall:

1. limit the order to require only the action necessary to prevent or avoid the danger to the public health, safety, or welfare;

2. issue promptly a written order, effective immediately, that includes a brief statement of findings of fact, conclusions of law, and reasons for the division's utilization of an emergency adjudicative proceeding; and

3. give immediate notice to the person who is required to comply with the order.

C. Upon the commencement of an emergency adjudicative proceeding, the division shall commence a formal adjudicative proceeding in accordance with the other provisions of this rule in order not to infringe upon any legal right or interest of any party.

 

R728-409-26. Civil Enforcement.

A.1. In addition to other remedies provided by law, an division may seek enforcement of an order by seeking civil enforcement in the district courts.

2. The action seeking civil enforcement of the division's order must name, as defendants, each alleged violator against whom the agency seeks to obtain civil enforcement.

3. Venue for an action seeking civil enforcement of the division's order shall be determined by the requirements of the Utah Rules of Civil Procedure.

4. The action may request, and the court may grant, any of the following:

a. declaratory relief;

b. temporary or permanent injunctive relief;

c. any other civil remedy provided by law; or

d. any combination of the foregoing.

B.1. Any person whose interests are directly impaired or threatened by the failure of the division to enforce the division's order may timely file a complaint seeking civil enforcement of that order, but the action may not be commenced;

a. until at least 30 days after the plaintiff has given notice of his intent to seek civil enforcement of the alleged violation to the director, the attorney general, and to each alleged violator against whom the petitioner seeks civil enforcement;

b. if the division has filed and is diligently prosecuting a complaint seeking civil enforcement of the same order against the same or a similarly situated defendant; or

c. if a petition for judicial review of the same order has been filed and is pending in court.

2. The complaint seeking civil enforcement of the division's order must name, as defendants, the division, and each alleged violator against whom the plaintiff seeks civil enforcement.

3. Except to the extent expressly authorized by statute, a complaint seeking civil enforcement of the division's order may not request, and the court may not grant, any monetary payment apart from taxable costs.

C. In a proceeding for civil enforcement of the division's order, in addition to any other defenses allowed by law, a defendant may defend on the ground that:

1. the order sought to be enforced was issued by the division without jurisdiction to issue the order;

2. the order does not apply to the defendant;

3. the defendant has not violated the order; or

4. the defendant violated the order but has subsequently complied.

D. Decisions on complaints seeking civil enforcement of the division's order are reviewable in the same manner as other civil cases.

 

R728-409-27. Declaratory Orders.

A. Any person may file a request for division actions, requesting that the division issue a declaratory order determining the applicability of a statute, rule, or order within the primary jurisdiction of the division to specified circumstances.

B. The division shall not issue a declaratory order if:

1. the request is one of a class of circumstances that the division has by rule defined as being exempt from declaratory orders; or

2. the person requesting the declaratory order participated in an adjudicative proceeding concerning the same issue within 12 months of the date of the present request.

a. The division may issue a declaratory order that would substantially prejudice the rights of a person who would be a necessary party, only if that person consents in writing to the determination of the matter by a declaratory proceeding.

C. Persons may intervene in declaratory proceedings if:

1. they meet the requirements of Rule R728-409-12; and

2. they file timely petitions for intervention according to division rules.

D. After receipt of a petition for a declaratory order, the division may issue a written order:

1. declaring the applicability of the statute, rule, or order in question to the specified circumstances;

2. setting the matter for adjudicative proceedings;

3. agreeing to issue a declaratory order within a specified time; or

4. declining to issue a declaratory order and stating the reasons for its action.

E. A declaratory order shall contain:

1. the names of all parties to the proceeding on which it is based;

2. the particular facts on which it is based; and

3. the reasons for its conclusion.

F. A copy of all orders issued in response to a request for a declaratory proceeding shall be mailed promptly to the petitioner and any other parties.

G. A declaratory order has the same status and binding effect as any other order issued in an adjudicative proceeding.

H. Unless the petitioner and the division agree in writing to an extension, if the division has not issued a declaratory order within 60 days after receipt of the request for a declaratory order, the petition is denied.

 

R728-409-28. Reconsideration Based on Mistake, Fraud, or Newly Discovered Evidence.

A. Reconsideration of a decision by POST Council, and a new opportunity to be heard, may be granted for any of the following reasons:

1. The decision of POST Council was based on a mistake of law or fact;

2. There was fraud, misrepresentation or misconduct in the adjudicative proceeding; or

3. There is newly discovered material evidence which the party could not, with reasonable diligence, have discovered and produced during the adjudicative proceedings.

B. At any time after a final order is issued, either party may request reconsideration under this rule, by complying with the procedures set forth in R728-409-18(B) through (K).

C. Reconsideration by POST Council pursuant to this rule shall be a two-step process:

1. A written request and information outlining the reasons and justification for making the request shall be submitted to a special subcommittee consisting of the presidents of the Chiefs of Police Association and the Sheriffs Association, or their designees, and another POST Council member designated by the Chairman, which shall review the request and information provided and decide whether the party seeking consideration has, by a preponderance of the evidence, established that the prior decision was based on one or more of the grounds set forth above. The subcommittee will notify the director of its decision, who will then send out a notice of that decision to both parties.

2. If the subcommittee decides step one in the affirmative, the matter will be scheduled for consideration by POST Council at the next regularly scheduled meeting. POST shall give reasonable notice to the parties of the date, time and location of the meeting. POST Council shall reconsider the correct, clarified or new evidence, and render a decision based on the written request and information and oral argument, (if such was timely requested.) Any oral testimony presented to the council shall be under oath, and subject to the penalty of perjury.

3. POST Council's decision shall be communicated to the Director, who shall then notify the parties thereof, in writing and consistent with R728-409-20. The parties will then have the same appeal rights set forth in R728-409-22, 409-23, and 409-24.

D. The definitions set forth in Utah Rules of Civil Procedures, Rules 59 and 60, and interpretive case law thereon, shall apply to determinations under this rule.]

R728-409. Suspension or Revocation of Peace Officer Certification.

R728-409-1. Authority.

Section 53-6-105(1)(k) provides that the director shall, with the advice of the council, make rules necessary to administer Title 53 Chapter 6.

 

R728-409-2. Purpose.

The purpose of this rule is to establish procedures for the suspension or revocation of a peace officer's certification.

 

R728-409-3. Definitions.

A. Terms used in this rule are defined in Sections 53-6-102.

B. In addition:

1. "ALJ" means an administrative law judge who conducts administrative hearings as provided in Subsection 53-6-211(3);

2. "Garrity warning" means a warning issued based on the decision in Garrity v. New Jersey, 385 U.S. 493 (1967);

3. "on duty" means that a peace officer is:

a. actively engaged in any of the duties of his employment as a peace officer;

b. receiving compensation for activities related to his employment as a peace officer;

c. on the property of a law enforcement facility;

d. in a law enforcement vehicle which is located in a public place; or

e. in a public place and is wearing a badge or uniform, authorized by a law enforcement agency, which readily identifies the wearer as a peace officer;

4. "respondent" means a peace officer against whom the division has initiated an adjudicative proceeding under Section 53-6-211;

5. "revocation" means the permanent deprivation of a peace officer's certification, which does not allow for a peace officer whose certification has been revoked to be readmitted into any peace officer training program conducted by or under the approval of the division, or to have peace officer certification reinstated or restored by the division;

6. "sexual conduct" means the touching of the anus, buttocks or any part of the genitals of a person, or the touching of the breast of a female, whether or not through clothing, with the intent to arouse or gratify the sexual desire of any person regardless of the sex of any participant; and

7. "suspension" means the temporary deprivation of a peace officer's certification.

 

R728-409-4. Cause for the Suspension or Revocation of a Peace Officer's Certification.

The division may initiate an investigation when it receives information that grounds for the suspension or revocation of a peace officer's certification exist under Subsection 53-6-211(1).

 

R728-409-5. Conduct Not in Violation of Subsection 53-6-211(1).

Conduct which shall not be considered a violation of Subsection 53-6-211(1) includes:

A. Any traffic offense which is a class C misdemeanor or infraction;

B. A violation of a law enforcement agency's policy or procedure;

C. Conduct which is discovered or established through questioning which goes beyond the scope of a properly administered interview as established in Garrity v. New Jersey, 385 U.S. 493 (1967); or

D. Sexual activity which is protected under the right of privacy as recognized by the United States Supreme Court in Lawrence v. Texas, 539 U.S. 558 (2003).

 

R728-409-6. Investigative Procedure.

A. The division shall initiate an investigation when it receives information from any reliable source that grounds for the suspension or revocation of certification exist under Subsection 53-6-211(1), including when any of the following circumstances occur:

1. A peace officer is charged with a criminal violation of law;

2. A peace officer has committed conduct which is a criminal act under law, but which has not been criminally charged or where criminal prosecution is not anticipated;

3. A peace officer has committed conduct in violation of Subsection 53-6-211(1), where the peace officer's employing agency has conducted disciplinary action and notified the division;

4. A peace officer is terminated for conduct which is in violation of Subsection 53-6-211(1);

5. A peace officer resigns for conduct which is in violation of Subsection 53-6-211(1);

6. A citizen makes a complaint which, on its face, appears to be a violation of Subsection 53-6-211(1);

7. The media reports about officer misconduct which appears to be in violation of Subsection 53-6-211(1) and there is independent evidence to confirm that the conduct occurred;

8. A peace officer or law enforcement agency makes a complaint about a peace officer alleging conduct in violation of Subsection 53-6-211(1);

9. A criminal justice related agency or political subdivision makes a complaint about a peace officer alleging conduct in violation of Subsection 53-6-211(1);

10. A background investigation has been conducted by the division on a peace officer seeking peace officer certification or entrance into a certified peace officer training program which indicates that the peace officer has engaged in conduct in violation of Subsection 53-6-211(1); or

11. A peace officer has provided false information to the peace officer's employing agency after having been issued a properly administered Garrity warning.

C. A citizen seeking to file a complaint against a peace officer may be required to sign a written statement, detailing the incident and swearing to the accuracy of the statement after being advised that providing a false statement may result in prosecution under Section 76-8-511, Falsification of Government Record.

D. A peace officer seeking to file a complaint against another peace officer may submit written documentation detailing the incident.

E. If the division receives a complaint or information about misconduct of a peace officer, an investigator from the division will be assigned to investigate the complaint or information and to make a recommendation to proceed or to discontinue action in the matter. Assigned investigators are to ensure that all investigative procedures are properly documented and recorded in the case file.

F. If a peace officer under investigation is employed by a law enforcement agency, the division shall notify the peace officer's employing agency concerning the complaint or information, unless the nature of the complaint would make such a course of action impractical. The date and time the department administrator and the officer are notified should be noted in the appropriate space on the complaint form.

G. The division will refer any complaints made by officers or citizens of a criminal nature to the appropriate law enforcement agency having jurisdiction for investigation and prosecution if such a referral has not already been made.

H. If the law enforcement agency which employs the peace officer has an open and active investigation, the division will wait until the agency has completed their investigation before taking action unless the division determines that it is not in the public's best interest to wait.

I. The division may use the information gathered by the law enforcement agency which employs the peace officer in its investigation and may use any adjudicative findings to help determine what course of action to take. This will not preclude the division from conducting an independent investigation if the division finds it is necessary.

J. The division will take action based on the actual conduct of the peace officer as determined by an investigative process, not necessarily on the punishment instituted by the law enforcement agency which employs the peace officer or any court findings.

K. Witnesses and other evidence may be subpoenaed for the investigation pursuant to Section 53-6-210.

L. If ordinary investigative procedures cannot resolve the facts at issue, a peace officer may be requested to submit to a polygraph examination.

M. The director may immediately suspend a peace officer's certification as provided in Section 63G-4-502 if the director believes it is necessary to ensure the safety and welfare of the public, the continued public trust or professionalism of law enforcement.

N. Once the investigation is concluded, the division shall determine whether there is sufficient evidence to proceed with an adjudicative proceeding.

O. If the division determines that there is insufficient evidence to find that a peace officer engaged in conduct in violation of Subsection 53-6-211(1), the director shall issue a letter to the peace officer indicating that the investigation has been concluded and that the division shall take no action.

 

R728-409-7. Purpose of Adjudicative Proceedings.

A. The purpose of an adjudicative proceeding will be to determine whether there is sufficient evidence to find that the respondent committed the alleged conduct by clear and convincing evidence and whether such conduct falls within the grounds for administrative action enumerated in Subsection 53-6-211(1).

B. All adjudicative proceedings initiated by the division for the purpose of suspending or revoking a peace officer's certification shall be formal proceedings as provided by Section 63G-4-202.

 

R728-409-8. Commencement of Adjudicative Proceedings -- Filing of the Notice of Agency Action.

A. Except as provided by 63G-4-502 all adjudicative proceedings initiated by the division for the purpose of suspending or revoking a peace officer's certification shall be commenced by the filing of a Notice of Agency Action.

B. The Notice of Agency Action shall be signed by the director and shall comply with the requirements of Section 63G-4-201.

C. The Notice of Agency Action shall be filed with the division and a copy shall be sent to the respondent by certified mail.

 

R728-409-9. Responsive Pleadings.

A. The respondent must file with the division a written response, signed by the respondent or his attorney, within 30 days of the mailing date of the Notice of Agency Action.

B. The written response must comply with the requirements in Section 63G-4-204.

 

R728-409-10. Consent Agreements.

A. Once a Notice of Agency Action has been issued, the division may seek a consent agreement with the respondent.

B. The respondent will have 20 days from the date that the consent agreement is signed by the director to respond to the division regarding the consent agreement.

C. If a consent agreement is not sought or is not reached, the adjudicative proceeding will continue. The period of time in which the respondent must file a responsive pleading to the Notice of Agency Action is not extended if the parties are unable to reach a consent agreement.

D. If a consent agreement is reached, it shall be signed by the respondent and the director and be filed with the division. The consent agreement shall indicate that the matter shall be heard at the next regularly scheduled council meeting.

 

R728-409-11. Default.

A. The ALJ may enter an order of default against a party if:

1. the respondent fails to file the response required by rule R728-409-9; or

2. the respondent fails to attend or participate in the hearing.

B. The order of default shall include a statement of the grounds for default and shall indicate that the matter will be heard at the next regularly scheduled council meeting.

C. The ALJ shall issue the order of default. The order of default shall be filed with the division and a copy shall be sent to the respondent by certified mail.

D. The respondent may seek to set aside the default order by filing a motion within 3 months of the date of the order of default. The ALJ may set aside the order of default for good cause shown.

 

R728-409-12. Scheduling a Hearing Before the ALJ.

A. After the division receives the responsive pleading from the respondent, notice of the location, date and time for the hearing will be issued by the division. The notice of hearing shall be filed with the division and a copy shall be sent to the respondent by certified mail.

B. The hearing will be held within a reasonable time after service of the responsive pleading unless a later scheduling is ordered by the ALJ, or mutually agreed upon by the respondent and the division.

 

R728-409-13. Discovery and Subpoenas.

A. In formal adjudicative proceedings parties may conduct only limited discovery. A respondent's right to discovery does not extend to interrogatories, requests for admissions, request for the production of documents, request for the inspection of items, or depositions.

B. Upon request, the respondent is entitled to a copy of the materials contained in the division's investigative file that the division intends to use in the adjudicative proceeding.

C. The disclosure of all discovery materials is subject to the provisions in the Government Records Access and Management Act, Section 63G-2-101 et seq. The division may charge a fee for discovery in accordance with Section 63G-2-203.

D. Subpoenas and other orders to secure the attendance of witnesses or the production of evidence for adjudicative proceedings shall be issued by the division pursuant to Section 53-6-210, by the ALJ when requested by any party, or by the ALJ on his own motion pursuant to Section 63G-4-205.

 

R728-409-14. Hearing Procedures.

A. All hearings shall be conducted by the ALJ according to the requirements of Section 63G-4-206.

B. At the hearing, the respondent has the right to be represented by an attorney. Legal counsel will not be provided to the respondent by the division and all costs associated with representation will be the sole responsibility of the respondent.

 

R728-409-15. ALJ Decision.

A. Within 30 days from the date a hearing is held, the ALJ shall sign and issue a written decision, which shall include a statement of:

1. the ALJ's findings of fact based exclusively on the evidence of record in the adjudicative hearing or on facts officially noted;

2. the ALJ's conclusions of law; and

3. the reasons for the ALJ's decision.

B. If the ALJ finds that there is sufficient evidence to find that the respondent engaged in conduct in violation of Subsection 53-6-211(1), the ALJ's decision shall indicate that the matter will be heard at the next regularly scheduled council meeting.

C. If the ALJ finds that there is insufficient evidence to find that the respondent engaged in conduct in violation of Subsection 53-6-211(1), the matter will be dismissed.

D. The ALJ shall file the decision with the division and a copy shall be sent to the respondent by certified mail.

 

R728-409-16. Action by the Council.

A. Once a consent agreement has been reached or there has been an order of default or decision issued by the ALJ, the division shall present the matter to the council at their next regularly scheduled meeting. The division shall provide the council with the pleadings contained in the administrative file. The division shall also provide the council with any written information or comments provided by the chief, sheriff, or administrative officer of the respondent's employing agency.

B. At the council meeting the respondent or the respondent's attorney may address the council regarding whether the respondent's peace officer certification should be suspended or revoked.

C. The council shall review the matter and shall determine whether suspension or revocation of the respondent's peace officer certification is appropriate based upon the facts of the case and the POST Disciplinary Guidelines which were adopted on June 7, 2010.

 

R728-409-17. Final Order.

A. After the council has decided the matter, the council chairperson shall issue a final order within 30 days of the council meeting.

B. The final order shall indicate the action taken by the council with regards to the respondent's peace officer certification and shall include information on the appeal process outlined in R728-409-18.

C. The council's action shall be effective on the date that the final order is issued.

D. The council chairperson shall file the final order with the division. A copy of the final order shall be sent to the respondent by certified mail and the respondent's employing agency by regular mail.

 

R728-409-18. Judicial Review.

A. A respondent may obtain judicial review of the council's action by filing a petition for judicial review with the Utah Court of Appeals within 30 days after the date that the final order is issued by the council chairperson.

B. The petition must meet all requirements specified in Sections 63G-4-401 and 403.

 

KEY: law enforcement officers, certification, investigations, rules and procedures

Date of Enactment or Last Substantive Amendment: June 30, 2010

Notice of Continuation: February 27, 2007

Authorizing, and Implemented or Interpreted Law: 53-6-211

 

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