This is clearly a breach of professional conduct. While the monetary value is small, accepting anything of value from a relative or associate of a resident creates an atmosphere that could lead to bribery or extortion. This situation, of course, is made significantly more serious by the use of alcohol on the job. The staff member in question could seriously damage the reputation of the facility in the community, making it much more difficult for community corrections to gain acceptance. Criminal Conduct A staff member was arrested for driving while intoxicated while off duty.
Staff obviously have the right to live their own lives while off duty.
Staff need to be reminded often, however, that criminal behavior damages not only the credibility of the staff member with the residents, but it also damages the reputation of community corrections, particularly privately operated community corrections facilities. I know that substance abuse, including alcohol abuse, impacts all levels of society and that our staff are not immune to these problems. Nevertheless, staff misconduct, particularly misconduct of a criminal nature, negatively impacts all of us, and makes it much harder for all of us to stay in business and carry out our vital mission. Halfway houses were asked to complete the following information on all institution transfers received during the month of February, 2000.