In abstract
Slightly than fireplace him, the California Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation demoted a high-ranking official who allegedly sexually harassed a subordinate.
The California Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation allowed a high-ranking administrator to return to work regardless of findings of “egregious misconduct” in opposition to a subordinatein accordance with a uncommon standalone report issued final week by an impartial company that oversees the division’s disciplinary course of and inner investigations.
The report marked the primary time in three years that the Workplace of Inspector Common referred to as out the state jail system over a person case. It usually publishes roundups of well being care points, use of power incidents and disciplinary updates.
The inspector basic on Oct. 17 issued the so-called sentinel report criticizing the division’s resolution to settle a disciplinary case in opposition to the administrator regardless of findings that he must be dismissed over substantiated claims together with sexual harassment, racism and intimidation.
He reportedly used crude language when he spoke with a subordinate feminine supervisor, made sexual remarks and intimidated her. “He told the manager that he ‘owned’ her because she was still on probation and warned that she had ‘better do what (he said),’” the report mentioned.
The unnamed administrator withdrew his disciplinary attraction to the State Personnel Board after the division settled, suspending him for 11 months and demoting him to correctional officer.
The Workplace of Inspector Common mentioned the division “should not have settled a dismissal case supported by overwhelming evidence.”
“The modern workplace should be a safe environment in which employees can labor without fear of harassment, bigotry, or retaliation,” wrote the Workplace of Inspector Common in its report. “If these decisions were intended to eliminate any future harm or liability to the department through settlement, then the settlement was deeply flawed.”
In his response, Corrections Secretary Jeff Macomber famous that the alleged conduct was egregious, however maintained that the self-discipline was acceptable.
Macomber referred to the settlement as “progressive discipline” and mentioned it “was one of the harshest penalties (it) has imposed, short of dismissal.”
“The Department’s mission includes rehabilitation of individuals who have committed serious criminal acts in an effort to make them productive members of society,” he wrote. “It is incongruous that the Department would not also seek to rehabilitate employees when it believes it could do so.”