Policy Text
Policy
1028Garden Grove Police Department
Policy Manual
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2024/09/03, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by Garden Grove Police
DepartmentTemporary Modified-Duty Assignments - 1Temporary Modified-Duty Assignments
1028.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
This policy establishes procedures for providing temporary modified-duty assignments. This policy
is not intended to affect the rights or benefits of employees under federal or state law, City
rules, current memorandums of understanding, or collective bargaining agreements. For example,
nothing in this policy affects the obligation of the Department to engage in a good faith, interactive
process to consider reasonable accommodations for any employee with a temporary or permanent
disability or limitation that is protected under federal or state law.
1028.2 POLICY
Subject to operational considerations, the Garden Grove Police Department may identify
temporary modified-duty assignments for employees who have an injury or medical condition
resulting in temporary work limitations or restrictions. A temporary assignment allows the
employee to work, while providing the Department with a productive employee during the
temporary period.
1028.3 GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS
Priority consideration for temporary modified-duty assignments will be given to employees with
work-related injuries or illnesses that are temporary in nature. Employees having disabilities
covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or the California Fair Employment and
Housing Act (Government Code § 12940 et seq.) shall be treated equally, without regard to any
preference for a work-related injury.
No position in the Garden Grove Police Department shall be created or maintained as a temporary
modified-duty assignment.
Temporary modified-duty assignments are a management prerogative and not an employee
right. The availability of temporary modified-duty assignments will be determined on a case-by-
case basis, consistent with the operational needs of the Department. Temporary modified-duty
assignments are subject to continuous reassessment, with consideration given to operational
needs and the employee's ability to perform in a modified-duty assignment.
The Chief of Police or the authorized designee may restrict employees working in temporary
modified-duty assignments from wearing a uniform, displaying a badge, carrying a firearm,
operating an emergency vehicle or engaging in outside employment, or may otherwise limit them
in employing their peace officer powers.
Temporary modified-duty assignments shall generally not exceed a cumulative total of 1,040 hours
in any one-year period.
1028.4 PROCEDURE
Employees may request a temporary modified-duty assignment for short-term injuries or illnesses.
Garden Grove Police Department
Policy Manual
Temporary Modified-Duty Assignments
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2024/09/03, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by Garden Grove Police
DepartmentTemporary Modified-Duty Assignments - 2Employees seeking a temporary modified-duty assignment should submit a written request to their
Bureau Commanders or the authorized designees. The request should, as applicable, include a
certification from the treating medical professional containing:
(a)An assessment of the nature and probable duration of the illness or injury.
(b)The prognosis for recovery.
(c)The nature and scope of limitations and/or work restrictions.
(d)A statement regarding any required workplace accommodations, mobility aids or
medical devices.
(e)A statement that the employee can safely perform the duties of the temporary
modified-duty assignment.
The Bureau Commander will make a recommendation through the chain of command to the Chief
of Police regarding temporary modified-duty assignments that may be available based on the
needs of the Department and the limitations of the employee. The Chief of Police or the authorized
designee shall confer with the Human Resources or the City Attorney as appropriate.
Requests for a temporary modified-duty assignment of 20 hours or less per week may be approved
and facilitated by the Division Lieutenant or Bureau Commander, with notice to the Chief of Police.
1028.4.1 ADMINISTRATION OF IOD OR LIGHT DUTY STATUS
No light duty assignment shall be approved or ordered unless the following conditions exist:
(a)Light duty assignments of more than two days require a physician's endorsement and/
or release.
Endorsement from the physician must estimate a date of recovery from the illness
or injury to the extent the employee can be returned to full duty. Such dates can be
adjusted based upon an accelerated rehabilitation or recovery, or a prolonged period
due to aggravated circumstances.
(b)Any light duty assignment of two days or less must be approved by that officer's
lieutenant or the on-duty field supervisor in the lieutenant's absence.
Employees assigned to light duty shall receive line supervision from the supervisor of the section
the employee is assigned.
Assignment to light duty status can be initiated by either a request by the employee or in the form
of a directive by the department.
1028.5 ACCOUNTABILITY
Written notification of assignments, work schedules and any restrictions should be provided
to employees assigned to temporary modified-duty assignments and their supervisors. Those
assignments and schedules may be adjusted to accommodate department operations and the
employee’s medical appointments, as mutually agreed upon with the Bureau Commander.
Garden Grove Police Department
Policy Manual
Temporary Modified-Duty Assignments
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2024/09/03, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by Garden Grove Police
DepartmentTemporary Modified-Duty Assignments - 31028.5.1 EMPLOYEE RESPONSIBILITIES
The responsibilities of employees assigned to temporary modified duty shall include, but not be
limited to:
(a)Communicating and coordinating any required medical and physical therapy
appointments in advance with their supervisors.
(b)Promptly notifying their supervisors of any change in restrictions or limitations after
each appointment with their treating medical professionals.
(c)Communicating a status update to their supervisors no less than once every 30 days
while assigned to temporary modified duty.
(d)Submitting a written