doc_1004817

Policy 1028Santa Ana Police Department Santa Ana PD Policy Manual Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2025/02/26, All Rights Reserved. Published with permission by Santa Ana Police DepartmentReturn to Work Program - Bridge Assignments - 1Return to Work Program - Bridge 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 Santa Ana Police Department has implemented a Return to Work (RTW) Program and identified temporary modified-duty assignments, also referred to as Bridge Assignments, for employees who have an injury or medical condition resulting in temporary work limitations or restrictions. A Bridge Assignment allows the employee to remain a productive member of the Department during the temporary time the employee is recovering from and industrial injury or illness. (See attached Temporary Bridge Assignment Matrix & Index) 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, and shall not exceed the work restrictions as established by the appropriate medical practitioner. Employees with 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. Bridge 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. Bridge 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 Bridge Assignments from wearing a uniform, displaying a badge, carrying a firearm, operating an emergency vehicle, engaging in outside employment, or being otherwise limited in employing their peace officer powers. Bridge Assignments shall generally not exceed a cumulative total of 1,040 hours in any one-year period. Santa Ana Police Department Santa Ana PD Policy Manual Return to Work Program - Bridge Assignments Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2025/02/26, All Rights Reserved. Published with permission by Santa Ana Police DepartmentReturn to Work Program - Bridge Assignments - 21028.4 PROCEDURE At management's discretion, employees may be assigned to a Bridge Assignment, even if it is outside their regular Department/Division, for the period of time they have work restrictions, as long as the Bridge Assignment does not exceed their restrictions.. Employees seeking a Bridge 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 Bridge 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 City Human Resources/Risk Management Division or the City Attorney as appropriate. Requests for a Bridge Assignment of 20 hours or less per week may be approved and facilitated by the Watch Commander or Bureau Commander, with notice to the Chief of Police. 1028.5 ACCOUNTABILITY Written notification of assignments, work schedules and any restrictions should be provided to employees assigned to a Bridge 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. 1028.5.1 EMPLOYEE RESPONSIBILITIES The responsibilities of employees assigned to a Bridge Assignment 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 a Bridge Assignment. Santa Ana Police Department Santa Ana PD Policy Manual Return to Work Program - Bridge Assignments Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2025/02/26, All Rights Reserved. Published with permission by Santa Ana Police DepartmentReturn to Work Program - Bridge Assignments - 3(d)Submitting a written status report to the Bureau Commander that contains a status update and anticipated date of return to full-duty when a Bridge Assignment extends beyond 60 days. (e)No member shall work overtime while on modified duty for an industrial or non- industrial injury/illness 1028.5.2 SUPERVISOR RESPONSIBILITIES The employee’s immediate supervisor shall monitor and manage the work schedule of those assigned to a Bridge Assignment. The responsibilities of supervisors shall include, but not be limited to: (a)