doc_1835976

WINDERMERE POLICE DEPARTMENT GENERAL ORDER Effective Date: October 6, 2022  New Policy Amends 18.1 (October 1, 2013) Number: 18.1 SUBJECT: Tuition Assistance Program Print Date: 10/06/22 Distribution: All Personnel Review Month: October This order consists of the following: 1. Purpose 2. Policy 3. Procedures 1. Purpose The purpose of this policy is to establish a member development program. A college education is important in making agency employees more effective providers of service, better communicators, and more responsive to the mission of the Windermere Police Department. 2. Policy A. Such off -duty education, training, instruction or courses of study must directly contribute to the improvement of skills or the enhancement of knowledge used in the performance of your duties as an employee of the agency. Courses must be from an accredited college or university. The college or university must be accredited by one of the associations formally approved by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE). B. Courses that will not be considered for educational reimbursement in clude: 1. Seminars 2. Workshops 3. Vocational/technical 18.1, Page 2 4. Preparatory/refresher 5. Self-improvement courses 6. Other continuing education type courses that are offered at a Criminal Justice Institute or any other institution not recognized by FDLE. C. Eligible members must have been continuously employed by the Windermere Police Department for at least one year immediately preceding the first day of classes for which tuition reimbursement is requested. D. Reimbursement for tuition is made only to employees who are on the active payroll when payment is due. E. Reimbursement for tuition may be awarded to members who are receiving financial assistance in the form of grants or stipends. The total of all reimbursement shall not exceed the difference between 100% of the cost of tuition minus the grant or stipend amou nt. (Example: 100% of tuition equals $100.00 minus the stipend or grant for $50.00 equals a police department reimbursement of no more than $50.00). Those who are taking out educational loans are eligible. F. Members with issued vehicles may use their vehi cles to attend schools that are located in Orange County upon approval of the Chief of Police. G. This program may be amended or terminated at any time; however, such amendments or termination will not affect any course of study previously approved for indiv idual members. H. Members are entitled to receive state educational incentive monies providing the college or university attended is formally approved by FDLE’s list of accrediting associations. I. Employees earning a degree from a college or university not fo rmally approved by FDLE’s list of accrediting associations shall not be able to use that degree for promotional eligibility requirements within the agency. 3. Procedures A. Approval 18.1, Page 2 1. Requests for approval of appropriate course(s) of study must be submitted to the chain of command a minimum of four (4) weeks prior to the first day of classes. 2. For courses completed within 60 days prior to the end of the current fiscal year, members may exercise the option to have reimbursement awarded in the following fiscal year. Regardless, employees are still required to submit the appropriate documents as outlined in this policy. No person shall receive reimbursements in excess of $1,000 per fiscal year. B. Tuition Reimbursement 1. The member is eligible for reimbursement of tuition upon the successful completion of approved courses. At that time, the member shall forward the completed tuition reimbursement form, certification of successful course completion, and grades, to the Depu ty Chief within two weeks of receipt of final grade(s). 2. The member shall cover the costs of ap plication fees, laboratory fees registration fees and similar fees. 3. Qualified members, having presented proof of successful completion of course work, along w ith a receipt for tuition paid, are eligible for reimbursement up to 100% of tuition. Successful completion of course work is defined as having earned a grade of "C" or better on an alphabetic scale or the equivalency of a numerical scale or a grade of "p assing" on a pass/fail rating system. No person shall receive reimbursements in excess of $1,000 per fiscal year. C. Repayment of Assistance 1. Separation from the Windermere Police Department for any reason, prior to completing one (1) year of service follow ing the completion of approved course work, shall cause the affected member to repay the Town of Windermere all tuition reimbursement sums paid by the Town during the member's last year of service. The application form is a notarized contractual agreement with the Town of Windermere that outlines the conditions of any tuition reimbursement. 18.1, Page 2 2. If a member is required to repay the Town of Windermere for tuition reimbursement, the amount owed may be withheld from final payment to the member. __________________ Chief David A. Ogden