Discipline Process
The Local Agency Personnel Standards (LAPS) outline procedures for notifying employees of the intent to discipline, the employee’s right to respond to that notice,
and an appeal process to the California State Personnel Board (SPB) once discipline has been imposed. The LAPS
rules supersede county rules, processes, or Memoranda of Understanding unless SPB has authorized the use of the local disciplinary processes.
Discipline includes the following actions:
- Dismissal
- Demotion
- Reduction in compensation
- Suspension
- Any other disciplinary action that affects the employee’s status
The appointing authority is responsible for determining the appropriate disciplinary action, while LAPS outlines the discipline process.
Should the appointing authority impose disciplinary action, the following steps will be taken:
- A written notice of disciplinary action will be given to the recipient personally or by certified mail.
- The written notice will be given at least five calendar days prior to the effective date of the disciplinary action.
- The written notice will include a description of the action to be taken, the effective date, the reason for the action,
and a statement advising the employee of the right to appeal to the State Personnel Board and the time within which the appeal must be made.
The employee will either be given a copy of materials pertinent to the action or be told how he or she can view the materials.
The employee will also be advised of his or her right to respond to the notice.
- If the employee fails to respond as outlined in the letter, or, after responding, withdraws the response, the disciplinary action taken by the appointing power will be final.
- The employee will be notified of his or her right to appeal to the State Personnel Board.