The Firefighters Procedural Bill of Rights

Knowing Your Rights Can Non-Waiver Statement
Save Your Job.
If you’re compelled to make a statement or
If you find you’re being asked questions answer questions in violation of your right
that might result in disciplinary action or to representation or any of the rights listed
criminal prosecution: above, demand that it be recorded and
read the following:
1. Ask if you are at risk of disciplinary I am making this statement involuntarily,
in compliance with a direct order
action. made under penalty of sanction and/or Know
termination. In compelling my statement Your Rights
2. Ask for union representation before without representation, you are in
violation of the California Government The Firefighters
responding to any questions. Code, Sections 3250 through 3262, and Procedural Bill of Rights
are subject to civil penalties prescribed by
3. Insist that any statement be tape law. I do not waive any of my rights under Courtesy of:
this law, our current union contract, any
recorded. other local, state or federal law, or my CALIFORNIA
right to remain silent under the Fifth and PROFESSIONAL
4. Don’t volunteer to take a Fourteenth Amendments of the United FIREFIGHTERS
States Constitution.
lie-detector, alcohol or drug test.
California Professional Firefighters
5. Don’t reveal any personal financial 1780 Creekside Oaks, Suite 200
Sacramento, CA 95833
information without a court (916) 921-9111 • [email protected]
www.cpf.org
order.

6. Make note of physical or verbal

abuse, threats, extortion or any

other attempt to compel your

answers.

You Have The Right … Before Any Questioning, Your Employer May Not …
Your Employer Must …
• To know if you are under investigation • Force you to answer questions
• To representation before answering • Tell you if you’re under investigation without representation
for misconduct
any questions • Interrogate you off-duty without
• To tape record any questioning • Tell you if your responses could compensation
• To have copies of all recordings and result in discipline
• Subject you to physical or verbal
transcripts • Tell you the nature of any possible abuse
• To a written offer of immunity from charges
• Subject you to threats or promise of
criminal prosecution • Tell you who will be conducting any reward
• To be questioned on-duty at a investigation
• Compel you to take a lie-detector test
reasonable time • Tell you who will be interrogating • Discipline you for refusing to take a
• To be reassigned only to another you
lie-detector test
normal department job during • Offer you written immunity from • Search your private space without
any probe criminal prosecution
• To review and sign adverse comment court order, unless you are present
in any personnel-related file • Authorize tape recording of any or give consent
before it’s submitted inquiry • Force you to reveal personal financial
• To attach a response to any adverse data, except by law or court order
comment before it’s submitted The Firefighters Procedural Bill of Rights
gives first responders the strongest on-the- Always Ask: “Can This Lead To
Never Answer Questions job protections in California. Its signing Disciplinary Action?”
Without Representation in 2007 caps a two-decade fight by CPF
to bring firefighters the same workplace If The Answer Is “Yes,” Ask For
protections enjoyed by law enforcement. Representation