Jacksonville

Police

Department

Memo
To:
Patrolman Jared DeGroot

From: Chief Anthony Grootens Date: Re: 03/05/2010 Discipline

After reviewing a report in regard to an alleged violation of the Jacksonville Police Department Policy and Procedure Manual: General Order 14 - Conduct . 14.3.11 - Unauthorized Use of Time Specifically you: 1.) Did not appear for court testimony at the designated time 2.) Did not make alternative arrangements prior to the court date 3.) Have failed to appear in court on three (3) previous occasions I have determined that just cause exists to support the allegation that you failed to appear for criminal court on Tuesday, March 2,2010, and I am imposing a one and one half day (18 hour) suspension without pay. Please make arrangementS to meet with Lt. Joe Tapscott to schedule the dis~piinary time off for this suspension, which may be served over the next two (2) pay periods beginning Sunday, March 7.2010. You are advised that any future violations of departmental policy will lead to progressive discipline up to and including discharge. To avoid future problems conceming this specific violation you need to be punctual when reporting for duty and avoid being absent from your assigned post.

cc:

Pti. Jared DeGroot Jerry Ueb - FOP Labor Council Personnel File Lt. Joe Tapscott Abby Kiddy - Employee Assistance Program .

Dare:

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Date:

Jacksonville Police Department

Memo
To:
Chief Anthony Grootens

From: Cpt. Rex Gind~

Date: Re: 3/5/2010 Ptl. Jared DeGroot

Wednesday, March 3, 2010, I received a memo from U. Joe Tapscott reportl~g ptl .Jared DeGroot missed a criminal court date on Tuesday, 03/0212010. The memo from Lf:rapseoty-outlines the details of the event. Included in these details is the fact Ptl. DeGroot has missed three (3) Court dates in the past. Court dates Pt!. DeGroot previously failed to attend: Monday March 22, 2004 - Traffic - Letter of Reprimand Tuesday April 20, 2004 - Preliminary Hearing - Suspended one (1) eight (8) hour day Friday June 27,2008 - Municipal Court - Suspended one (1) twelve (12) ~our day
.' .1'.

Ptt. DeGroot failed to appear in court on Tuesday, March 3, 2010. This is a violation of the JacksonvHle Police Department Policy and Procedure Manual: General Order 14 - Conduct 14.3.11 - Unauthorized Use of TIme

Inappropriate use of duty time not specifically mentioned he~~ that affects completion of duties and responsibilities may also be just cause for disciplinary action.
. . . I

Tardiness - When you are not punctual in reporting for duty or In execution of . aSSigned tasks; . . Inattentiveness - When you are inattentive to duties b~,'laziness, being absent from assigned post, sleeping on duty, taking excessive time for breaks, or making other unauthorized use of duty time;

I recommend Ptl. Jared DeGroot receive an'18 hour (1 & 112 day) suspension without pay for this most recent policy violation. This is consistent with progressive discipline and c9nf~rms to the agreement in the Patrol Labor Contract, which addresses the. adjustment for the fwelve (12}.!hour shift schedule and concluded all time would be a day for day conversion from the eight (8) hour shift schedule, including disciplinary time.

Attachment:

Memo from Lt Joe Tapscott dated March 3, 2010

Jacksonville Police Department

200 W. Douglas Jacksonville, IL 62650 (217) 479-4630
To: Deputy Chief Rex Ginder

From: Lt. Joe Tapscott~ Date: March 3, 2010 RE: Ptl. Jared DeGroot

On Tuesday, March 2, 2010 I was contacted by phone by Ptl. Jared DeGroot who advised me he had missed his court date for a bench trail involving Criminal Trespass to Land 09-023556. Ptl. DeGroot stated Sgt. Chris Johnson had called him and advised him he was late for court. Ptl. DeGroot advised Sgt. Johnson he was between Jerseyville and Carrollton and had his daughter with him and would be unable to back in town in time for court. Ptl. DeGroot stated he called the States Attorney office and apologized to Chris Reif for the inconvenience. Ptl. Deflroot advised me this case had been continued from last month and he failed to put the new court date in his planner. I went to the Morgan County Courthouse and spoke with Assistant States Attorney Bobby Bonjean who stated the defendant, , entered into a plea of guilty and was fined $100.00. I spoke with Lt. Shea this morning, February 3, 2010 who advised me that this was not the first time Ptl. DeGroot had missed court. I looked into Ptl. DeGroot personnel file and found out the Ptl. DeGroot had already missed court on 3 different occasions, 2 Circuit Court dates and 1 Municipal Court appearance, On July 9,2008 for violating General Order 14.3.1. 'Unauthorized Use of Time, his third offense, then Chief Don Cook suspended Ptl. DeGroot for 1 day (12 hours) without pay. I do not think Ptl. DeGroot intentionally missed his court appearance, but failed to keep his planner up to date. I refer this matter to you for the next step in progressive discipline.