LOA Guidelines: 

Leave of Absence (LOA) Policy

All department members are eligible to request a Leave of Absence (LOA) when necessary. However, there are specific restrictions and guidelines to ensure proper staffing and accountability.

Eligibility & Restrictions:

• Probationary Officers:
  
  

  • Cannot take an LOA unless they submit a General Ticket explaining their reason.
    
    

  • The reason must be deemed serious by Commander or higher.
    
    

• All Members:
  
  

  • After returning from an LOA, members are normally subject to a one-month cooldown period, during which they cannot request another LOA.
    
    

  • LOAs cannot be extended unless approved by Deputy Chief or higher.
    
    

  • The cooldown period may be waived for members with extenuating circumstances, including but not limited to:
    
    

    • Death or serious illness in the immediate family
      
      

    • Personal medical emergencies
      
      

    • Court appearances or legal obligations
      
      

    • Other serious, personal issues approved by Deputy Chief or higher
      
      

  • LOAs should be requested with reasonable notice to allow the department to maintain proper staffing.
    
    

Additional Guidelines:

• LOAs are granted based on operational needs and the legitimacy of the reason provided.
  
  

• All members are expected to maintain communication with their chain of command during extended LOAs if required.
  
  

• Abuse or misrepresentation when requesting an LOA may result in disciplinary action.
  
  

Purpose:
This policy ensures fairness, proper staffing, and accountability while allowing members to take time off when necessary.