FAXNEWZ    Handout  #7012

Nation's Business

February, 1998, pg 48

Workers Are Not The Usual Suspects 

"When employees stand accused of crimes outside the workplace, 
employers must be careful in deciding how to handle them."

1. Confer with an attorney on the law in your state.

          Laws on termination resulting from arrest vary widely.

2. Evaluate your options.

          You have other options like suspension without pay.

3. Analyze your motives for wanting to fire someone accused of 
    a crime outside the workplace.

          If the offense is related to duties at work, then it may not be 
          an issue of discrimination.

4. Ask lots of questions.

          An investigation is necessary, otherwise the information is 
          hearsay.   Most especially, interview the accused.

5. Ensure unbiased treatment.

          Identical policies must apply across the board.

6. Tread softly.

          Never do anything that would tarnish the employee's reputation 
          in or out of the workplace.

7. Protect other workers.

          It may be prudent during your investigation to suspend the employee 
          with pay to separate him or her from your workplace.