Transcript Slide 1

Joint Ethics
Purpose
• To understand the origins and scope of
the ethic requirements
• To understand your duties as a DOD
employee
• To become familiar with the gift, travel,
and use of government resources rules
Joint Ethics Regulation Overview
• JER Background and Scope
• JER General Policy and Duties
• Key Rules
JER Background
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Replaced AFR 30-30
DOD Directive 5500.7-R (30 Aug.. 93)
No Service Supplementing Regulations
Applies to all DOD employees, regardless
of civilian or military grade
• 12 Chapters, Punitive Provisions
Ethical Duties
• Set a personal example for fellow DOD
employees
• Perform all official duties to facilitate
Fed Government efficiency and
economy
• Report suspected violations of ethics
regulations
Principles of Ethical Conduct
• Loyalty to Constitution, laws and ethical
principles above private gain
• No conflicts of financial interests
• No improper use of information to further
private interests
• Honest effort in performance of duties
• No unauthorized commitments or promises
Ethical Conduct (continued)
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No use of public office for private gain
Impartial, no preferential treatment
Conserve Federal property
No outside employment/conflicts with
official duties
• Disclose waste, fraud, and abuse
MORE Ethical Conduct!!!
• Do not use rank or position to further private interest
• Prohibited from commercial solicitation and sale to
• Junior ranking personnel (exception one-time basis for
house, vehicle, etc.)
• Solicitation for contribution for gifts must be
voluntary
• Must pay all personal financial obligations in timely
manner
• Must be careful of accepting gifts from organizations
seeking to do business with the Department of
Defense
EVEN MORE Ethical Conduct!!!
• Can’t conduct any gambling activities on government
property.
• The use of government facilities, property, or
manpower for other than official use is prohibited.
• You may not use “Inside information” for personal
gain.
• Avoid activities of organizations that are incompatible
with your government position.
• Can’t use your position or rank to endorse a
commercial product.
• Outside employment, which is incompatible with your
government duties is prohibited.
General Policy DOD
Employees (civilian and military) Shall:
• Become familiar with all Ethical
Provisions
• Comply with all provisions
• Become familiar with scope and
authority for official activities for which
YOU are responsible
Meet Your Ethics Counselor
• Arms Length Attorney
Ethics Counselor’s Role
• Ethics counselor -AN ATTORNEY
• No attorney-client privilege
– Must so advise before any communications
– Must report suspected JER violations
• Written guidance will help keep you out
trouble
Joint Ethics Regulation Key Rules
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Gift
Travel
Use of Government Property
Commercial Activities
Fundraising
Gifts From Outside Sources...
The General Rule
• None from prohibited sources or given
because of official position
• Prohibited Source:
– Does business with the DoD
– Seeks to do business with the DoD
Gifts - The Practical Approach
• Is Item Actually a Gift?
• If exception applies, would acceptance
undermine Government Integrity?
– Illegal if in exchange for an official action
– Other statutes may prohibit
– Appearance influence is being “bought”
Gifts Between Employees
General Rule
• No gifts to official superiors
– “official superior” means someone who
directs or evaluates an employee
• May not accept gift from lesser-paid
employee
– Unless personal relationship justifies gift and
no superior subordinate relationship exists
Gifts Between Employees
Exceptions
• “Occasional Basis” (Christmas, birthday)
– Non-cash gifts of $10 or less
– Food in office; hospitality at residence
• “Special, Infrequent Occasion” (marriage,
retirement)
– $10 limit per person; $300 per organization
Bottom Line on Gifts
• Regardless of exceptions, may NEVER
accept a gift in return for influence or
solicit a gift from an outside source
• Gifts within exceptions must be truly
VOLUNTARY
Official Travel - Air Travel
• Required to Fly “Coach” Unless
– No other reasonably available
accommodations exist
– Disabled employees condition necessitates
first-class travel
– Exceptional security circumstances
• All first class travel must be reported to
the GSA
Official Travel
Use of Premium Class
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Only seats provided on required route
No Space available, required route
Disabled
Security purposes or exceptional
circumstances
• Cheaper for Government
• Costs paid by a Non-Federal Source
Incidental Travel Benefits (cont)
• On the Spot Upgrades
– May accept if available to public
– Don’t accept if offered because of rank or
official position
• Getting Bumped
– Voluntarily-Keep benefit
– Involuntarily-Benefit belongs to Fed
Government
Use of Government Resources
Agency designee MAY authorize if:
• No adverse affect on duty performance,
duration/frequency=reasonable
• Pub interest keeping employee at work
station
• No adverse reflection on US (e.g. porn
reading, chain letter, etc…)
• No overburdening/no “significant”
additional cost
Commercial Activities
• No conflicts of interest, or even
appearance
• No solicitation of junior members
• Key exception to “Junior member”
prohibition:
– One-time sale of non-commercial property
Fundraising
• Only Combined Federal Campaign and
Air Force Assistance Fund are officially
sanctioned
• Purely personal, unofficial fundraising
may be done subject to limitations
Joint Ethics Regulation Summary
• JER Background
• JER General Policy and Duties
– Do Your Job
– Follow the Rules
• Key Rules
– Gift, Travel, Resource and Fundraising
Conclusion
• Take JER DEADLY serious!
• Remember it is a PUNITIVE
regulation!!
• When In Doubt -- See Your Ethics
Counselor
“The servants of the Nation
are to render their services
without any taking
of presents…”
--Plato