Reintegration framework: Recognize
Recognizing alleged conduct deficiency and unacceptable behaviour that violates Canadian law, CAF policy or otherwise negatively impacts CAF environments is one of the four steps in the reintegration framework. This step includes disclosing and reporting the incident.
The framework suggests:
- Actions to be taken by leaders and the organization
- Communications related to the four steps
- Considerations to support leader decision making
Actions
- Actions must be sensitive to the needs of the affected persons, and the impact on their safety, health and well-being.
- Confirm well-being and safety of respondent, and that they are informed about the full range of available services.
- Verify at outset whether there are barriers or concerns preventing access to the required support, resources or information.
- Ensure respondent’s right to due process and procedural fairness.
- Identify the risk of retaliation; monitor and mitigate as required.
- Depending on the nature of the incident or in situations where there may be safety risks, immediate actions may be required and temporary workplace modifications may be considered.
- Confirm awareness of Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services (CFMWS), Canadian Forces Health Services (CFHS), Conflict and Complaint Management Services (CCMS), and unit Chaplain Support for all parties.
- Report incident in appropriate tracking system(s), including notification through appropriate reporting mechanisms (e.g., Sexual Misconduct Incident Tracking System – SMITS).
- Engage representative from the Office of the JAG and Canadian Forces National Investigation Service (CFNIS) as required.
- Inform Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS) and Vice Chief of the Defence Staff (VCDS) of all conduct deficiency allegations involving General Officers and Flag Officers (GOFOs), and Chief Warrant Officers (CWOs), and Chief Petty Officers First Class (CPO1s) at the Command level (DAOD 2008-3, Issue and Crisis Management).
- The VCDS will inform the Minister’s Office in the case of conduct deficiency allegations involving GOFOs, and Command CWOs and CPO1s.
Communications
- If media coverage is possible, engage Public Affairs for advice and communications planning support.
- Be mindful of Privacy Act compliance when communicating internally and externally.
- Develop communications attuned to the impact on all parties.
- Communications activities are not to have an adverse impact on due process (administrative or disciplinary proceedings); they must remain impartial to allegations that have not been investigated or proven.
- No officer or non-commissioned member shall do or say anything that if seen or heard by any member of the public, might reflect discredit on the DND/CAF or on any of its members, including social media (QR&O 19.14).
Considerations
- Maintaining privacy and confidentiality of parties is key.
- Practice discretion and sensitivity when recognizing the incident.
- Factors to consider in determining a conduct deficiency are available in the DAOD 5019 series.
- Consider the risk of self-harm and the need to be vigilant.
- Monitor, and provide support and resources with specific attention to critical points immediately after an incident is reported, or after major events.
- In recognizing a potential conduct deficiency, consider a restorative, principle-based approach that is focused on relationships, hearing and acknowledging the views, perspectives, and the needs and goals of every participant.