Joint EthicsPurposeJoint Ethics Regulation OverviewJER BackgroundEthical DutiesPrinciples of Ethical ConductEthical Conduct (continued)MORE Ethical Conduct!!!EVEN MORE Ethical Conduct!!!General Policy DODMeet Your Ethics CounselorEthics Counselor’s RoleJoint Ethics Regulation Key RulesGifts From Outside Sources...Gifts - The Practical ApproachGifts Between EmployeesSlide 17Bottom Line on GiftsOfficial Travel - Air TravelOfficial TravelIncidental Travel Benefits (cont)Use of Government ResourcesCommercial ActivitiesFundraisingJoint Ethics Regulation SummaryConclusionSlide 27Joint EthicsJoint Ethics•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 rulesPurposePurpose•JER Background and Scope•JER General Policy and Duties•Key Rules Joint Ethics Regulation OverviewJoint Ethics Regulation Overview•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 ProvisionsJER BackgroundJER Background•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 Ethical DutiesEthical Duties•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 Principles of Ethical Conduct Principles of Ethical Conduct•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 abuseEthical Conduct (continued) Ethical Conduct (continued)•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 DefenseMORE Ethical Conduct!!!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.EVEN MORE Ethical Conduct!!!EVEN MORE Ethical Conduct!!!•Become familiar with all Ethical Provisions•Comply with all provisions•Become familiar with scope and authority for official activities for which YOU are responsibleEmployees (civilian and military) Shall: General Policy DOD General Policy DOD•Arms Length AttorneyMeet Your Ethics CounselorMeet Your Ethics Counselor•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 troubleEthics Counselor’s RoleEthics Counselor’s Role•Gift•Travel •Use of Government Property•Commercial Activities•Fundraising Joint Ethics Regulation Key RulesJoint Ethics Regulation Key Rules•None from prohibited sources or given because of official position•Prohibited Source:–Does business with the DoD–Seeks to do business with the DoDThe General RuleThe General RuleGifts From Outside Sources...Gifts From Outside Sources...•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 - The Practical ApproachGifts - The Practical Approach•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 existsGeneral RuleGeneral RuleGifts Between EmployeesGifts Between Employees•“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 ExceptionsExceptionsGifts Between EmployeesGifts Between Employees•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 VOLUNTARYBottom Line on GiftsBottom Line on Gifts•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 GSAOfficial Travel - Air TravelOfficial Travel - Air Travel•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 SourceUse of Premium ClassUse of Premium ClassOfficial TravelOfficial Travel•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 GovernmentIncidental Travel Benefits (cont)Incidental Travel Benefits (cont)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 costUse of Government ResourcesUse of Government Resources•No conflicts of interest, or even appearance•No solicitation of junior members•Key exception to “Junior member” prohibition:–One-time sale of non-commercial propertyCommercial ActivitiesCommercial Activities•Only Combined Federal Campaign and Air Force