Developing a professional standards model for the fire service

Abstract

While police agencies have well-established internal affairs processes, professional standards units (PSUs) are rare in fire service agencies with fewer than 1,000 employees. In response to increased public scrutiny and growing concerns about liability issues, fire service agencies are implementing PSUs.
This study was designed to develop and validate a prototype professional standards manual for fire service agencies. We reviewed professional standards divisions in fire service and police departments, and interviewed representatives of selected agencies to establish parameters for successful PSUs. Based on this review, a professional standards model was developed. For validation, the prototype was submitted to four fire service professionals for review and comment. Their comments were supplemented by phone interviews and incorporated into the model.