Personnel Files An employee, or his/her certified representative with the written consent of the employee, may inspect that employee's personnel file with the exception of all material obtained from other employers and agencies at the time that employee was hired. An employee shall be advised of, and entitled to read, any written statement by the employee's supervisor or departmental Management regarding his/her work performance or conduct if such statement is to be placed in his/her personnel file. The employee shall acknowledge that he/she has read such material by affixing his/her signature on the copy to be filed, with the understanding that such signature merely signifies that he/she has read the material to be filed but does not necessarily indicate agreement with its content. If the employee refuses to sign, the supervisor shall note his/her refusal on the copy to be filed along with the supervisor's signature and the signature of a witness to the employee's refusal to sign. The employee may file a grievance regarding any such document within the prescribed time limits of the grievance procedure. If the employee fails to file a grievance within the designated time limits, the document becomes part of the official file. If the employee does file a grievance within the designated time limits, said document shall not be placed in the official file nor referenced in any Performance Evaluation or Appraisal of Promotability until the grievance procedure or civil service appeal rights have been exhausted. Grievances filed under this provision shall not be subject to the Arbitration provisions of the Grievance Procedure unless they involve violation of a specific provision of this agreement. Management agrees that no properly used full paid sick leave used in the twelve months immediately prior to an Appraisal of Promotability or a Performance Evaluation will be referenced on such forms. The employee may attach his/her statement to any document within twenty (20) business days if he/she chooses not to file a grievance regarding such document or within ten (10) business days following final determination if he/she has filed a grievance regarding such document. On reviewing his/her personnel file, an employee may request and have any written warnings issued more than one year prior placed in an envelope and sealed in his/her personnel file except as such may be a part of an official permanent record. On the face of the sealed envelope it shall read "The contents herein shall be disclosed only upon written consent of the subject employee or by subpoena or other legal process from a public body of competent jurisdiction." The date the contents of the sealed envelope will be destroyed shall also appear on the face of envelope. That date shall be two (2) years from the date of issue of the documents in the sealed envelope. An employee on reviewing his/her personnel file, may request and have any written warnings or reprimand(s) issued more than two (2) years prior removed from his/her personnel file except as such may be a part of an official permanent record. All departments employing peace officers covered by the Peace Officers Bill of Rights shall comply with its provisions.
