§ 602.401. Misuse of position, information, resources etc.

(a)

Misuse of position, title, or authority. It is a violation of this Chapter for an officer, or employee of the City or an independent agency to intentionally use his or her official position, title or any authority associated with his or her public office to coerce, induce or attempt to coerce or induce another person, or otherwise act in a manner inconsistent with official duties, to obtain a special privilege or exemption, financial or otherwise, for himself, herself or others, or to secure confidential information for any purpose other than official responsibilities.

(b)

Misuse of confidential information. It is a violation of this Chapter for an officer, or employee of the City or an independent agency to intentionally or knowingly disclose or use any confidential information gained by reason of said person's position for any purpose other than official responsibilities.

(c)

Unethical lending or borrowing. It is a violation of this Chapter for an officer, or employee of the City or an independent agency, to directly or indirectly lend or borrow over $100, to or from a higher ranking or subordinate officer, employee of the City or an independent agency who is in such person's City chain of command. It is also unlawful for an officer, or employee of the City or an independent agency, to directly or indirectly lend or borrow over $500 to or from anyone else in the person's City department. This subsection shall not be applicable to lending between family members.

(d)

City Officers and employees should recognize their responsibility to protect and conserve City property and resources, and to make an honest effort to use official time and City property only for official business. To that end:

(1)

Misuse of property. It is a violation of this Chapter for an officer or employee of the City or an independent agency to knowingly use property owned by the City or any independent agency for his or her personal benefit, convenience or profit, or for the benefit, convenience or profit of others, except in accordance with official written City policies or ordinances.

(2)

Misuse of time. It is a violation of this Chapter for an officer, employee of the City or an independent agency to use the official time of a City employee for anything other than official City business.

(3)

Misuse of resources for campaigning. It is a violation of this Chapter for an officer, employee of the City or an independent agency to use any City resources, including property, employee time, computers and the Internet, for any political campaigning or campaign fundraising activities.

(Ord. 97-890-E, § 1; Ord. 2007-329-E, § 3; Ord. 2011-232-E, § 3; Ord. 2014-457-E, § 1; Ord. 2018-822-E , § 1)

Note— Former § 602.310.