Chapter 3 – Personnel, Training, and Employee Relations

31170.4.6 Prohibition of Individuals from Influencing the Examination Process

• Employees shall not use their personal influence to aid or hinder any applicants with whom they have a family or close personal relationship(i.e., an association with an individual by blood, adoption, marriage, cohabitation, etc.) or a working relationship. This policy is consistent with the Department’s existing policy on nepotism.

• Note: The April 30, 1992 memorandum, “Preparing for Civil Service Examinations” issued by the Department’s PES, outlines the departmental policy regarding preparation for examination process if any competitors are disadvantaged by not having the same access to tutoring, help, and/or aids. The best preparation is the day-to-day guidance and direction received on the job.

• Employees shall not:

  • Aid or hinder any Applicant in any phase of a civil service examination or hiring process because of such relationship.

  • Furnish any person with information intended to improve or injure that person’s chances during the application or examination phases.

  • Defeat, deceive, or obstruct any other person’s right of examination, application, or employment.

  • Willfully and falsely mark, grade, estimate, or report upon the examination standing of any person examined or certified.

  • Participate in the examination or hiring interview of any person with whom they have such relationships.

  • Practice deception or fraud with regard to any person’s identity in connection with any examination, application, or request to be examined.

  • Obtain examination questions/materials before, during, or after an examination for purpose of preparing candidates for examinations.

  • Use unfair means to cause or attempt to cause any eligible candidate to waive any rights under these regulations.