LEO Pregnancy Chapter-LEO Pregnancy Chapter

LEO Pregnancy Chapter

Pdf Summary

This document provides guidance for law enforcement officers (LEOs) who are pregnant and outlines the risks associated with performing essential job functions during pregnancy. The majority of pregnant LEOs can continue working with some accommodations, but there may be a point in the pregnancy where physical changes impair the ability to perform certain tasks and restrictions need to be implemented. It is important for police physicians and agencies to seek legal advice when developing pregnancy policies or making decisions regarding pregnant LEOs. Discrimination on the basis of pregnancy is prohibited by the Pregnancy Discrimination Act, and pregnant employees should be treated the same as others with similar abilities or limitations. Pregnant women should not be forced to take disability leave if they are able to work and should not be removed from their duty assignment if they are able and willing to perform it. The document also highlights the risks associated with various hazards during pregnancy, such as chemical exposures, physical hazards, and biological hazards. It provides recommendations for modifying activities during pregnancy based on the trimester and advises against certain activities, including firearms qualification and certain types of training. After delivery, return-to-work decisions should be based on individual evaluation taking into account medical issues and complications related to delivery. The document also addresses risks associated with lactation and provides information on the International Association of Chiefs of Police's model policy on pregnancy and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists' opinion on exercise during pregnancy.

Keywords

law enforcement officers

pregnant

essential job functions

accommodations

physical changes

task restrictions

discrimination

hazards during pregnancy

trimester

return-to-work decisions