Safety of APS Personnel

Safety of APS Personnel. It is recognized that there is some risk to APS personnel who conduct investigations involving vulnerable persons. To help protect the safety of APA personnel in the field, the following steps shall be taken: 1. The whereabouts of all caseworkers in the field shall be known at all times. Caseworkers shall report their departure from the office to the field, and shall inform their supervisor of their itinerary when out of the office. Caseworkers in the field shall report changes in their itinerary to the supervisor. 2. MDHS shall provide cell phones for the use of caseworkers. Caseworkers are not to provide their personal cell phone number to any vulnerable person, caregiver, guardian or any other person involved in the investigation or care of a vulnerable person. 3. Business cards of APS personnel shall not contain their personal address, email, land line telephone number or cell phone number. 4. Before beginning an investigation, the caseworker shall discuss with his or her supervisor any known or suspected safety risks. Reasonable efforts shall be taken to identify any safety risks that may be inherent in an investigation, including but not limited to biohazards. Known or suspected safety risks shall be considered in the planning of any investigation. Caseworkers will not knowingly be placed in situations that may pose immediate danger or risk without adequate protection. Immediate danger includes but is not limited to cases that may involve risk of death, irreparable harm or significant loss of assets or property.