In cases of harassment or sexual harassment, to whom should an employee make a report?

• A. A supervisor in his/her chain of command
• B. The Chief Deputy
• C. The Professional Standards Bureau
• D. Human Resources

Answer: (A)

Reporting harassment through the supervisor in the chain of command is the appropriate first step because the supervisor is positioned to initiate the formal complaint, document the issue, and begin an official investigation within the agency’s established procedures. This route ensures the concern is promptly addressed, protects the employee from retaliation, and routes the matter to Human Resources or, if needed, the Professional Standards Bureau through proper channels. While Human Resources and the Professional Standards Bureau are important resources, they are typically engaged after the initial report is filed with the supervisor. If the supervisor is involved in the harassment or cannot act, alternative avenues within the chain of command or the agency’s internal investigation processes would be pursued, but starting with the direct supervisor is the standard first step.