AFVOA Newletters of Year 2010

Page 27 of 50 83. DON’T find an alleged offender “guilty” if any reasonable doubt remains as to his guilt. He must be allowed the benefit of doubt. 84. DON’T prejudice an alleged offender’s case by looking at his conduct sheet before investigating the charge against him. A “clear” one or a “black” one only influences the scale of the offence. Therefore, do not look at his conduct sheet until you have arrived at a decision regarding his guilt or innocence of his charge. 85. DON’T punish a first offender for a minor offence. 85. DON’T fail to keep an alphabetic roll of first offenders you have “let off with a caution”, so that a swift and suitable punishment follows a further offence. Every offence cannot be treated as a first offence, or it becomes a habit. 87. DON’T forget to inform an offender whom you have decided punish that you are doing so for three reasons:- (a) Because he deserves it: (b) To deter him form committing that offence again. (c) To deter others from committing a similar offence. 88. DON’T restrict privileges which the regulations permit; allow all to enjoy them to the full, but immediately withdraw them for a suitable period from those who abuse them. 89. DON’T place an offender in arrest, either “close” or “open” for a trivial offence; it is not necessary. You can prefer a charge against him without placing him in arrest. 90. DON’T use your position to inflict any punishment which could be termed “malicious”. 91. DON’T forget that the careers of your subordinates can be seriously damaged by a mistake on your part. Your Correct Conduct in Private Affairs 92. DON’T discuss Service matters in private correspondence. 93. DON’T indulge in adverse criticism of junior or senior officers in private correspondence. It is grossly unjust: they cannot defend themselves. 94. DON’T discuss official Service matters with anyone, unless it is a matter which their official position demands that they should know 95. DON’T, when permitted to wear “mufti” wear any old clothes. Remember that you are still an officer. 96. DON’T discuss Service matters at home. Your family will undoubtedly be curious, and you may wish to impress them with the importance of your position, but careless talk even among those whom you trust the most, may sacrifice valuable lives. Do not by mere foolishness become an unpaid agent of the enemy. 97. DON’T use Service rank titles when addressing religious teachers. 98. DON’T fail to address officers correctly even in informal invitations (ie., officers of the rank of Captain or above by ranks and as “Mr” for those below. 99. DON’T introduce officers below the rank of Captains by their ranks. It should be “Mr”. Captains and above should be introduced by their ranks. 100. DON’T attempt to gain a personal advantage by writing a private letter on official matter to a friend or relative who may hold high rank or be in a position of authority. Not only is it “bad form” but there is a regulation which expressly forbids you to do this.