SULLIVAN COUNTY, NY — A resolution introduced by Sullivan County Human Resources to the Human Resources Committee attempting to establish a policy prohibiting the use of recording devices died in committee without enough votes to be considered by the full legislature on April 11.

The unpassed policy stated, “Unauthorized electronic surveillance of employees is disruptive to employee morale and inconsistent with the respectful treatment of our employees. For this reason, no employee may record the conversation of another employee without his/her/their full knowledge and written consent.”

The policy also stated, “Secret recordings are strictly prohibited unless authorized in writing. A violation of this policy may result in disciplinary action up to, and including, termination/Section 75 charges.”

The River Reporter has previously reported on Sullivan County’s hostile work environment complaints that were founded on the basis of recorded evidence by county employees. Additionally, the River Reporter has used employee recordings to verify and report sensitive issues associated with alleged conduct violations. See reporting at www.riverreporter.com/stories/misconduct-alleged-in-sullivan-county-sheriffs-office,182433. See the full unpassed proposed policy at sullivancountyny.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=7295846&GUID=84FE883D-BFD1-4DDE-A073-32544668644B.