aphisiglovessae
Brilliant_Rock
- Joined
- Apr 15, 2005
- Messages
- 1,140
Well, I got screwed.... Here''s a copy of a letter I sent to all the head honchos and the women involved about what happened.... Can we say "wrongful termination"??
Some last names and contact information has been removed:
Jennifer ****
***** ***** **** *** **
Pensacola, FL 32514
April 27, 2006
Mrs. Beth *****
CC: Mrs. Sandra and Mrs. Joyce in Admin; Rep. Dave Murzin; Mrs. Magda *******; Mr. Tom Ring; The Allen Group; Deputy Commissioner Ken Tucker
Florida Department of Law Enforcement
**** * ****** ******
Pensacola, Florida 32501
Dear Sirs and Madams:
This letter is in reference to an incident that occurred on April 26, 2006, resulting in my termination as an OPS Evidence Technician. I would first like to apologize to those who feel that I had offended, disrespected or mistreated in any way. This was not my intention and I feel as though I was misinterpreted.
I would like the opportunity to express my thoughts and intentions, as well as my recollection of the events that transpired on April 26, 2006. I apologize that the details may not be exact, but they are to the best of my recollection and the points of the details should be evident.
On Wednesday, April 26, 2006, I reported for duty at 8 am. I had a conversation with Sheila ******* and Carol ****** (my immediate co-workers) about the recent duty I was assigned as an escort for some maintenance personnel (the previous day, the maintenance personnel had arrived unexpectedly and I was pulled from what I perceived to be an important meeting with Mr. Tom Ring, but I went willingly without attitude or incident). I had told them that I knew it was my duty to accept this task (a low person on the totem-pole deal) and that my only disappointment was with the fact that I had a lot of work to do and I would not have the opportunity to accomplish my main tasks for a period of days, possibly up to a week. I decided that while I would wait for the maintenance personnel, I would try to accomplish some tasks and enter evidence into the EMS system that we had received the prior day. Sheila and Carol had gone upstairs to prepare for the inspection that was scheduled for that day. I was almost finished with a submission when I received a phone call from the acting receptionist, Mrs. Joyce (I apologize that I haven''t yet learned her last name) informing me that the maintenance personnel had arrived. I said "Ok, but I just want to let you know that Im the only one in the room", meaning I had to put away all the evidence, paperwork, and other material that should be secure, and lock the vault and main window (In the two weeks I was working for FDLE Evidence, I was under the impression that the security of the evidence and its associated information was to be at the top of my priority list and was of the utmost importance). She said that only one maintenance person had arrived and was waiting for his partner, and proceeded to ask if she could call me again when the other person arrived. I replied with "Sure, that''d be fine", and the conversation ended. I thought that she was giving me a few minutes to take care of what I needed to, in order to leave the evidence room. I immediately finished my submission, put the evidence in their respective bins and put them in the vault. I also gathered my paperwork and put them in my desk where they would be safe, and I proceeded towards the vault to lock it. As I was going to lock the vault, Mrs. Sandra (I apologize again that I haven''t learned her last name) walked into the room, handed me the all-access card, and said I needed to close up and escort these men for the day. I replied with an "ok", and "I know", as I was continuing to secure the area. As I approached the vault I stopped and said "Oh, I dont have a day gate key", because I thought that because you needed a key to open the day gate, you also needed a key to lock it. Sandra then said she would retrieve a key for me. As she walked on the elevator, I thought I would at least close the gate and try, in which I learned that the gate locked automatically. Carol then called me to ask what I needed the key for and I told her that I didnt realize the day gate locked automatically (I had never closed it before) and I figured it out, and everything was taken care of. She then told me to make sure the vault was locked and I said ok. I closed the gate and walked out and passed Mr. Ring, who was getting on the elevator. I said "Oh, is the window locked?" I checked it and said "Yep, its locked," smiled at Mr. Ring, and proceeded to the Maintenance room to greet the gentlemen who were testing the air conditioning vents. They had not finished setting up their equipment when I arrived. I walked in and said "Hi guys! Well, looks like you got me again today." The rest of the day was full of pleasant conversations, laughing and joking, not just with the gentlemen, but also with other FDLE members. At one point during the day, we had past Chief Beth ****** in the hallway. I noticed that she looked like she was having a bad day or was in a bad mood (I thought it was because of the inspection) and tried to say hi to her. I said "Hi Beth, how are you doing today?" I don''t remember much of a response, but I thought she was just busy. I also encountered Mrs. Joyce and Mrs. Sandra sometime during the day, with no indication that anything was wrong. When the air conditioning gentlemen left, Magda ******* proceeded to take me to her office to talk with me. I said "Uh-oh, am I in trouble?" and she said that I was. That''s when I started to get confused. In her office, she proceeded to tell me what I had been accused of. I was dumbfounded and shocked. I proceeded to tell her what I recalled and I was subsequently terminated.
In my opinion, I gave no indication of a foul mood or attitude to any FDLE member, especially Mrs. Joyce and Mrs. Sandra. I was informed that they had told Chief Beth ****** that I informed them that I couldn''t escort the gentlemen around and that I did it with attitude. However, those words were never said. I wanted to inform Mrs. Joyce that I was alone because I thought she knew I had responsibilities to attend to before I was allowed to leave the department. Also, I was told that Chief Beth ****** interpreted my greeting to her in the hallway as additional attitude, which was entirely not my intention. I was just trying to be pleasant and say hello, like I do with everyone I meet in the building.
I feel that the entire situation, whether my recollection or the other accusations are true or not, was handled unfairly and poorly. I explicitly told my interviewers in both interviews that my strongest expectation from my superiors was that I be informed when I do something wrong or when I offend someone for any reason. I have never had any incidents with co-workers or superiors in my previous positions with various employers, and I''m sure they would be shocked to hear that I was accused of poor attitude. I believe that communication between co-workers, especially between employees and supervisors, is the basis for any successful work environment. I was never confronted or informed of any problem prior to termination, and I feel that the termination was wrongful and hasty. I could very much understand being taken aside and scolded for a supposed attitude problem, if it were true, and if I was given an opportunity to explain myself. However, no one asked for me to explain myself and took hearsay as fact. I believe this to be an unacceptable and insufficient explanation for my termination. I would''ve been happy to explain what I said, and why I said it, with a full apology to those affected and a guarantee it would never happen again. I was not given that chance, and I feel that everyone deserves such a chance. I know that I was just an OPS and hadnt been there but 2.5 weeks, but I don''t believe that it should give me less credibility than other members. I feel that the entire situation was a misinterpretation of me. Like I said before, I had no ill intentions or feelings towards the situation. Even if I did, the persons that would experience it would more likely be the persons inconveniencing me (the air conditioning gentlemen) rather than my fellow members, which did not happen either. I also attempted to contact Chief ****** and Mr. Ring concerning the situation and my termination, with no results other than the request to put it all in writing.
I am shocked and dumbfounded at the situation and its results. I just can''t believe that an agency of this caliber, with its high reputation in the community, would treat its employees as I feel I have been treated. The thing that disappoints me the most is the fact that I knew I would be a very valuable asset to FDLE. I am very eager and hardworking, which I tried to show in the short time I have been with FDLE. I have always tried my hardest to treat fellow members with the utmost respect. I gave two hundred percent in everything I did, and I constantly asked to be shown new things. I also sacrificed my Spring Semester classes at the University of West Florida (which will possibly make me financial liable to the government) in which I was taking forensic courses. I was striving to obtain the possible promotion that was mentioned to me by Chief Beth ****** (just two days prior to my termination). I was very excited about this job because it was something I had wanted to do since I was a teenager. It was my dream job. I loved my work, I loved the people I encountered everyday, and I thought that this was the best job in the world from the day I started until the minute I was terminated. Now I feel as though I have been lied to and that I have been discriminated against in some way.
I hope that now you understand my feelings and interpretations with this situation more than previously. I apologize once again for anything I may have done wrong and I thank you for taking the time to read this letter. My main objective was for everyone involved to hear my side of the story, as I feel I was not given sufficient opportunity to do this.
Sincerely,
Jennifer * ****
Now, does this sound like something I would do at a new job with the possibility of promotion right around the corner???? I''m sure I have no recourse, but it''s not about getting my job back anymore.. It''s about getting my integrity back. So, does anyone know of any full-time job openings????
So this is why I''ve been quiet lately. I fell into a depression over this and I recently got a little sparkle of light... According to a chemist I used to work with, FDLE also treated her badly. She supposedly had a job in the chemistry dept in the bag, because her dad hooked her up (he works for the sheriff''s dept) and she has a doctorate in analytical chemistry or something. They scheduled an appointment with the chief to get a tour of the lab and get a run-down on her duties.. The chief never showed up and never returned her numerous calls. She thinks its was because someone felt threatened because she''s one of few that has a doctorate. Her dad was so angry and he happens to be good friends with one of the head-honchos in the FDLE headquarters in Tallahassee. She said she would definitely tell her dad my story and send him a copy of my letter so he can let the people in Tallahassee know what''s going on... So now I''m back at square-one. I have an interview for a chemistry analyst position at a national or world-wide environmental laboratory on Monday..
What do you think about this situation??
Some last names and contact information has been removed:
Jennifer ****
***** ***** **** *** **
Pensacola, FL 32514
April 27, 2006
Mrs. Beth *****
CC: Mrs. Sandra and Mrs. Joyce in Admin; Rep. Dave Murzin; Mrs. Magda *******; Mr. Tom Ring; The Allen Group; Deputy Commissioner Ken Tucker
Florida Department of Law Enforcement
**** * ****** ******
Pensacola, Florida 32501
Dear Sirs and Madams:
This letter is in reference to an incident that occurred on April 26, 2006, resulting in my termination as an OPS Evidence Technician. I would first like to apologize to those who feel that I had offended, disrespected or mistreated in any way. This was not my intention and I feel as though I was misinterpreted.
I would like the opportunity to express my thoughts and intentions, as well as my recollection of the events that transpired on April 26, 2006. I apologize that the details may not be exact, but they are to the best of my recollection and the points of the details should be evident.
On Wednesday, April 26, 2006, I reported for duty at 8 am. I had a conversation with Sheila ******* and Carol ****** (my immediate co-workers) about the recent duty I was assigned as an escort for some maintenance personnel (the previous day, the maintenance personnel had arrived unexpectedly and I was pulled from what I perceived to be an important meeting with Mr. Tom Ring, but I went willingly without attitude or incident). I had told them that I knew it was my duty to accept this task (a low person on the totem-pole deal) and that my only disappointment was with the fact that I had a lot of work to do and I would not have the opportunity to accomplish my main tasks for a period of days, possibly up to a week. I decided that while I would wait for the maintenance personnel, I would try to accomplish some tasks and enter evidence into the EMS system that we had received the prior day. Sheila and Carol had gone upstairs to prepare for the inspection that was scheduled for that day. I was almost finished with a submission when I received a phone call from the acting receptionist, Mrs. Joyce (I apologize that I haven''t yet learned her last name) informing me that the maintenance personnel had arrived. I said "Ok, but I just want to let you know that Im the only one in the room", meaning I had to put away all the evidence, paperwork, and other material that should be secure, and lock the vault and main window (In the two weeks I was working for FDLE Evidence, I was under the impression that the security of the evidence and its associated information was to be at the top of my priority list and was of the utmost importance). She said that only one maintenance person had arrived and was waiting for his partner, and proceeded to ask if she could call me again when the other person arrived. I replied with "Sure, that''d be fine", and the conversation ended. I thought that she was giving me a few minutes to take care of what I needed to, in order to leave the evidence room. I immediately finished my submission, put the evidence in their respective bins and put them in the vault. I also gathered my paperwork and put them in my desk where they would be safe, and I proceeded towards the vault to lock it. As I was going to lock the vault, Mrs. Sandra (I apologize again that I haven''t learned her last name) walked into the room, handed me the all-access card, and said I needed to close up and escort these men for the day. I replied with an "ok", and "I know", as I was continuing to secure the area. As I approached the vault I stopped and said "Oh, I dont have a day gate key", because I thought that because you needed a key to open the day gate, you also needed a key to lock it. Sandra then said she would retrieve a key for me. As she walked on the elevator, I thought I would at least close the gate and try, in which I learned that the gate locked automatically. Carol then called me to ask what I needed the key for and I told her that I didnt realize the day gate locked automatically (I had never closed it before) and I figured it out, and everything was taken care of. She then told me to make sure the vault was locked and I said ok. I closed the gate and walked out and passed Mr. Ring, who was getting on the elevator. I said "Oh, is the window locked?" I checked it and said "Yep, its locked," smiled at Mr. Ring, and proceeded to the Maintenance room to greet the gentlemen who were testing the air conditioning vents. They had not finished setting up their equipment when I arrived. I walked in and said "Hi guys! Well, looks like you got me again today." The rest of the day was full of pleasant conversations, laughing and joking, not just with the gentlemen, but also with other FDLE members. At one point during the day, we had past Chief Beth ****** in the hallway. I noticed that she looked like she was having a bad day or was in a bad mood (I thought it was because of the inspection) and tried to say hi to her. I said "Hi Beth, how are you doing today?" I don''t remember much of a response, but I thought she was just busy. I also encountered Mrs. Joyce and Mrs. Sandra sometime during the day, with no indication that anything was wrong. When the air conditioning gentlemen left, Magda ******* proceeded to take me to her office to talk with me. I said "Uh-oh, am I in trouble?" and she said that I was. That''s when I started to get confused. In her office, she proceeded to tell me what I had been accused of. I was dumbfounded and shocked. I proceeded to tell her what I recalled and I was subsequently terminated.
In my opinion, I gave no indication of a foul mood or attitude to any FDLE member, especially Mrs. Joyce and Mrs. Sandra. I was informed that they had told Chief Beth ****** that I informed them that I couldn''t escort the gentlemen around and that I did it with attitude. However, those words were never said. I wanted to inform Mrs. Joyce that I was alone because I thought she knew I had responsibilities to attend to before I was allowed to leave the department. Also, I was told that Chief Beth ****** interpreted my greeting to her in the hallway as additional attitude, which was entirely not my intention. I was just trying to be pleasant and say hello, like I do with everyone I meet in the building.
I feel that the entire situation, whether my recollection or the other accusations are true or not, was handled unfairly and poorly. I explicitly told my interviewers in both interviews that my strongest expectation from my superiors was that I be informed when I do something wrong or when I offend someone for any reason. I have never had any incidents with co-workers or superiors in my previous positions with various employers, and I''m sure they would be shocked to hear that I was accused of poor attitude. I believe that communication between co-workers, especially between employees and supervisors, is the basis for any successful work environment. I was never confronted or informed of any problem prior to termination, and I feel that the termination was wrongful and hasty. I could very much understand being taken aside and scolded for a supposed attitude problem, if it were true, and if I was given an opportunity to explain myself. However, no one asked for me to explain myself and took hearsay as fact. I believe this to be an unacceptable and insufficient explanation for my termination. I would''ve been happy to explain what I said, and why I said it, with a full apology to those affected and a guarantee it would never happen again. I was not given that chance, and I feel that everyone deserves such a chance. I know that I was just an OPS and hadnt been there but 2.5 weeks, but I don''t believe that it should give me less credibility than other members. I feel that the entire situation was a misinterpretation of me. Like I said before, I had no ill intentions or feelings towards the situation. Even if I did, the persons that would experience it would more likely be the persons inconveniencing me (the air conditioning gentlemen) rather than my fellow members, which did not happen either. I also attempted to contact Chief ****** and Mr. Ring concerning the situation and my termination, with no results other than the request to put it all in writing.
I am shocked and dumbfounded at the situation and its results. I just can''t believe that an agency of this caliber, with its high reputation in the community, would treat its employees as I feel I have been treated. The thing that disappoints me the most is the fact that I knew I would be a very valuable asset to FDLE. I am very eager and hardworking, which I tried to show in the short time I have been with FDLE. I have always tried my hardest to treat fellow members with the utmost respect. I gave two hundred percent in everything I did, and I constantly asked to be shown new things. I also sacrificed my Spring Semester classes at the University of West Florida (which will possibly make me financial liable to the government) in which I was taking forensic courses. I was striving to obtain the possible promotion that was mentioned to me by Chief Beth ****** (just two days prior to my termination). I was very excited about this job because it was something I had wanted to do since I was a teenager. It was my dream job. I loved my work, I loved the people I encountered everyday, and I thought that this was the best job in the world from the day I started until the minute I was terminated. Now I feel as though I have been lied to and that I have been discriminated against in some way.
I hope that now you understand my feelings and interpretations with this situation more than previously. I apologize once again for anything I may have done wrong and I thank you for taking the time to read this letter. My main objective was for everyone involved to hear my side of the story, as I feel I was not given sufficient opportunity to do this.
Sincerely,
Jennifer * ****
Now, does this sound like something I would do at a new job with the possibility of promotion right around the corner???? I''m sure I have no recourse, but it''s not about getting my job back anymore.. It''s about getting my integrity back. So, does anyone know of any full-time job openings????
So this is why I''ve been quiet lately. I fell into a depression over this and I recently got a little sparkle of light... According to a chemist I used to work with, FDLE also treated her badly. She supposedly had a job in the chemistry dept in the bag, because her dad hooked her up (he works for the sheriff''s dept) and she has a doctorate in analytical chemistry or something. They scheduled an appointment with the chief to get a tour of the lab and get a run-down on her duties.. The chief never showed up and never returned her numerous calls. She thinks its was because someone felt threatened because she''s one of few that has a doctorate. Her dad was so angry and he happens to be good friends with one of the head-honchos in the FDLE headquarters in Tallahassee. She said she would definitely tell her dad my story and send him a copy of my letter so he can let the people in Tallahassee know what''s going on... So now I''m back at square-one. I have an interview for a chemistry analyst position at a national or world-wide environmental laboratory on Monday..
What do you think about this situation??
300x240.png)