What serves as a basis of standards of behavior that can provide agency discipline?

The basis of standards of behavior that can provide agency discipline is best represented by policy manuals. These manuals are comprehensive resources that outline the expectations, procedures, and guidelines that govern employee conduct within an agency. They serve to inform all personnel about acceptable behaviors, disciplinary actions for violations, and the rights and responsibilities of both officers and the agency itself.

Policy manuals ensure that there is a consistent framework for maintaining accountability and guiding behavior. They not only help in providing clarity around what is expected but also create a transparent process for addressing misconduct. While impartial treatment, peer reviews, and supervisor evaluations are important components of personnel management, they rely on established policies to provide structure and consistency, making policy manuals foundational to disciplinary standards.