News Files:Deputies
From Star Trek: Gamma One
In the case of any discrepancy between the news files on the game and those here on the wiki, the news files on the game are correct version.
Each department head has an assigned deputy; with only a few exceptions, this person is clearly labeled as such in their job title (e.g., 'Deputy Chief of Security'), and where not so labeled, +roster and +roster/info make it clear on a second glance (e.g., 'Medical Duty Officer'). In addition to having subordinate officers in his or her own right, the Deputy Department Head (hereafter 'DDH', or, thanks to the former use of the term 'Assistant Department Head' on other MU*s, sometimes referred to as 'ADH' by those who haven't yet adjusted to the terminology shift), serves the DH as the XO serves the CO -- as a general backup and alternate voice when the DH cannot or will not be around to make a decision. As a general rule of thumb, DDHs should wait 48 hours after a report is filed that requires their DH's input on personnel assignments or prioritizing; if, at that point, no entry or guidance exists from the DH, or from Senior Command, the DDH has full right and backing (both ICly and OOCly) to make those judgement calls. In the more general case, each DH is expected to disseminate either via SOP or regular reports and directives exactly what matters their DDHs are capable of handling without them, regardless of the 48 hour window. Some DHs might want, as an example, for their DDH to handle the duty clearance of all incoming departmental personnel without the 48 hour wait, while others might want to handle that personally, but are perfectly willing to let their DDH handle such matters as post-incident reporting and personnel disciplinary action. We not only encourage but expect this kind of division of labor as a means of making the DDHs more than just 'pinch-hitters' in the department; they *are* that, but we expect them to be *more* than that, as well.
Please bear in mind there is a difference between 'Acting DH' and covering the duties of the DH for a day or two.
Acting Department Head
An Acting DH is appointed only by Senior Command only and may be appointed when the Department Head is either off-ship for an extended period of time or when the Department Head has been reassigned or is otherwise no longer serving with the vessel. When an Acting DH is appointed, he or she will often have the same authority as a normal DH, though Senior Command may impose certain restrictions or limitations.
When a DH is simply unavailable for a few days (whether ICly of ship for a few days or not able to log into the game for a few days) then there is no Acting DH. In this case, the Deputy Department Head may handle simple decisions, but does not have the full authority of a DH. For example, the DDH couldn't reprimand an officer in the department, sit in on Department Head level meetings or make personnel decisions. This is not an exhaustive list. Please use common sense and feel free to handle simple decisions (like acting on reports or clearing someone for duty), but leave serious decisions for the Department Head.
See Also
- No references
