Always on duty?
 

Shelley's thread about annoying scooterboys has reminded me of an issue I can't resolve in my own mind. maybe org.ans can offer their opinions on the matter.
Many of us here are in professions that include certain expected codes of conduct, maybe even professional guidelines for our behaviour, and which include what might be called a duty of care to others. I'm thinking about my job, teaching, and the police force and nursing and other medical professions as well as others.
Another senior teacher recently told me his view that as teachers we are always 'on duty' in a sense; specifically if we saw a student in trouble or breaking the law, like underage drinking, we ought to go up and do something about it. Some people have advised Shelly to let the lads know what she does and that she perhaps 'ought' to do something about it.
My view is that we are not always on duty. I expect to be able to not be a teacher when out and about and socialising, even though I would, as a comassionate human being, always go to the aid of someone I knew if I could help in any way. Don't think I'd grass up an underage drinking student though (I'm sure my slaves only drank lemonade anyway!)

Your view?

Re: Always on duty?
 

People in these professions have to have down time. They'd go potty otherwise... No matter your job, you need your life outside of it. And that's the point, it's outside of work, no an extension of work.

Re: Always on duty?
 

My mates parents are both police officers and if you ask either of them then they are always on duty. I gave him a lift home and she asked to see my license and insurance I guess she wants to know her son is safe and I don't mind there both well mint.

Re: Always on duty?
 

One of the lads must have a massive sugar intolerancy then! He was trashed...lol!

People should always have a downtime...I know coppers who burn pirate DVDs lol!

Part of my job is promoting sustainable transport (public transport). I very rarely use it in my personal life and own/use a bike and a car...so I really don't practice what I preach!

Re: Always on duty?
 

I get pretty annoyed when I hear about teachers meddling in students lives outside of school. It was the main disagreement I had with teachers when I was at secondary school.

Re: Always on duty?
 

IMO that's just patronising. I probably wouldn't just out of bloody-mindedness!

Re: Always on duty?
 

Most of the teachers I know don't want to meddle in students lives outside school.

And Taz I don't mean us engaging in illegal activities - that's a whole different debate!

Re: Always on duty?
 

I think tht certain professions carry a sense of 'social responsibility' with them.

Would an off-duty police officer be expected to help in preventing a crime being committed or apprehending a suspect ? I suspect one of our police Org-ans may be able to help out here.

Would an off-duty firefighter be expected to help in the case of a fire ? Do we have any fire Org-ans ?

I know several paramedics who've told me that they couldn't live with themselves if they passed by someone who could use their expertise. Rictus may have an opinion on this one.

Without wishing to demean the role of teachers (or should it be teacers, Sally? :p) in any way, I personally don't think that educators fall into this category. I suppose an informal chat with a parent might be possible - but, having read some of the stories over the last few years I suspect that it might well end badly for the teacher (unfortunately) !!

P.S. An allergic reaction to lemonade is never a pretty sight !!

Re: Always on duty?
 

Re: Always on duty?
 

Yes this is what was told to me to justify the same for teac(h)ers! For me, turning a blind eye thing works fine if I see a 17 year old a bit squiffy on lemonade (or indeed sweetie enhanced vodka) but what if I see one of my Year 10's (14 years old) drinking in a pub? VT - is this written into your contracts?

Thankfully I can't see the cry of 'is there a teacher in the house' ever happening over 'is there a doctor on board' but still ...