The DPS Ombuds Office adheres to the International Ombudsman Association’s Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics, which require the DPS Ombuds Office to be independent, impartial, informal, confidential and voluntary.

Independence
The DPS Ombuds Office is not aligned with any particular departmental unit and independent from district departments. The office reports to the Superintendent but does not provide information on individual visitors’ cases to the Superintendent.

Impartiality 
The DPS Ombuds Office is impartial and does not represent individuals on either side of a conflict, though the office does advocate for fairness throughout the district. Ombuds consider the interests and concerns of all parties involved with the purpose of achieving a fair and equitable outcome.

Informality 
The services of the DPS Ombuds Office are informal. The office tries to help visitors resolve conflict as early as possible and at the lowest possible level. The office does NOT:

• Maintain formal written records.
• Conduct formal investigations.
• Play any role in formal hearing, grievance, complaint, appeal, or legal proceedings.

Because of our confidentiality and informality, the office will not provide notes and/or testimony in a formal process even if requested to do so by a visitor.

Confidentiality 
Confidentiality is the cornerstone of an Ombuds Office. Communications with the DPS Ombuds Office are deemed confidential. By using our services, visitors agree not to record conversations, call members of our office to testify, or seek information from our office with respect to confidential communication in any litigation, investigation or internal or external proceedings. The only exceptions to confidentiality are:

• In cases of suspected child abuse
• Within the scope of Title IX - Sexual harassment
• If there is a risk of imminent threat of serious harm

Voluntary
No one can be prohibited from visiting the Ombuds Office, nor can anyone be compelled to use our services.