D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 6, r. 6-B1610
The District strives to employ highly qualified and motivated individuals who successfully perform their job duties, without the need for disciplinary action. To this end, the District uses a progressive disciplinary system when an employee's conduct fails to meet expectations. The District's progressive system includes the following steps:
Every situation is different and in each case management must consider a number of factors when determining an appropriate action to take. This includes, among others, consideration of the seriousness of the situation, the employee's past disciplinary history, and the employee's work history. When appropriate, and consistent with §§ 1606 and 1607, management may skip any or all of the progressive steps outlined in § 1610.1.
When a deciding official deviates from the actions outlined in § 1607, he or she shall provide a written justification specifying the reasons for the deviation in the final agency decision, as provided in § 1623.
D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 6, r. 6-B1610