Which of the following is NOT a possible disposition that can be assigned after Step 5's disposition?

• A. Sustained
• B. Not Sustained
• C. Exonerated
• D. Terminated

Answer: (D)

The question is testing your understanding of what a Step 5 disposition represents. A Step 5 disposition is a formal finding about the investigation’s allegations—what happened and whether it violated policy. Typical dispositions describe the factual outcome: sustained (the policy violation occurred and is supported by evidence), not sustained (insufficient evidence to prove the violation), or exonerated (the act occurred but it did not violate policy).

Terminated is not a finding about the investigation itself; it is an employment action or penalty that an agency might impose as a separate personnel consequence after the investigation. It isn’t a disposition category describing the investigation’s finding. So, termination cannot be the Step 5 disposition, making it the best answer. The other options fit as possible Step 5 dispositions because they reflect the investigation’s conclusions, not the ultimate employment action.