docs: def try_get_department(department_or_code):
      """
      Try to take the first department code, or fall back to string as passed
      """
      try:
          value = take_first_department_code(department_or_code)
      except AssertionError:
          value = department_or_code
  
      if value in DEPARTMENT_MAPPING:
          value = DEPARTMENT_MAPPING[value]
  
      return value