Tuesday, May 7, 2013
Gratuities and Police Officers
Police officer's actions are under scrutiny at all times when dealing with the general public, especially the pros and cons surrounding accepting gratuities in the performance of their duties. While some people may think that police officers abuse their status and authority by accepting gratuities in the form of free cups of coffee and snacks from a vendor, there are countless others that support the right or generosity of a vendor to show his appreciation to a police officer for safeguarding his establishment and patrons by that officer's mere presence. Police officers should weigh each gratuity situation carefully without compromising their integrity or becoming distracted by the offer. A police officer should never enter an establishment expecting to receive a gratuity, always be thankful if one is offered and may politely refuse any gratuity he considers above the norm or perceived by fellow patrons as improper conduct
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
I agree. If its expected, then it's an abuse of power. On the other hand, how big of a deal is it, really? I mean, a free cup if coffee isn't going to hurt anything.
ReplyDeleteThe nature of the situation is that police are public servants to the community. Officers are entrusted and sworn to enforce the law while keeping good moral and ethical value. Unfortunately, the vested authority comes along with the scrutiny from the media and its own citizens. There are many officers that know exactly where to draw the line on gratuity. However from a leadership point of view, I would not allow officers to accept gratuities because of the perception it can bring to an officer, department, or state. If every Chief of Police truly thought about the gratuities that officers may or may not accept and weighed the risks of an officer’s career and the agencies worth, it would be evident that a cup of coffee is not worth the chance of an officer being lured into corruption with the start of gratuities.
ReplyDeleteRobert P: I enjoyed reading your first blog. I would like to see lengthier future blogs. Professor Taylor
ReplyDeleteHi Robert, I agree it is abuse of power if gratuities are expected and find it wrong to use it all the time such as getting free lunch all the time at a diner. I just find that morally wrong to abuse the power of being a Police Officer to always accept gratuities; can ruin their image and career.
ReplyDeleteWhat if someone anonymous paid in advance for free meals for a year? Just on-duty police, not families and friends.
ReplyDeleteI love this blog!! The flash up the top is awesome!! Website
ReplyDelete