Annoying situation...

[mobrien316]

Consider this a hypothetical situation…

A person on my shift made a major mistake by failing to do something they are required to do. I don’t know if he felt lazy that night or what, but he didn’t do it even though he readily admitted afterward that he knows full well he is required to. There could have been very serious consequences but luckily everything turned out alright.

I spoke with him immediately following the incident and he took responsibility right away, saying essentially, “Yeah, it was my fault. I made a mistake.”

I told him how serious it could have been and he told me he realizes that. Everybody makes mistakes and to my knowledge he has never done this before, so I told him that I would be writing it up but would recommend no discipline other than the counseling he has already received. I also told him that if it ever happened again he could expect more serious discipline.
I later find out that when he was called in to speak with the patrol commander about this incident this guy made up a whole story about what happened in order to shift the blame to another officer. There were several witnesses present and there’s no doubt what actually happened, but this guy lied his *** off to the patrol commander about it.

I don’t know what is going to happen to him now, but I just can’t understand this. I am seriously ticked off now, whereas when the actual incident happened I was not. Everybody makes mistakes but I expect my people to take responsibility for their actions, just like this guy did at first. Why he went from taking responsibility like an adult all the way to making up a stupid, easily refuted lie about the situation is beyond me.

It is frustrating to me as a supervisor.

[mcsap]

As a supervisor , if this happened I would make a well worded report to the next level up covering exactly what you did here.

Off. Jones failed to properly do a routine task and as a result risked danger and embarrassment upon himself and the dept. I spokoe to him and he stated that he realized that he mistakenly did this. He accepted responsibilty for his actions and I advised him that I would recommend a verbal warning.

I now find out that when asked by the patrol commander , Off. Jones specifically lied as to what happened. He stated that another officer and not himself caused this incident to occur.

I now recommend that Off. Jones be subject to further disciplinary action for the intiial offense as well as the deception and false accusation against the other officer.

[Norm357]

You should hit him with a brick.

[Johninaustin]

This exact situation earned an officer here 30 days suspended without pay. You don't lie to cover your ***. Period.

[pac201]

I must agree with the others who have already posted. The issue now with the officer is not whether or not he screwed up, but the fact he lied after he had manned up. Also like Norm's idea really well! :D

[Big Sexy]

Don't know how it is where you are, but in the "G". A mistake in judgement may cost you 30 days off with no pay, but getting caught in a lie, will cost you your job.

WE don't have the luxury of having them explain what the word "it" means, a la Bill Clinton.

[GoDirectly2Jail]

Liars get fired. (Pseudo-rhyme intentional)

Everybody, and I mean EVERYBODY screws the pooch at one time or another, but you are only as good as your word in this job...

[Cat_Doc]

First issue was properly addressed via counseling.

Second issue should go directly to Professional Standards for a full investigation regarding deception.

[Joeyd6]

Mobrien,

You did the right thing to counsel him and document. You also explained it all and told him if he did it again there would be further consequences.

Sounds like he made his own bed and decided when it came time to admit to the big boss, lying was easier than the truth. Thus, here comes the "further consequences." I would do a few things:

1) Fill-in the big boss on the details.
2) Let the cop know you know he lied and that his behavior is unacceptable and he should get the truth out ASAP.
3) And from my NYPD days, no matter what his punishment, he gets every crap assignment for the next two weeks. It will give him time to think about his previous decisions and make sure he won't make the same ones again.

[mobrien316]

I appreciate the feedback.

I have informed the patrol commander of the (very obvious) lie and let him know who else was present so he could speak to them himself to verify what actually occurred. I haven't heard back from him yet.

This person has worked for me long enough to know that I have never recommended any major discipline for anyone over a simple mistake, and also must know that I find it completely unacceptable to make up lame excuses and lie about stuff. I am generally considered to be the most understanding sergeant when it comes to people making mistakes, but I am also known for not tolerating people lying to cover up mistakes or lying to get out of doing work.

To me, when you make a mistake (which we all do) the only thing to do is take responsiblity and own up to what you did. If it results in discipline so be it. Personally, I never come down hard on someone who committed an honest mistake. But I do expect them to own up to what they did and not make up a lie or try to weasel out of it.

I'd rather be known as the guy who admitted he made a mistake than as the lying dickhead who made up a story and tried to throw someone under the bus to cover up for his own mistake.

[mcsap]

On top of everything else, he should have to write a letter of apology to the officer he falsely accused.

[Norm357]

I appreciate the feedback.

I have informed the patrol commander of the (very obvious) lie and let him know who else was present so he could speak to them himself to verify what actually occurred. I haven't heard back from him yet.

This person has worked for me long enough to know that I have never recommended any major discipline for anyone over a simple mistake, and also must know that I find it completely unacceptable to make up lame excuses and lie about stuff. I am generally considered to be the most understanding sergeant when it comes to people making mistakes, but I am also known for not tolerating people lying to cover up mistakes or lying to get out of doing work.

To me, when you make a mistake (which we all do) the only thing to do is take responsiblity and own up to what you did. If it results in discipline so be it. Personally, I never come down hard on someone who committed an honest mistake. But I do expect them to own up to what they did and not make up a lie or try to weasel out of it.

I'd rather be known as the guy who admitted he made a mistake than as the lying dickhead who made up a story and tried to throw someone under the bus to cover up for his own mistake.

So did you hit him with a brick or not?

[tomwoolworth]

All the previous posts are right on the money ... and to add to Big Sexy's post, in the "G" world, this officers intentional deception will cost him the ability to present/testify to factual evidence in a criminal case. The US Attorney Office will not ALLOW him to participate as a WITNESS in a FEDERAL CASE, thus his career as a LEO is done/over/finish.

[DesertPatrolman]

If we lose our integrity and trustworthiness, we are no better than the people see behind us within cage in the rearview mirror.

Falsifying a story when you are directly at fault is a shameful, sorry-*** thing to do in court, before a supervisor, or anywhere for that matter. But to do so at the detriment of a fellow officer who is innocent to save your own credit is among the most lowdown and despicable things a cop can do.

[Aussie George]

Sounds the same as down here...

You screw up, and it is dealt with accordingly.

You lie, and you get a free newspaper with the Employment Section highlighted for you.

If this guy get sreprimanded for the initial mistake (and like has been said, we all make 'em - that's not the issue), and then gets investigated and cops, say, a reprimand again for the lying, what happens if some smart defence lawyer gets hold of it in court...

Lawyer: And offr you are saying that my client did this and that, blah blah blah, is that correct?

Offr : Yes

Lawyer : but it has been shown in the past that you are a liar, hasn't it?

Offr : D'oh

I'm sure we can all see where that would go...:cool: