The only thing that stands between what’s ethically right and wrong is your decision. Make the correct one. Photo iStock
FEATURED IN LEADERSHIP
Sometimes we get the best advice when we least expect it. I had just graduated from the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy and was still as green as a rookie can be. I was back in my home town preparing to move to a new city when I ran into him. He greeted me with a smile, as he reached out to shake my hand. This old cop had known me since I was a kid and wanted to congratulate me on my recent graduation. The salty, old veteran gripped my hand tight and pulled me in close. He stared at me with his steely blue eyes and gave me some fatherly advice.
“Cole,” he said, “you got yourself a gun and a badge, but it takes more than that to be a successful cop.”
He went on to tell me about how this same advice had been passed down to him by a wise old warrior long before I was even born. I could tell by the tone in his voice and the look in his eyes that he meant what he was saying. He told me that if I wanted to have a prosperous career in law enforcement, I needed courage and self-discipline. He told me to watch out for the three B’s.
What the heck was he talking about? My mind raced as I tried to remember all of the topics we covered at the academy. I couldn’t recall anything about three B’s. Finally, somewhat embarrassed, I mustered the courage to ask. “What are the three B’s?”
He bellowed out a loud chuckle as he answered, “Booze, bribes and broads.” He told me that many officers had lost their careers over these. He said that it was mostly because they had no self-discipline.
Throughout the years, I’ve seen several officers succumb to the B’s. These officers were left unhappy, unemployed and sometimes incarcerated. Here are some tips on how you can avoid letting the B’s negatively impact your career in law enforcement.
Booze
I’m not against drinking. In fact, I enjoy having a beer from time to time. But as the wise officer said, we need to have self-discipline. Don't let alcohol sabotage your career. Using too much alcohol can burn you on and off duty. An intoxicated off-duty officer in a public place can derail a career just as easy as showing up drunk for a shift.
Whether we like it or not, law officers are held to a higher standard than people in other professions. There are plenty of people in society who take great pleasure in seeing cops get into trouble. Don't give them the ammunition to accomplish their mission. We can all relate to citizens making poor decisions when under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Just because you’re a cop, you’re not immune from making similar mistakes. If you go out and get drunk, what makes you think that you won’t do the same things that other drunks do?
Remember: Alcohol impairs judgment. Why put yourself at risk? The bottom line: Use common sense and good judgment. It’s about discipline and knowing when to say when.
Bribes
When the veteran officer talked to me about bribes, he lumped in several misdeeds. It wasn't just bribes; it was anything illegal or unethical. He told me not to compromise my integrity for anything or anyone. He said he had been tempted by forbidden fruits during his career and that I should expect temptation, too.
“It won't always be easy,” he told me, “but you need to stand your ground and have the courage to do what's right.”
He also gave me advice about taking gratuities. The advice wasn’t to take them at all. He said that most people who give gratuities are fair-weather friends. Once the storm hits, they'll turn on you. He said that he'd made the mistake of taking gratuities in the past and learned the hard way. Owing nothing to anyone allows you to make clear and unbiased decisions—ones that could easily be clouded if you take freebies.
Women & Men
I'll refer to the third B as "women" or "men" because gender is a moot point. Besides, the word broad may be offensive to some people. I’m an equal-opportunity guy so I’ll point out that female officers are just as prone as male officers to fall victim to the B’s. For some reason, a police uniform can be like a powerful magnet that attracts the opposite sex. It’s not uncommon to see women or men hitting on uniformed cops during their shifts.
A few nights ago, I was on a call at a nightclub with other officers when a couple of women approached and began to tell these officers how “hot” they were. I guess I'm getting too old because they ignored me and went straight for the young guys. The officers politely thanked them and went on about their duties. Such comments can easily set the stage for flirting, exchanging phone numbers and more. This kind of activity can begin innocently and then snowball into huge problems for the officer.
Remember: We're paid to do a job, not find dates or flirt with people. Leave your personal life at home. I'm sure you can think of officers you know who have run into career or marriage problems because of inappropriate behaviors involving the opposite sex. If you feel the temptation, think about what you have to lose. It’s likely far greater than anything you may gain.
Conclusion
Avoiding the three B’s is really not that hard. Like the old copper said, “It's all about self-discipline.” Know that throughout your career you may be tempted or pressured by the B’s. Accept it, understand it and always take the high road.
If you partake in the B’s, beware. Because once you stroll down that path, it can be difficult to find your way back. The best way to avoid problems is to keep yourself in check. Follow your conscience and do what’s morally and ethically correct. If you don’t, your own actions may get you knocked right off that thin blue line.
