Let me ask you a question: What do you have left if you lose your reputation for being trustworthy, honest, and dependable?
The Bible tells us that our “good name” is one of the most important things we have. In Proverbs 22:1 the Word of God says: “A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold.”
Law enforcement officers face some very unique opportunities for taking advantage of situations. If you fail any temptation test on the job, you will cross the line of ethics and integrity and will surely ruin your “good name.” As an ordained minister of God’s institution of civil authority, you must guard your personal integrity with a vengeance!
“Few men have virtue to withstand the highest bidder…” - George Washington (1779)
We often hear of officers who have been caught in some type of criminal or unethical behavior and who have lost their jobs. The temptations to abuse the powers that come with the badge are intense. The possible ways to violate the public trust are endless, and the most popular ways to deal with the stress of the job tend to place officers in positions where it becomes very easy to cross the line and get the officer into real trouble.
How many times have we heard of fellow officers who have lost their jobs because of a DUI? How many officers have taken advantage of their position of authority to gain sexual favors with someone they have encountered on the job? How many have we heard about whose greed has cost them their job because they have stolen money or property under the cover of their badge; or who have become involved in accepting bribes or falsifying the facts on reports?
How It All Begins
Often the integrity problem begins when the officer replaces his core values with situational values. “The “system” has failed, so I have to make it work.” An out of control attitude of cynicism can be instrumental in the decision to begin this type of behavior. Great structures begin with the laying of the very first brick. Long journeys start with the very first step. It’s the first beer that gets you the DUI.
My academy class motto was “There’s no such thing as a free lunch.” …It’s true.
What kind of “first steps” have you taken down the path to the complete ruin of your integrity? Do you accept free or half-price meals at restaurants? Do you accept any kind of special “freebies” or treatment anywhere which you would not otherwise receive if you weren’t a cop? Do you really believe these things are “free?” Do you really believe there are no strings attached, or that the restaurants and convenience stores just like to have cops around for “cheap security?” Don’t fool yourself.
What happens when the driver on your next stop turns out to be the waitress that always gives you the food for half-price, or for free? What if it’s the manager or the owner of the restaurant?
You know there will be an unspoken obligation on your part to return the favor because you know in your heart that what you have been accepting is wrong and has been given with implied strings attached.
You may be thinking, “I let lots of people go with warnings. What’s the big deal if I give any of these people a break? I would draw the line if a crime has been committed.” Not if you’re in it too deep.
Here’s the scenario: If you let it slide, they’ll be able to tell everyone they know how they bought you off by giving you free food, and they will be right! If you bust them, believe me your integrity and the reputation of law enforcement everywhere will still be tarnished because they will tell all their friends that you’ve been taking all those free meals… just because you’re a cop…
And if it’s a female, she might even try to spin a sexual harassment charge; bogus though it may be, it just isn’t worth it. You know how people’s temperaments can change when they’re suddenly on the wrong side of the law…
The person who is normally all smiles and cooperation while they’re buying you off will often turn on you like a pit bull when they’re about to taste justice for their wrong deeds. Get the point?
You lose your authority to enforce the law when you have compromised your own integrity.
What about that young woman you have been flirting with? You know, the convenience store clerk? Maybe that cute young EMT has been paying a lot of attention to you, giving you little touches here and there. Kind of makes you feel young again, doesn’t she? What will she be able to tell your boss or your wife you’ve been doing if you tag her? Most people have no shame, you know.
The Solution
The example of taking freebies is just one of many scenarios in which an officer can lose his integrity. How can you prevent yours from being bought for the price of a meal or a good time? Simple. Commit yourself to following the Lord in Truth, and He will see to it that your integrity is kept safe.
“Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass. And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday. Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.” – Psalms 37:5-7
How do you commit to begin following the Lord? It’s not just in going to church somewhere, or in knowing about Jesus, although those are both important things. You begin following the Lord by establishing a personal relationship with Him through being spiritually born again and beginning to study and apply His Word to your life. To find out more, click here, or contact me at any time.
Protecting your personal integrity begins with being able to fight the temptations and win!
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