NCJ Number
114646
Journal
Police Chief Volume: 55 Issue: 12 Dated: (December 1988) Pages: 32-33
Date Published
1988
Length
2 pages
Annotation
Given the consequences of police gratuities such as free or reduced-price meals, police administrators should establish and enforce a policy that such gratuities are prohibited and also train officers in how to avoid or refuse such gratuities.
Abstract
So-called 'harmless gratuities' for police officers, including free or reduced-price coffee and doughnuts, demean police professionalism, cultivate officer attitudes that may lead to more serious corruption, and foster negative public attitudes toward police. Police chiefs must reconsider their lax attitude toward such gratuities and set a clear departmental policy that prohibits officers' receiving them. Additionally, officers should be taught skills for avoiding gratuities and accompanying embarassments with tact and dignity. This includes teaching officers to take breaks, eat meals, and complete reports at different times and places. Officers should also be taught appropriate set responses for avoiding gratuity offers.