Gordon Graham
Category: Law Enforcement

Gordon Graham here with Today’s Tip from Lexipol. Today’s tip is about defining (or re-defining) the term “professional courtesy.”   

Extending a professional courtesy does not mean looking the other way.

In other professions, “professional courtesy” might refer to treating your colleagues courteously and with respect. In the medical field, it can mean providing advice or treatment without charge. But in law enforcement, this same term is used by some to explain looking the other way when a fellow officer is caught breaking the law.  

Some officers give special treatment and some officers expect special treatment. It could be due to a distorted view about what it means to extend a “professional courtesy.” Extending a professional courtesy does not mean looking the other way.  

If you get caught speeding or doing something else that is illegal, remember that you are not above the law. Please do not ask for a free pass. This selfish request puts you and the on-duty officer in a very difficult position that could have serious career implications. 

I am not saying that you should write every cop that you stop a ticket any more I am saying you should write a ticket to everyone else you stop. I am saying that you should treat fellow officers in a manner that would withstand public scrutiny if the facts were known or if the video was made public. 

And that is Today’s Tip from Lexipol. Gordon Graham, signing off.