Sweeping Misconduct under the Rug, won’t Brush it Away

When officers are in the news for misconduct, it’s likely the agency already knew about it. Sweeping misconduct under the rug by looking the other way, only makes it worse when the media reports it.

Who creates misconduct?

Misconduct is typically caused by a few bad apples that try to bring down the agency. And even though it’s usually less than one percent, it can cause a back eye for the remaining 99% that look to uphold policy.?

Being aware of our emotions is the key to reducing misconduct in the agency. Emotional Awareness and Behavioral Self Control is needed on every call, from patrol officer to 911 dispatcher.

Misconduct and Emotional Awareness are both learned behaviors. Those that create Misconduct are typically lacking in Emotional Awareness.

Emotional Intelligence and Awareness and not a natural energy we use unless we are guided with proper training. Holding everyone accountable for their emotions, will help eliminate and/or reduce agency misconduct.

Misconduct that gets swept under the rug, will eventually come out in a downward spiral of rumors and gossip.

Whether there was actual wrong-doing or misconduct, the public’s negative perception of the?agency, is now a reality. The department’s negative banter and scrutiny, becomes the spotlight of everyone’s conversation.

The problem when an incident happens is that it is posted on social media, prior to the city having the enough time to properly investigate the allegation.

Perception is Reality. Change the outside negative perception, by immediately addressing misconduct.

RE-Active Mode

Bad press is like a knock-out punch that sends everyone scrambling and back-peddling, trying to defend itself. A tumultuous wave of unanswered questions is now in the public’s view, giving the department a black eye. Now the command staff works to defend possible misconduct allegations.

99.9 percent of an agency are filled with dedicated, brave, compassionate public service professionals, who love and support their department. Most follow the proper protocols, and adhere to their agencies standard operating procedures, while building trust in their respected communities for whom they serve.

Most agencies know who the unprofessional employees are. But instead of addressing the matter, they take a blind eye. Failure to address toxic behavior, can cost a city millions in lawsuits.

Reactive people… are often affected by their physical environment. They find external sources to blame for their behavior. ~ Stephen Covey

6 Signs of Unprofessional Behavior

1. They escalate every situation like meetings, emails, texts
2. Those officers who are canceled for back-up (they make things worse)
3. Use of profanity, inside and out in community
4. Negative banter, rumors and gossip
5. Crab Bucket Mentality pulling other down with them

PRO-Active Mode

1. Institute department-wide professional workplace classes
2. Include mindfulness techniques with emotional intelligence tools
3. Incorporate proper protocols for employee behavior
4. Immediately address any display of unprofessional behavior
5. Diffuse abuse of power, where the toxic employee may arrest public members due to bias-nature, or hot buttons

Addressing ALL employees with professional workplace culture is the most pro-active an agency can be.

4 Steps for Agency Change

1. Awareness – Immediately let the employee know about what needs to be changes, i.e. bad behavior (Some people do not realize they are angry, and by bringing it to their attention … is the first step)

1. Care About It – The employee has to care about it, in order to improve the behavior. If the employee chooses not to ‘care about it’ then as a supervisor, you must do what you must do to protect your agency.

1. Stop and Think – Set up an action plan on how the employee can improve their behavior. (i.e. giving the employee RITE Emotional Intelligence Tools, to work with for 21-day).

1. Practice, Practice, Practice – Get the employee to continually work on improving the behavior, and as a supervisor, be sure to acknowledge when the employee’s behavior is improving.

Failure to address bad behavior and take a ‘blind eye’ to unprofessional workplace culture in toxic employees puts the agency at risk.

“If you’re proactive, you focus on preparing. If you’re reactive, you end up focusing on repairing.” ~ John C. Maxwell

Link to original article https://riteacademy.com/2024/11/18/sweeping-misconduct-under-the-rug-wont-brush-it-away/

About RITE Officer Training – ?We help officers communicate with themselves, the agency, and the community more effectively. The RITE Ladder Tool teaches EI & SI that builds Career resiliency, improves Department morale, helps Professional workplace culture and reduces police misconduct that will mitigate risk.

For private classes where we come to you… Contact us below.