If a Cop knows something that is illegal, are they obligated to report it?

slicktop80

Every sworn peace officer is obligated by law and by oath to enforce the law. Therefore, if an illegal act is discovered, that officer is compelled to execise the trust and authority granted to them and, to the extent of jurisdiction, intervene. After 20 years, I can tell you that this is sometimes personally distasteful when it involves friends or family.

Matthew O

Yes they should it morally right to do so
God bless you

Cartman

No, because sometimes they'll let small things, like misdomeaners slide, but for felonys, like robbing a bank or killing someone, they have to act!

razor9876

Yes, they are supposed to.

The Nana of Nana's

They are supposed to but they don't always do what they are supposed to. There is a police officer here who owns a motel where drugs are manufactured and sold and he does nothing about it. He said he tries to keep his job separate from his private business. He should be locked up right next to the people he is protecting.

Alea S

In communities that are overwhelmed in crime, the police are discouraged from making arrests in most crimes except the serious ones--murder, armed robbery (gun crimes). This means drug crimes are usually on a lower priority. THIS does NOT mean the policemen like it, it is this way because it has become a fact of life because of prison over-crowding. This happens a lot in the USA and in some European countries as well.

So why would a policeman turn in his brother and upset the family, if nothing would happen to the brother anyway.

super sam

Of course they are obligated to report it. That's the duty they are sworn to do, irregardless of who is involved. It doesn't matter if you're in uniform or not, if an ordinary person can make a citizen's arrest, what more if you are a policeman. Their duty is to uphold the law even if it means arresting people who are dear to you, otherwise one should have not entered the police service if he is having second thoughts of arresting someone related to him. They are being paid to uphold the law.

Tommy D.

It would have to be proved that he knew!! It would not be considered his responsibilty-after all even the Bible say's "I am not my brother's keeper !" as it would be very difficult to prove he knew,it would be a very difficult life for a cop if he has to 'grass up' every member of his family that ever broke or bent a law-on it's own the law breaker alone is responsible and what a cop know's or not wouldn't come into it-it dont mean he condones it anymore than if his bro. shot someone,but i would stay away from the bro. but mind my own business,it's his life and he's responsible for any law he breaks-not his brother!!! ktf.x

Curious1usa

Sworn law enforcement personnel have a moral, ethical, professional and legal responsibility to report crimes of sufficient magnitude, regardless of duty status. Dealing narcotics should be reported.

momsapplepeye

Family is different but they should handle it as they would any crime but they are human and individual so will act accordingly.
If you were the offending relative you would hope for a break or at least not the "cuff em danno" approach.
Just my two points worth take care ~A~

I Have The Answer

No it doesn't matter. Under the contract of their employment they are required to do anything and everything at all times to report and take the necessary actions to stop illegal/unlawful activities. It doesn't matter if they are on the clock or not.

rense

Nope doesn't matter, it's the law, same goes for we citizens as well! What's ya got!

toecutter

in some states a cop is ALWAYS on duty, off the clock or on!

Ferret

Yes, they are supposed to, but...if his family disowned him (the cop), I wouldn't criticise them

cantcu

No it wouldn't matter, a cop is alway's on dury!

Laissez_Faire

Absolutely.

mj_oreilly

A question with a question...is a priest?

aprayer4u2004

They took an oath to up hold the law. If you are doing illegal active, no matter who you are you should pay the consequences. That is what is wrong with society today. To much illegal activity everywhere.

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