Writing to the Chief About an Officer

With apologies in advance to Mike, I would like to ask a question inspired by Indy's thread on thanking an officer.

There is an officer who has been exceptionally helpful to me on an ongoing basis. I would like the chief to know about this, and I have considered writing a letter. However, since I will have a continuing association with this officer AND because she is in a position to make decisions which affect me, I would prefer that she not know about my letter. At best it might seem like I'm sucking up and at worst like I'm trying to influence her future decisions.

Would it be outrageously unusual to send the chief a letter but ask that it not be shared with the officer?

You could write an anonomyous letter to the chief.

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Originally Posted by kimby

With apologies in advance to Mike, I would like to ask a question inspired by Indy's thread on thanking an officer.

There is an officer who has been exceptionally helpful to me on an ongoing basis. I would like the chief to know about this, and I have considered writing a letter. However, since I will have a continuing association with this officer AND because she is in a position to make decisions which affect me, I would prefer that she not know about my letter. At best it might seem like I'm sucking up and at worst like I'm trying to influence her future decisions.

Would it be outrageously unusual to send the chief a letter but ask that it not be shared with the officer?

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Do you really think it would be a problem? If so do what Chris said. I would not think it would be taken the wrong way though.

Writing anonymously is a good idea, but I'd be disappointed not to be able to mention specific instances in which the officer has been helpful, which would identify me.

Maybe it wouldn't actually be a problem. Does anyone here ever feel sucked up to when their chief gets letters about them? I've heard that officers sometimes feel uncomfortable about getting free food because they think that the person offering it might expect a favor or leniency at some time in the future. I thought this might be a simlar thing. Maybe I'm just worrying needlessly.

Positive letters to the Chief are always a good thing, anonymous or not!

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Originally Posted by kimby

Writing anonymously is a good idea, but I'd be disappointed not to be able to mention specific instances in which the officer has been helpful, which would identify me.

Maybe it wouldn't actually be a problem. Does anyone here ever feel sucked up to when their chief gets letters about them? I've heard that officers sometimes feel uncomfortable about getting free food because they think that the person offering it might expect a favor or leniency at some time in the future. I thought this might be a simlar thing. Maybe I'm just worrying needlessly.

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Well in a large department, I doubt the chief will even read your letter. And sometimes what you mentioned about gratuities is an issue. Fact is they are against policy to accecpt. Some will say it is no big deal when 7-11 gives you a cup of coffee, but I will pay for mine. it is just part of my personal ethics.

A letter saying how you are doing a good job, and giving gratuities are two different things.

Don't worry about it. I would send the letter. :)

Fortunately the dept only has about 250 people, so I think the chief will read it.

I will go ahead and start working on the letter. Thanks everybody! :)

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Originally Posted by kimby

Fortunately the dept only has about 250 people, so I think the chief will read it

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Uh, that's a lot......the average police department in the USA has less than 50 officers. With a 250 department, the odds of it being read by the Chief himself are still not that great.

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Originally Posted by kimby

Fortunately the dept only has about 250 people, so I think the chief will read it.

I will go ahead and start working on the letter. Thanks everybody! :)

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You are welcome. Also it may not hurt to call and ask the duty officer how you can give a proper commendation. Usually what they do is transfer you to the appropriate division commander and you advise him or her that you would like to make a commendation.

Not very often commendations are given. Most people will never actually give one even though they had a good contact.

However everyone is quick for complaints.....:(

Thank you for taking your time to write one up, it will make the officer's day.

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Originally Posted by ThisGlock40

Well in a large department, I doubt the chief will even read your letter.

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Okay. I will try emailing.

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Originally Posted by ThisGlock40

You are welcome. Also it may not hurt to call and ask the duty officer how you can give a proper commendation. Usually what they do is transfer you to the appropriate division commander and you advise him or her that you would like to make a commendation.

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I didn't know about commendations. I will look into this.

Thanks to everyone who encouraged me to write. I just heard from the chief thanking me for my email and saying that the officer is indeed fantastic. So I guess everything is okay. I do feel slightly like a suck-up, but I'll get over it.;)

Good job!