Officers have a right to their good name and reputation, and so false accusations can be the most trying and humiliating experiences in an officer’s career. But false accusations can also be an opportunity for growth. This article examines the prevalence and nature of such accusations against peace officers, the impact on officers, how to conduct yourself during such ordeals and effective strategies to survive.

The prevalence and nature of accusations against peace officers

One out of every three Chicago P.D. officers were accused of misconduct during a 10-year period (1998–2008), but the majority of those accused were ultimately cleared of wrongdoing. One out of every four NYPD officers were accused of misconduct during a 21-year period (2000–2021), but only 1.7% of the accusations led to discipline. When considering an additional 700 police departments in 44 states over a nine-year period (2010–2019), the convergence of research suggests that about one out of every four cops will be accused of misconduct, but only a fraction will be found to have committed such misconduct. The vast majority of officers will be cleared of wrongdoing.

The most prevalent complaints of police misconduct are use of force (threats or violence: >33%), substance abuse (illegal drugs or excessive alcohol consumption: >20%), perjury (lying to superiors or the court: >10%) and theft (taking official property or evidence: >10%).

One out of every four cops will be accused of misconduct, but the vast majority of officers will be cleared of wrongdoing.

The impact on peace officers

False allegations can have severe and long-lasting impacts. Officers have been removed from specialized units, prohibited from beginning preapproved specialized assignments or leadership positions, involuntarily transferred, reassigned to the front desk, given “highway therapy” and assigned to home pending the outcome of the investigation. Career impacts can include loss of professional reputation, demotion, not being able to transfer to another law enforcement agency, and needing to legally fight to get one’s job and life back. It happens.

Psychological impacts can include being avoided or shunned by colleagues (and even by the closest of friends) who do not want to be viewed as guilty by association. Officers experience anxiety, worry, confusion, depression and even suicidal ideations. Even when the statute of limitations in IA investigations may be, say, 12 months, it can be a year of hell.

Even if the officer is ultimately cleared of wrongdoing, lost wages (due to, say, being assigned to home without pay pending the outcome of the board of rights) can create significant financial stress. The officer, even if ultimately cleared of wrongdoing, may have to legally fight to get their job assignment back. The officer’s relationship with colleagues, the chain of command, the community or even their own family may have sustained damage. Even if the officer has been cleared, some might still believe they remain guilty and were “not held accountable.”

How to conduct yourself if accused

Stay calm and professional at all times. Be diplomatic and tactful. Continue to demonstrate your professional competence. Report early for each shift. Be ready for action like a shortstop on their toes — fully alert, attentive and ready to respond. Maintain a positive attitude and high ethical standards, and treat everyone with respect. Assume you are being monitored. The chain of command (and others) will be watching you, even when you are not aware of it.

Refrain from being impulsive — verbally or behaviorally. Every word, tone and gesture counts. What will not help your cause: any actions to the contrary (such as swearing, raising your voice, yelling, pointing fingers), bad attitudes (such as pessimism, complaining, blaming others, being argumentative), malcontent (such as being dissatisfied, antagonistic, rebellious, critical, cynical or unproductive) or disgruntlement (such as being sulky, allowing your performance to decline, failing to exchange social pleasantries, professional disengagement, tardiness, calling off work or being aloof).

Be the role model. Everything matters. Do the right thing for the right reasons at the right times, even when others are not watching.

Effective strategies to survive

Recognize the seriousness of any accusation. Just because you are innocent does not mean that you will be cleared of wrongdoing.

Focus on what you can control. This includes obtaining legal counsel and union representation, keeping a log, gathering evidence, consulting with the police psychologist, refraining from confiding in someone who is not legally bound to confidentiality (to protect yourself), working out and other daily self-care.

Obtain legal counsel. Getting word-of-mouth referrals from other officers at your agency is typically the best approach to securing your legal counsel. You want an attorney who is available and responsive to you. The best attorney who is not communicating with you and responsive to your questions and concerns in an appropriate time frame may not be the one best for you. You need a responsible teammate. Follow their game plan and advice.

Obtain union representation. Do this to ensure that you receive a fair department investigation and due process during internal disciplinary proceedings. They may also be able to provide legal and investigative support.

Keep a log. This allows you to mentally track everything that has happened, and everything that will happen until the case closes. You will need this information for your legal counsel and union representation. It will also refresh your memory before making any statements. Note the date, time, person, event and any instructions or recommendations. See the chart above for an example.

Gather evidence. This may include documents or statements by others, but follow legal counsel advice on what you should do in this regard. Do not work counter to your attorney’s game plan.

Consult with the police psychologist. This person can provide emotional validation, teach distress tolerance skills and provide guidance about the process (including what to expect and how best to psychologically navigate it). They may see a blind spot that you missed in the case itself or in your self-care.

Be mindful of confidentiality. Do not discuss the case (including what you did or did not do) with anyone other than your attorney (who has legal privilege) and the police psychologist (who is legally bound to maintain your confidentiality). Do not discuss the case with your friends, the supervisor who you think is your buddy or anyone else. None of these people are obligated to maintain your confidentiality — and typically they won’t, and then the department knows your business.

Maintain workouts and other daily self-care. This allows you to keep your lips above water even when you have to keep treading water for long periods. Hit the gym daily and burn off that excess angst. Acknowledge and process your emotions. Meditate or pray. Stay connected with your spouse.

You have the right

You have the right to your good name, and you have the right to defend yourself. Despite the trying nature of false accusations, they are temporary, and you can sharpen your mental muscle simply by virtue of having to go through any ring of fire. You are a champion firewalker, and you know what to do.